Fringe Round Table: Season 5 Premiere

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"Transilience Thought Unifier Model 11" marked the beginning of the end for Fringe.

Join TV Fanatic staffers Nick McHatton, Sean McKenna, Carla Day and Carissa Pavlica as they chat about the opener, muse on where September and William Bell might be and discuss what they hope to get out of the final season.

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Was Olivia's reveal even close to what you expected? Expand!
Nick: I figured Olivia was off doing something else for the good of the team. I think the reason we were all wondering different is Peter is usually with her, and since he wasn't by her side, we all thought the worst. What I'm confused about is in Letters of Transit Bell supposedly killed Olivia, so I'm at a quandary here.

Sean: No. I honestly had no idea what was going to happen. It was kind of cool that she happened to be bought up by someone we knew and even funny she turned out to be a coffee table. 

Carla: I didn't have any clue what to expect, but I was surprised that Olivia and Peter had a strained relationship. That was incredibly sad after all they have been through. I also didn't expect that Olivia would be used as someone's coffee table, I mean, really? Weird!

Carissa: Playing coffee table was never on the list. Edward Markham never caught me as a borderline obsessive psychopath, either, so his "love" was a surprise. Discovering she went down fighting was pure Olivia. Etta takes after her mama.

Will music heal Walter?
Nick: Absolutely, Walter always had music on in his lab, and I believe it helps him focus his thoughts.

Sean: I don't think so, but maybe it will help calm him in a way that could help.

Carla: I don't think music alone will heal Walter, but it will be a factor in helping him recover and in keeping him calm.

Carissa: Fringe is cutting edge. Given Walter's affiliation for music, it doesn't surprise me we're going to see the possible benefits of music therapy (aleit off the cuff therapy) on the show. Music recognition does regain memory. I expect it will be dramatic, emotional and inspirational as it heals.

What do you think happened to September?
Nick: He's probably being held by the Observers, or they've killed him.

Sean: He's having pina coladas on a beach somewhere, right? No clue, but he's out there somewhere.

Carla:  I hope he is hiding somewhere and will show up when he is needed the most, but I fear he is either dead or an Observer prisoner.

Carissa: Something tells me that bullet wound was fatal. With as much flitting around time as he did with it, he may have left it too long. But I hope a time loop allows us to see him again. 

Do you expect Agent Foster and Belly to turn up soon?
Nick: While I would like Belly to show up again I'm not sure if his appearance is necessarily warranted. I would much prefer to see the other side one final time before the series heads off the air for good.

Sean: Yes, probably, but at this point I'm just along for the ride and can't wait to see what happens.

Carla:  Belly doesn't really have much to offer in this world, so I'd be okay if he remained ambered forever. Agent Foster, I hope he is freed and soon. The rebel Fringe team could use his assistance and I loved his character in "Letters of Transit."

Carissa: I expect to see them both in some capacity. Walter and Peter deserve a nice quiet momemnt with Mr. Bell after what he did to their Olivia. Maybe they can slap him with his own hand.

What are you most looking forward to in the next 12?
Nick: Again, I would love to see the other one last time. I miss Lincoln Lee and the gang.

Sean: Hmm, I already love the direction the show is headed but I do wonder if the other side will come into play at any point. I think with the show having an end date (although, still sad it is ending) the final 12 can be packed full with story towards a great ending.

Carla: The Fringe team kicking some Observer ass! I'm intrigued by the team's search for clues Walter has hidden on how to beat the Observers. And, mostly, I can't wait for Peter and Olivia to overcome their past and fall back in love together with the Bishop family all back together again.

Carissa: For every hour to feel like it takes four weeks to watch. Is that too much to ask? I honestly cannot believe I'm counting hours on this powerful show.  

Riff on anything about the premiere and what's to come.
Nick: If walnuts are the money of the future when the Observers come I'm heading to Costco and stockpiling. Watch out Bill Gates I'm about to make bank!

Sean: I wish it wasn't just 12 more to be honest but it was pretty cool that we're in the future and back with the Observer take over. I get a kick out of the "future" scenarios and minutes in, I was invested. Resistance is futile.

Carla: The return of the book shop keeper, Edward Markham, was the first of many callbacks to come from previous seasons. I can't wait to see what other callbacks we will see in 2036.

Carissa: The day the Observers took over is fascinating to me. Where did Etta go? As much as I want the Bishops happy and healthy at the end, I don't want the world together, or there'd be no reason to push for a movie. Hey! It could happen. 

Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.

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Fringe Season 5 Episode 1 Quotes

Peter: Olivia, I want you to meet Etta. Kiddo, come meet your mom.
Etta: Hi mama!

Etta: It's an egg stick.
Walter: What a miserable future.