TV
Blog
“ Tube Talk ”
Preview: New J.J. Abrams drama 'Fringe'
Published Wednesday, Mar 19 2008, 19:44 GMT | By Neil Wilkes | 6 comments
With the end now in sight for Lost, J.J. Abrams is already working hard on a new series to take up the mantle. In the second of our previews of next season's most anticipated shows, we take a look at what to expect from "sci-fi thriller" Fringe.
What's it all about?
The show follows Olivia Warren, a "tough, young FBI agent who is forced to confront the spread of unexplained phenomena" with the help of former research scientist Walter Bishop - now living in a mental institution - and his estranged son.
What is Fringe?
The name for a special division of Homeland Security that handles these "terrorist / paranormal events".
What sort of events are we talking about here? Polar bears in jungles?
Well, let's look at the pilot, which begins with a scene set on a turbulence-stricken plane. One of the passengers - known, apparently, as "Troubled" - injects himself with an unknown drug, then seconds later his body begins to liquify, a process that soon spreads to the rest of the passengers and cabin crew. The plane lands safely but when our female lead shows up to investigate, there is no sign of life on board and the windows are covered with blood. And thus the intrigue is born!
Is this part of some overall mythology?
It wouldn't be a JJ production without some overarching plot, cleverly designed to pose an infinite number of questions and gradually send you insane. According to the man himself, there will be some self-contained episodes (the "mystery of the week") but there will be an ongoing storyline that plays out over time.
It sounds a bit X-Files.
Indeed it does. Abrams also lists The Twilight Zone and Ken Russell's sci-fi movie Altered States as influences. "It does the stuff my favourite TV shows and movies do, which is to combine genres that shouldn't fit together," he told Variety. "It's definitely meant to scare the hell out of you, but it's also meant to make you laugh. It pushes all the buttons of things we loved from our childhood."
Who's in it?
Perhaps the most recognisable name on the cast is Joshua Jackson (Pacey from Dawson's Creek) who plays the role of Peter Bishop, the genius son who has just dropped out of high school - he's now 27! -and is desperately trying to clear a gambling debt. Mad, larger-than-life scientist Walter Bishop is played by John Noble (24, Lord of the Rings) and Aussie actress Anna Torv (Mistresses) is our female lead.
Ok, sign me up! When and where?
Filming on a very expensive, two-hour pilot has begun in Toronto. Fox has already given Abrams a 13-episode order and plans to air the series in the US from September.
> Previewed last week: Joss Whedon's Dollhouse
How does Fringe sound to you? Click the link below to add your comments to this entry! If you have any questions for the column please use the link at the top of the page instead.
Don't forget to scroll down to read previous editions you may have missed!
The show follows Olivia Warren, a "tough, young FBI agent who is forced to confront the spread of unexplained phenomena" with the help of former research scientist Walter Bishop - now living in a mental institution - and his estranged son.
What is Fringe?
The name for a special division of Homeland Security that handles these "terrorist / paranormal events".
What sort of events are we talking about here? Polar bears in jungles?
Well, let's look at the pilot, which begins with a scene set on a turbulence-stricken plane. One of the passengers - known, apparently, as "Troubled" - injects himself with an unknown drug, then seconds later his body begins to liquify, a process that soon spreads to the rest of the passengers and cabin crew. The plane lands safely but when our female lead shows up to investigate, there is no sign of life on board and the windows are covered with blood. And thus the intrigue is born!
Is this part of some overall mythology?
It wouldn't be a JJ production without some overarching plot, cleverly designed to pose an infinite number of questions and gradually send you insane. According to the man himself, there will be some self-contained episodes (the "mystery of the week") but there will be an ongoing storyline that plays out over time.
It sounds a bit X-Files.
Indeed it does. Abrams also lists The Twilight Zone and Ken Russell's sci-fi movie Altered States as influences. "It does the stuff my favourite TV shows and movies do, which is to combine genres that shouldn't fit together," he told Variety. "It's definitely meant to scare the hell out of you, but it's also meant to make you laugh. It pushes all the buttons of things we loved from our childhood."
Perhaps the most recognisable name on the cast is Joshua Jackson (Pacey from Dawson's Creek) who plays the role of Peter Bishop, the genius son who has just dropped out of high school - he's now 27! -and is desperately trying to clear a gambling debt. Mad, larger-than-life scientist Walter Bishop is played by John Noble (24, Lord of the Rings) and Aussie actress Anna Torv (Mistresses) is our female lead.
Ok, sign me up! When and where?
Filming on a very expensive, two-hour pilot has begun in Toronto. Fox has already given Abrams a 13-episode order and plans to air the series in the US from September.
> Previewed last week: Joss Whedon's Dollhouse
How does Fringe sound to you? Click the link below to add your comments to this entry! If you have any questions for the column please use the link at the top of the page instead.
Don't forget to scroll down to read previous editions you may have missed!
Previous: Torso of steel, shilling a feel
Your Views
6 Comments
Your Responses
Kieran, London, on March 21st, 2008
"It wouldn't be a JJ production without some overarching plot, cleverly designed to pose an infinite number of questions and gradually send you insane." Or, in the case of FELICITY, just the one question - Will she choose Ben or Noel?
"It wouldn't be a JJ production without some overarching plot, cleverly designed to pose an infinite number of questions and gradually send you insane." Or, in the case of FELICITY, just the one question - Will she choose Ben or Noel?
Kate, Liverpool, on March 20th, 2008
was kinda excitied about JJ Abrahms fronting a new show but with Joshua Jackson in it am now very, very excited. Dollhouse and Fringe I'm a very happy bunny
was kinda excitied about JJ Abrahms fronting a new show but with Joshua Jackson in it am now very, very excited. Dollhouse and Fringe I'm a very happy bunny
Adam, Solihull, on March 20th, 2008
I'd much rather Abrams took the time to dream up some clever "mythology" than merely fall back on the "mystery of the week" format. It would be a shame if he stopped creating these shows because he was repeatedly lambasted for having an imagination. As long as he's thought it through, and he's learned from the criticisms of Alias & Lost, Fringe has every chance of succeeding.
I'd much rather Abrams took the time to dream up some clever "mythology" than merely fall back on the "mystery of the week" format. It would be a shame if he stopped creating these shows because he was repeatedly lambasted for having an imagination. As long as he's thought it through, and he's learned from the criticisms of Alias & Lost, Fringe has every chance of succeeding.
Mark, Slough, on March 20th, 2008
Sound a bit of by the book borrowing from other shows. No doubt will be extremely frustrating since no conclusion to the stories!
Sound a bit of by the book borrowing from other shows. No doubt will be extremely frustrating since no conclusion to the stories!
Charlie, on March 20th, 2008
Can't wait for this show!
Can't wait for this show!
Tube Talk
'Skins' Dakota Blue Richards preview Q&ASkins star Dakota Blue Richards tells us what we can expect in Franky's episode.
TV Interviews
'Skins' Dakota Blue Richards preview Q&ASkins star Dakota Blue Richards tells us what we can expect in Franky's episode.
Reality Bites
Does Simon Cowell have new SuBo?: VideoWatch a clip of Jonathan Antoine, who is tipped for success on BGT.
TV Ratings
'Take Me Out' climbs to 5.1mThe ITV1 dating show fails to register a significant boost despite last week's controversy.
People have been complaining that this sounds too much like "The X Files". Well, yeah it does! And I for one can't wait for it! TXF was one of the best shows ever and we needed something similar back on our TV's!!