'Fringe' Returns

I'll admit -- I was a little behind the curve when this premiere started. For some reason, I had put this show out of my mind over the summer (not maliciously, just because I was focused on other stuff) and I should have reviewed the season ender before watching this season's starter. It kinda snuck up on me, though. So, I spent the better part of the episode trying to recall everything that had happened last season (like Olivia's travels to the alternate universe, the revelation that Peter is not the original and Nina and the FBI's special connection). Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed this episode.

I wasn't sure how they were going to resolve the "Olivia is brain dead" story or how they were going to keep her alive once she came out of her brain dead state. I kinda saw the Charlie twist coming, but it didn't make it any easier. As bummed as I am to see that Charlie is dead, I think it was necessary because it put into motion this pretty kickass set-up. Fake Charlie (who is some sort of solider ordered to kill Olivia) was able to convince his cohorts that he's the real Charlie and he killed the shape-shifting soldier. So, no one is looking for the shape-shifter and Olivia will trust Charlie giving him full access to her. Things are going to get dicey really soon.

Right now, Liv can't remember where she went, who she met with, and what that person told her (except, everyone's life is in danger and there's something important hidden somewhere). So, she safe -- for now. But, she's going to start remembering bits and pieces and when she does, she'll share them with Fake Charlie. Yikes! I'm counting on Walter to discover Fake Charlie's real identity before it gets to that point.

And then we have the new agent who managed to hack into the fringe division's files. I can tell that she's just as intrigued as the rest of us, but I'm not sure whether her involvement/knowledge of the division is good or bad. Can Peter and co. trust her? And what was with the matching the cases with the bible verses at the end? That was very interesting!

I would be remiss if I failed to mention the awesome-ness that was the subtle homage to a former great FBI/freaky happenings Fox series: X-Files! That one shot of the victim's television tuned into the show made me want to yell, "I believe" and "Trust No One." Great stuff. Overall, a strong start to the sophomore season of a show that carries the X-Files torch beautifully.

Fringe airs Thursday nights on Fox. If you missed last night's episode, you can watch it for free at Fox.com.