“Unleashed”

It was hard to find much fault in this episode and that may seem hypocritical given the fact that I’ve usually been negative about filler type episodes.

It certainly was far from perfect, however, this one was what it was. A good monster story. Pretty typical as both monster stories and Fringe stories go, it’s the story of a genetically altered beast which has spliced several animals together to create an uber-beast which is unleashed by unwitting animal cruelty protesters who raid the lab where it was create.

The beast thanks them by killling them all.

Of course Walter is there to figure it out. The trick is to find the beast. It is quickly discovered that the beast impregnantes by stinging a host to lay it’s larvae.

The drama is of course increased when Charlie gets stung while investigating. Everything has to be done quicker now so that Charlie doesn’t become a father in the worst possible manner.

Kudos to Kirk Acevedo as it is the first time Charlie’s had a chance to shine and he delivers with an understated performance that keeps the story grounded.

It also leads to some great work from the Bishops and Dunham as well as they hurry their actions. Walter especially gives a good performance due to feeling partially responsible.

It is here though that it is also a bit melodramatic. Walter has been at least partially responsible for MANY of the Fringe events we’ve seen…at least they’ve been based on his work. And he’s never shown signs of remorse before. He’s always been happy to see someone complete his work.

Except this time when he feels so guilty he poisons himself in an attempt to lure and snare the beast. It’s a bit much for him to display that kind of commitment to redemption.

It can at least partially plausibly be explained that it is the first time it’s actually involving a team member…but it’s not as if he is close to Charlie to begin with. So it’s definitely a bit of a stretch invented for dramatic effect this episode.

Overall it is a decent episode despite the flaws and despite the filler aspect of the story.

B-

OBSERVER MOMENT: The Observer can be seen behind the reporter Charlie watches the TV news report.

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