Fringe Round Table: "6:02 AM EST"
Carissa Pavlica at .Welcome back to the latest edition of TV Fanatic's Fringe Round Table!
Our Fringe critic, Carissa Pavlica, and fellow panelists Sean McKenna and Nick McHatton discuss this week's episode, "6:02 AM EST," in a Q&A below.
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It's one of the most controversial aspects of Fringe when it comes up in discussion. Does God have a place in Fringe or not?
Carissa: I have to believe there is room for both science and faith. Period. Whether on TV or in life. I'm not even considered a believer in God, but I have to believe if there is a God, then he/she created science. I think I need to believe there is room for both, and I love how subtly it's incorporated in Fringe. Basically, letting the viewer decide.
Sean: Sure it can, but at the same time one of the reasons I enjoy Fringe is because things can be explained scientifically. I’d just be afraid of it falling under the same vein as Lost and ignoring the original aspects of what founded the show. It’s ok to involve fate, destiny, and God, but I would hope that it doesn’t mean an elimination of the importance of science. Just because one exists doesn’t mean the other can’t too.
Were you disappointed that Fauxlivia didn't make it over to our side?
Carissa: Definitely. I am absolutely salivating at the idea of everyone meeting. And it may never happen.
Sean: If only universe jumping was easier. I was disappointed that she wasn’t able to help the other side, but I have no doubts that she will find another way.
What do you think Walternate has in store for Fauxlivia?
Carissa: Nothing good. He's singularly focused on what he thinks he has to do to save the universe. He seems somehow pleased with himself for obtaining Peter's DNA and no longer cares about anything else. I believe he will pay dearly for dismissing Fauxlivia so easily.
Sean: Besides giving her a villain monologue about his master plan? I’m sure he’ll try and use her or most likely kill her. He really doesn’t seem to care about others at this point.
Carissa: I don't think it did. I think it supercharged him or something and we'll find out what that means when he wakes up, because I have no doubt our Joshua Jackson is going to be back next year!
Sean: Maybe because it’s already been activated on the other side it no longer needs him. I’m in the dark on that answer.
Both Walter and Walternate were willing to give up Peter, but for different reasons. Do you think their reasons will have repercussions on their respective universes, or is that too deep a subject to delve?
Carissa: If there is fate, or God or karma or whatever you believe, decisions made for good will always trump decisions made for evil. For a while I thought Walternate may have been more than the man he was here, but in comparison to the grief and pain rocking Walter, there is no doubt who is the better man. A good man making a good decision has to stand for something.
Sean: It’s interesting that they both give up Peter, especially because the whole universe confrontation stemmed from their desires to have Peter with them. Walter manages to be apologetic for his actions and recognizes his mistakes, while still managing to express his fatherly love for Peter. Walternate seems further removed from the situation and garners the idea, “if I can’t have him, no one will.” In general, his plans seem way past getting Peter back, and I’m sure that in the end their decisions will have repercussions for both men.
Is there anyone on TV who can rock a Pea coat better than Peter or cargo pants better than Fauxlivia?
Carissa: I asked the question because Peter was making me drool in that damned coat. And I have computer wallpaper of the Olivias, and between a suit and the cargo pants, the latter are sexaaay!
Sean: It’s their staple outfits. Peter without a Pea coat is like Superman without a cape.
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.