Television Review: The Dreamscape (Fringe, S1x09, 2008)
The Dreamscape (S01E09)
Airdate: 25 November 2008
Written by: Julia Cho & Zack Wheddon
Directed by: Frederick E.O. Toye
Running Time: 49 minutes
By the midpoint of the first season of Fringe, the debate regarding whether the series was deliberately adhering to a formulaic structure or simply falling into one became increasingly irrelevant. The evidence presented on screen clearly suggested the latter, as the narrative often prioritised visual spectacle over substantive storytelling. A recurring pattern emerged where "cool" opening scenes were followed by plot developments that often felt rushed and failed to fully match the visual impact established in the opening minutes. The Dreamscape, the ninth episode of the season, is a quintessential example of this trend, showcasing the strengths and weaknesses of the show's approach during this period.
The episode opens at a location that is somewhat unusual for a standard procedural: the very headquarters of Massive Dynamic in Manhattan. Mark Young (Ptolemy Slocum), is depicted as a mid-level executive who, shortly after delivering a successful presentation, finds himself alone in his office. He is then attacked by a swarm of butterflies, which proceed to slice through him. The scene is bizarre and visually arresting, culminating in Young breaking through the office window and plunging to his death.
Olivia Dunham, who had been hoping for a night out with her old friends, is forced back into the field when Agent Broyles assigns her to investigate the death. Initially, it appears to be a straightforward case of suicide, but Walter Bishop, upon examining the body, makes a startling discovery: the victim's body is riddled with cuts that could only have been made from the inside. Further investigation points to the presence of powerful hallucinogens that stimulate the brain's centre for fear. These drugs are so potent that victims, merely by imagining themselves being injured, suffer actual physical harm in reality.
Simultaneously, Olivia remains troubled by persistent visions of John Scott, the man from her past who died saving her. These visions are accompanied by mysterious emails that claim to come from him, including one that actually assists her in the investigation. Frustrated by her inability to be free of these intrusions, she demands that Walter place her back in the memory tank to confront her trauma once and for all. Walter agrees to the procedure. During the experiment, Olivia explores John's memory, including their first date at a restaurant. Although she cannot communicate with John's vision, he seems to recognise her in a brief moment. Ultimately, she sees him conspiring with several men involved in drug smuggling, including Mark Young, who had been selling the experimental hallucinogens as a street drug.
One of the men identified through Olivia's vision is George Morales (Yul Vaszquez), a character known for black market activities. He gets arrested and later demands immunity in exchange for testifying against Massive Dynamic, which he accuses of being behind the Pattern. When confronted by Olivia, Nina Sharp vehemently denies the charges. However, Morales is later found dead in the hospital with his throat slit, apparently the victim of the same hallucinogen that killed Mark Young. The episode concludes with another cryptic email from John Scott claiming that he saw Olivia during her tank experiment.
In a significant side storyline, Peter Bishop is reunited with Tess Amaral (Susan Misner), a woman with whom he shares a complicated past. She appears to be aware of his shady dealings and warns him that he should leave Boston. Peter, however, notices that Tess’ hand is bruised and subsequently confronts, beats, and threatens her abuser, Michael Kelly (David Vadim). He later informs a certain shady character about Peter's presence in Boston, setting up further complications.
This episode marked the writing debut of Zack Whedon, brother of the more famous Joss Whedon, who co-wrote the script with Julia Cho. While the episode is well-directed and the plot advances, it leaves the audience questioning the major characters' agendas, particularly Nina Sharp and Massive Dynamic. Providing a glimpse into Peter's past and his relationship with Tess looks refreshing, although the subplot isn't fully explored due to time constraints. Again, the opening scene is a triumph, showcasing a perfect combination of great cinematography, special effects, and a surreal concept. It captures the essence of the show's unique identity, even if the rest of the episode struggles to maintain that level of quality.
Olivia going back into the tank threatened to make this episode a rehash of the Pilot, a concern that could have dampened the episode's appeal. However, the writers decided to make things slightly different by incorporating Walter’s bizarre remark of his erection during the procedure. The way Walter and everyone else played it down added some refreshing humour to an otherwise tense and repetitive sequence. This moment of levity is another display of John Noble's ability to balance the eccentric and the profound.
The episode is nevertheless well-directed and the plot advances, making audience question some of the major characters' agenda, namely Nina Sharp and Massive Dynamic. Giving some glimpse into Peter's past and his relationship also looks refreshing, although the subplot isn't explored due to time constraints.
A small but tantalising detail involved a character booking flights on Oceanic Air. This subtle nod gave fans the idea that Fringe was sharing the same fictional universe with Lost, a connection that has since become a topic of discussion among the show's dedicated following.
In the end, The Dreamscape is a flawed, but generally solid and satisfying episode. While it suffers from pacing issues and a secondary plot that feels underdeveloped, the main storyline involving the hallucinogenic drug and the underwater tank sequence offers enough intrigue and visual flair to keep the viewer engaged. It serves as a reminder of the show's early potential, even when it struggles to fully realise it.
RATING: 6/10 (+++)
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