The fifty-third TV show: #803 Fringe
Like Eureka, we'd been eyeing Fringe as a potential show for a while. Created by JJ Abrams after his Lost success, this is listed as a X-Files based show, though developing in a different direction - something that's up our alley. The show starts off with a bunch of monster/sci fi premises of the week, with some ongoing storylines but not a very visible meta plot. They aren't the best and I admit we skipped ahead to episode 10, where they realised they needed to improve these aspects.
What starts developing is a mythos that thrives on mystery, a plot that starts to involve parallel worlds and other concepts like it. It's driven by a bunch of interesting characters, with plenty of in-built conflict but also one where the like and dislike developes naturally as the plot progresses. The Bishops - the two non-FBI agents, father and son, who serve as the scientific advisors of the fringe division, alternate between being helpful with the plot, providing drama and providing comic relief, played well throughout with plenty of nuances to reinforce their decades long difficulties.
As I'm going to keep watching, I haven't spoiled myself on the ending, but so far, the mysteries have been intriguing. I would have hoped for some more answers, but it feels like there's a solid idea here that has had plenty of time to grow. We've only really scratched the surface of it, which is what makes it more intriguing.