Peter returns to a universe where no one remembers him after stepping into the Machine to unite (and bring balance) to two universes.  He is in a universe when Olivia was alone in the Fringe unit and she takes on a new partner named Lincoln Lee.   Peter wants to get back to his own universe, but threats are looming for both universes in this version of reality from a new type of shape shifters led by David Robert Jones while the mysterious Observers lurk in the background with plans of their own.   The two sides must unite against the new shape shifters and Jones. 

 

The fourth season of FRINGE reinvents FRINGE and gives new twists to old storylines as a new timeline was created by Peter’s actions at the end of season three.  It was supposedly a fix by the Observers.   Anna Torv is fantastic as the alternate Olivia (aka FauxOlivia) and John Noble brings new depths to Walter’s alternate self (aka Walternate).   I love how the new episodes can switch back and forth between both worlds.   It is interesting to see the stories from the first three seasons twisted in new and different ways while the pain is felt for the tragedy of Peter’s isolation and what happens to Olivia’s memories.   This season also leads to a surprise return from an actor who always insists he is retired only to have an interesting part drag him out of retirement. These twists manage to develop more layers to the main and supporting characters.   It is noted the writers seem like they are enjoying putting the relationship between Peter and Olivia in danger and find new obstacles to keep them apart again.

 

The best way to view season 4 is watch every episode, but you should leave LETTERS OF TRANSIT for last since it acts as a pilot for the start of the fifth and final season.   Given how FRINGE reinvents itself as it races to its conclusion, I can place a bet season 5 of FRINGE will be one hell of ride to one of the most imaginative sci-fi series that has a mythology that is equal to the first five seasons of THE X-FILES.

 

SPECIAL FEATURES:

THE CULTURE OF FRINGE-  John Noble, the creators of FRINGE, and two scientists discuss the science and moral implications of the science in the series in addition to one of the scientists liking the well rounded character of Walter Bishop like he was a real scientist and not a one dimensional stereotype.

HAVE YOU SEEN WALTER LATELY?-  favorite Walter moments from season 4

A WORLD WITHOUT PETER- the writers and cast discuss how Peter’s disappearance effected the storyline and characters for season 4

THE OBSERVERS- a look at how season 4 expanded the mythology of the Observers and a focus on the good Observer known as September (the first actor to play an Observer since the pilot episode)

 

BEYOND THE COMIC BOOK- Executive Producers J.H. Wyman and Jeff Pinker and star Joshua Jackson talk about the FRINGE comic book series

DigiComic Excerpt from BEYOND THE FRINGE: PETER AND THE MACHINE (a print version of the whole story is included with the Best Buy Exclusive version of the DVD and Blu-ray sets)

The so-so gag reel is full of line flubs, mishaps, and swearing.  Then also included is an Ultraviolet digital copy code to download and/or stream the entire season of episodes on a computer or portable device that supports the digital copies in addition to an episode guide booklet.

 

FINAL ANALYSIS:  FRINGE Season 4 is even better than season 3 and LETTERS OF TRANSIT should be viewed last to prepare fans for the fifth and final season.  The featurettes are great to watch.  It is a shame they didn’t record any audio commentaries for this season set.

 

This review is (c)9-15-2012 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission.  Send all comments to feedback@enterline-media.com