TV Review: FRINGE 4.2, 'One Night in October'
What makes us we who we are? Is the answer nature or nurture, are we determined by genetics or do our experiences shape our personalities? These were the big questions up for discussions in the latest episode of Fringe.
rating: 4
What makes us we who we are? Is the answer nature or nurture, are we determined by genetics or do our experiences shape our personalities. These were the big questions up for discussions in the latest episode of Fringe. Named One Night in October, referring to the fact that one event can change the course of a persons life. Fringe division over here is asked to assist their doppelgangers on a case over there, investigating a prolific serial killer John McClennan. The alternate Fringe division want Olivia to bring their own version of McClennan, a professor specialising in Forensic Psychology, over to the other side, in the hope that he can provide some insight into his serial killer alternate self. While over there Faux-livia gets the professor working on psychoanalysing his alternate self, however its not long before he realises something strange is going on, recognising things from his own past, which of course freaks him out.
Olivia explains the alternate universes to the Professor, that in each universe there is a slightly different version of everyone, that people make different choices and therefore end up in different places. (I have a slight problem with how easily accepting the Professor is of the fact that there is an alternate universe) However it turns out the Professor is more like his alternate counterpart than he would care to admit, the only difference is a woman named Marjorie who taught him to control his murderous impulses. In attempt to save his alternate self the Professor takes off after serial killer McClennan. When he finds him serial killer McClennan hooks him up to his torture machine and extracts his happy memories of Marjorie, before Fringe division track him down and save the day. Taking the Professor back over here raises the question of what will happen now he no longer has his memories of Marjorie, she was the only thing stopping him acting upon his impulses, like his alternate self. However despite having no memories of Marjorie he still remembers what she taught him. Broyles remarks to Olivia, Ive always thought that there are people who leave an indelible mark on your soul, an imprint that can never be erased. 
Walter is still being huanted by echoes of Peter, although he doesnt recognise him. He spends the episode covering all the reflective surfaces and drowning out Peters cries for help with Mozart. It seems the loss of Peter is having the most profound and obvious effect on him. Does this mean he will be the first to catch on to what has happened? This is really Anna Torvs episode who spends most of the episode playing opposite herself. She deserves lots of credit for her ability to bring subtle but distinct differences to the two Olivias, who are dressed exactly the same, so no different hair colour to signal who is who. The simplest of gestures I button my jacket demonstrate perfectly the difference in personalities. Faux-livia coming from a happier home life is more easy going and less serious than straight laced Olivia. The impact of Peter being removed from her life is even more evident when juxtaposed with Faux-livia. 
I particularly liked the scene where Olivia tells Faux-livia that her step father beat her and that she killed him. For all their animosity it is a rare moment of empathy between the two. It gives Faux-livia an insight into Olivias personality and history. It leaves her questioning who she would be if she had lived Olivias life, which echoes the theme of the episode as a whole. Will they finally come to accept that theyre not so different? Or perhaps even become friends? This episode establishes a number of significant issues in the Fringe universe or I should say universes. First that some people have a profound effect on your life, one that is hard to erase, more hints that Peter will be returning soon. Secondly that the two universes are more alike than they would like to believe, it is just circumstance has taken them down different paths. A fact that Im sure will become more important in future episodes. It also opens up the possibility of others discovering and crossing over into the other universe and vice versa. What effect will that have on the balance between the two? This was a much more engaging episode than the season premiere; I always enjoy seeing the two universes interact, its fascinating to see the similarities and differences between the characters. The themes of the episode, what makes you an individual, was particularly interesting as well as giving us a chance to understand the characters a little better. Although Im still eagerly awaiting Peters return, I miss his sarcastic observations. It doesnt quite feel like Fringe with out him. Do you like seeing the two universes interact? Do we think Peter will successfully contact Walter next episode? Director: Brad Anderson Writer: Alison Schapker & Monica Breen Cast: Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, John Noble, Seth Gable, Jasika Nicole, Lance Reddick