Fringe Review 404: Subject 9

   Fringe was good, but I'm starting to have serious concerns about the pacing and writing. So far, the Peterless plotline has been inconsistent and contradictory. Last season, the plotline about the two Olivias was handled extremely well because it had sufficient time to fully develop. The problem this season is because Peter returned far too early. He, like Olivia, should've returned in the eighth episode; not the fourth.
   The biggest problem, the Peterless universe does not seem to be improved in any significant way. In fact, an argument could be made that this universe is actually worse. Over There is still decaying, Walter has lost the last thread of his sanity, Elizabeth still committed suicide, and the universes are still at war.
  Another thing, the internal chronology is completely screwed-up. If Walter's agoraphobia has left him unable to leave his lab for three years, how would he make it to Liberty Island a week before the premiere?
  Now to the episode itself:  John Noble. Holy crap, how is it possible that this man has not won every acting award in existence short of an Oscar. He kills it week in, week out. He should get a nomination next year, along with Breaking Bad's Giancarlo Esposito. I particularly look forward to the Peterless Walternate.
   Over the years, I've heard a lot of bad character names, but "Cameron James" is at the top of the list. What, was "Nolan Christopher" taken? It was especially egregious considering the influence of The Abyss.
   Cameron couldn't have been responsible for the blue cloud, because the Cortexiphan trials were discontinued. The original purpose was to "unlock the full potential of children"; but, as demonstrated in "Subject 13", they were also to find a way to send Peter back Over There without reopening the portal. Since Peter died, that was no longer necessary. Poor Cameron. He had a hard life.
   I trust Jeff Pinkner and J.H. Wyman more than any other showrunners, but I'm having a great deal of difficulty accepting the Peter thing. However, good news is on the horizon. Set photos have surfaced featuring Nadine Park (the translucent shape-shifter) and none other than David Robert Jones. Hopefully the Peter thing will be fully resolved before that.
   Theory Time: We will see Jones before the winter hiatus, we will see Henry (Peter and Altlivia's son) again, Walternate won't like Red Vines, and the ratings will go up next episode because of Peter.
   Overall, this episode was a good one. I have deep concerns about the direction of the show, but there is good news coming. Peter came back way too soon, but I'm glad he's back. Too bad the next episode is not for two weeks, baseball willing.