Fringe

It wasn't the most auspicious of beginnings by any means, but after 3 episodes of promising, yet altogether moderate science-fiction fare, Fringe finally came of age this week with its 4th episode "The Arrival".

Michael Cerveris (pictured above) puts in a truly astonishing performance as "The Observer"--ostensible inter dimensional, "Men In Black" type being, that, whatever he lacks in eyebrows and taste buds, makes up for with mysterious mind-reading powers. It's all very reminiscent of The Mothman Prophecies; the overriding sense that he doesn't simply reside outside of our reality domain--he sits above it; at an altitude that affords him superior comprehension.

This is an intelligent, meticulously-studied portrait of a being not of our world; one who is attempting to blend in as if he were just another cog in the system, yet not quite getting it right. For an individual such as me whose interest in fringe science and metaphysics goes beyond mere hobby, it is truly wonderful to see the subject approached with this level of thought, conviction and intelligence, and to see it realized so well.

Anybody can create science fiction and fantasy. Making it resonate with a certain truthfulness, despite its fantastical nature--that's the tricky part. So my hat goes off to J.J. Abrams, who continues to impress with shows that intrigue, and generate philosophical and metaphysical debate.

If you have any interest in this subject at all, you need to watch this show. After a slow start, its potential is slowly beginning to be realized--indeed, there's even there murmur of greatness emanating from deep inside the catacombs. This ain't no X-Files clone, it's something... more.

Check it out.