The first 12-episode run of season three is Fringe at its best and most consistent. Its overarching storyline is that of Olivia trapped in the other universe, brainwashed into believing that she is her alternate self, who has stolen our Olivia's identity in the prime universe. Fringe commits wholeheartedly to this premise, differentiating the two worlds with superficial details like the prevalence of zeppelins and the survival of Agent Charlie Francis, but both Olivias are also clearly delineated characters. While our Olivia is guarded and inscrutable at times, Fauxlivia is almost overconfident and flirtatious. The third season is a showcase for Anna Torv, whose nuanced performances made the distinguishing hair colours of the Olivias a mere formality. Entrada follows on from Peter's discovery that he has been sleeping with the wrong Agent Dunham, as the increasingly desperate Olivia races to return home. She only succeeds after the heroic sacrifice of Colonel Broyles, whose mangled body is found by his own counterpart in the prime universe in the episode's most unsettling scene. Entrada is probably Fringe's paciest hour, packed with action and plot development which leaves little time for reflection. It's also a brilliant climax to a string of great episodes which cemented Fringe as the best sci-fi drama of its time.
