tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031498593064294214.post3296600031429815626..comments2024-03-13T14:53:58.150-04:00Comments on MUSINGS OF A SCI-FI FANATIC: Fringe S1 Ep1: PilotSFFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04256589316922398158noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031498593064294214.post-50083364809250297762013-01-23T17:36:33.502-05:002013-01-23T17:36:33.502-05:00Francisco
I can honestly say you see more stuff th...Francisco<br />I can honestly say you see more stuff than I do my friend but I mean it when i say I am completely pumped to watch the series in full based on your rousing endorsement along with t foreman. Those are two very solid endorsements.<br /><br />Your point about the basic comparisons between The X-Files and Fringe are exactly what I see in the early going and I hope I articulated that point fairly. I expect things will change mightily indeed.<br /><br />Well said about the Walter bishop character. He is exactly as you say when we a first introduced. A very powerful looking figure too. I'm really falling for the characters. The creators pulled in some heavyweight talent along the way too I suspect. <br /><br />Thanks so much for the input Francisco<br />Bst<br />SFF SFFhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04256589316922398158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031498593064294214.post-7841104297780201972013-01-23T13:42:04.848-05:002013-01-23T13:42:04.848-05:00The X-File connection is obvious in my book: These...The X-File connection is obvious in my book: These guys work for a "secret" government division that explores the weird stuff that happens in the world? Each episode about a weird seemingly unexplainable event? It's similar in that sense, but of course it goes its own way with its very own unique mythology.<br /><br />Sorry bout the spoiler! Didn't mean too man! But I do love that character, he really grows on you. I love how they play that fine line between him being an ultra genius and an ultra nut case! When he first appears in that looney bin, he is just so enigmatic. A great character! <br /><br />Hope you enjoy the rest of the series man! Franco Macabrohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10994905312221715861noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031498593064294214.post-72626678773083898862013-01-22T20:02:18.838-05:002013-01-22T20:02:18.838-05:00Wow! Two in BIG favor with Fringe. Between you and...Wow! Two in BIG favor with Fringe. Between you and Troy Francisco I'm pretty damn excited to watch the entire series.<br /><br />BTW, you kinf of hit me with a spoiler on Joshua Jackson but I kind of suspected something like that based on suggestions about his medical record. But because I love you like a brother I can tell you PLEASE don't tell me anymore.<br /><br />: )<br /><br />Seriously Fran, I really don't see The X-Files connection and I'm sure many who felt that way in the early going will have those feelings dispelled the deeper they go.<br /><br />I can't wait to be blown away, but I have to tell you, I thoroughly enjoy the standalone stories as well.<br /><br />"Concentrated energy" and "coolness awaits." How can I not be excited? Btw, I would go faster if I didn't have this built-in tendency to write about everything I see. It's both a gift and a curse. <br /><br />Excellent. Thank you Fran.<br /><br />Also, Troy, watched that trailer for Life, I see things in it that I would connect to completely. It looks very good. I will definitely give it a spin.<br /><br />All the best guys<br />sffSFFhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04256589316922398158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031498593064294214.post-16261755021449427612013-01-22T14:10:29.059-05:002013-01-22T14:10:29.059-05:00I'm a huge fan of this show...it just grabs yo...I'm a huge fan of this show...it just grabs you. In contrast to your original reaction to it, FRINGE grabbed me right away! The character of 'Bishop'as played by Joshua Jackson just blows me away, that whole idea about his brain being segmented cause he was just so freaking smart....wowzers...trust me man, this series only gets better. <br /><br />Of course you have to go through those chapters that have nothing to do with the main story, but the ones that are about the story...wow, they really get epic! Highly recommend going through the whole thing man, I bet by season two you wont be able to stop pushing play on your blue ray. <br /><br />Performance wise, this is one of my favorite shows, everyone here is just so solid in my book. <br /><br />I saw every single episode of the X-Files and I agree with you, the similarities are there, but FRINGE is its own thing. It's slightly more epic, the story goes so much further...I don't watch as many shows as you have because I hate it when they streeetch things out and you can tell they are doing just that to elongate the season...but I love it when every single episode packs a wallop and thats how I feel when I see FRINGE, I feel like every episode is concentrated energy and that it will blow my mind. <br /><br />Trust me man, only coolness awaits! This show rocks! Franco Macabrohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10994905312221715861noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031498593064294214.post-33562807217459687242013-01-21T21:56:39.954-05:002013-01-21T21:56:39.954-05:00Troy,
Yes, we should do skype some time That woul...Troy,<br /><br />Yes, we should do skype some time That would be cool. I've never done it actually.<br /><br />You've got me pretty revved up for Fringe.<br /><br />I am fully engaged and I'm going to make an effort to stay with it and see it through.<br /><br />Well, if Fringe Season Three goes a little askew like Lost Season Three did, I'm sure I'll enjoy it, because I really liked that third season which seemed to lose some people.<br /><br />I have some additional TV questions for you but I'll ask them one one of out next conversations.<br /><br />I hope to pull the trigger on Life Season One soon and I promise I will not forget to write you about it when that time comes. Thanks for the link I will check it out!<br /><br />By the way, sincerely, thanks for the kind words regarding the blog. I appreciate it, and like you, love JKM's site as well. So great company. Thank you.SFFhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04256589316922398158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031498593064294214.post-51157076776492252992013-01-21T03:28:55.178-05:002013-01-21T03:28:55.178-05:00SFF,
And by the way, here is the trailer they sho...SFF,<br /><br />And by the way, here is the trailer they showed at the network upfronts for the series premiere of LIFE. I think this will give you an idea of how special this show is...<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZULI71kOUETroy L. Foremanhttp://www.backtofrankblack.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031498593064294214.post-23252861078644733722013-01-21T03:21:12.998-05:002013-01-21T03:21:12.998-05:00SFF,
Ah yes, The Safe is a great episode of Fring...SFF,<br /><br />Ah yes, The Safe is a great episode of Fringe..one of the first episodes that made me get on the net after watching it and finding out if what happened in the episode is actually possible! I love shows that make me think.<br /><br />It's funny, while you are deep into your Fringe watching, I am near the end of my Battlestar Galactica rewatch. That show is so amazing, so deep, so real..it's a shame it ended after 5 seasons. I really enjoyed the way the show fleshed out the characters..made the show more about the human element then the science fiction aspect.<br /><br />I so hope you keep enjoying Fringe. I am really curious to get your reaction to the third season when you get there. Some people love it, some people don't, I am one of the people who loved that season. Kudos to the actors for some fantastic work on that season. You'll see what I mean when you get to it.<br /><br />Thank you for your very insightful blog posts...I normally don't respond to posts, but your site and John Kenneth Muir's are the only ones I really leave my opinion on. We should definitely have a chat over skype or something and talk television. As you say, I think we have alot in common when it comes to TV. I am really excited for you to see Damian Lewis' performance in the series Life. Not your typical cop. An amazing show that never got the justice it deserved!<br /><br />There is another show I want to recommend to you later down the road when you get time..it's called Brimstone....simply brilliant!Troy L. Foremanhttp://www.backtofrankblack.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031498593064294214.post-31700539587496671612013-01-20T23:03:36.738-05:002013-01-20T23:03:36.738-05:00Hey Troy... Patriots lose.. Depressing.
But onto m...Hey Troy... Patriots lose.. Depressing.<br />But onto more interesting things like your great follow up.<br /><br />I really enjoy your comments and they are worth spending some time following up on... So thanks and no, you're hardly an ass.<br /><br />Great points and a great perspective with a keen eye for quality television my friend.<br /><br />Agreed. There are things in fringe I find myself asking about. If a show can do that and if it has you thinking about the possibilties as the Xfiles did then you are onto something. They are similar in this way.<br /><br />Millennium too, as you said, was endlessly thoughtful and fascinating. Great writing is the key on all these shows.<br /><br />And yes fringe is becoming my go to show for the moment. I'm really enjoying it. It has won me over. I just finished the great episode Safe.<br /><br />I think X-Files is indeed riveting but again a different vibe and speed and generally feels like a different show at this point into fringe.<br /><br />Im completely with you on the journey of those lost characters. Amen. They are the reason I will return to it. Seasons 1-3 were excellent. I'm a bit proponent of season three S well but you are right 1&2 are brilliant television. Anyway I hope I enjoy it upon my return and I don't expect to find all the answers... I will enjoy the journey as you put it. Thanks again Troy. A pleasure.SFFhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04256589316922398158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031498593064294214.post-77550197147530245432013-01-20T12:39:58.099-05:002013-01-20T12:39:58.099-05:00SFF,
Brilliant response my friend..really enjoyed...SFF,<br /><br />Brilliant response my friend..really enjoyed reading that. I hope I didn't come off like an ass, that wasn't my intention at all. I just really get annoyed at some of the die-hard X-files fans that no matter what, Fringe or any other show that may be similar is ripping off the X-files. I do give the X-files its props for being groundbreaking at the time it started and from the episodes I watched it was a great show, didn't necessarily blow me away, but a good show nonetheless. <br /><br />I think Fringe is definitely groundbreaking in its storytelling and concept. What really made this show great to me is that it made me think. Many of the concepts on the show, the science that is, made me think is that possible? Is this just TV science fiction? It made me start looking up things, finding out more about subjects I knew little about and its helped me learn more about science and have an appreciation for science.<br /><br />THe same with Millennium...it made me question things, look things up, learn more about the people that committed horrible crimes like the ones depicted on the series.<br /><br />I do hope you find Fringe something fascinating to watch. I envy you as you have alot of the show to watch. I didn't buy any of the seasons on purpose because I am waiting for the complete series blu ray set to come out and then I will purchase the series and do a rewatch.<br /><br />Thank you for responding..your points are very valid and may even push me to attempt to continue watching the X-files. I don't want to take anything away from Carter and the cast and crew, just sometimes it gets so old hearing the diehards comparing everything to X-files, Fringe, Bones, etc.<br /><br />Now onto LOST. I totally understand where you are coming from. The show got a bit confusing during the 3rd and 4th season. It to started to go all over the place with flash forwards, flashbacwards, side flashes..insanity, but I stuck with it because at its core were the characters who I had invested so much time in. I think the first 2 seasons of LOST are some of the best television that has ever aired. I think it became a victim of its own popularity. It became so big that it was going to be hard for the writers to successfully end the show with everyone happy. I personally like shows that leave questions unanswered. It let's me talk about and debate what I think the answers are...to me that's great television.Troy L. Foremanhttp://www.backtofrankblack.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031498593064294214.post-65097491243028117172013-01-19T19:28:07.531-05:002013-01-19T19:28:07.531-05:00CONTD..
Based on the Pilot I was skeptical and I ...CONTD..<br /><br />Based on the Pilot I was skeptical and I should have been a little more open to, well, these NEW extreme possibilties with Fringe. It's been a lot of fun to watch Season One so far.<br /><br />Oh, and I think I may have already suggested it, but I could see watching Fringe and being on a roll and in a rhythm with that series and then slowing things down for the unique rhythms of The X-Files as science fiction horror and its approach throwing off the viewer.<br /><br />Fringe is much more in line with the speed of today's criminal justice-based programming. There's a uptempo style to it that keeps it moving. The X-Files is uafraid to slow things down to a quiet crawl in many scenes throughout its many wonderful episodes.<br /><br />I just watched The X-Files, SeasoN Two, One Breath by Morgan and Wong and it was beautifully done. I thought it was a splendid episode and could easily see why Millennium was such a huge success with the caliber of those two writers on board. It was definitely one of my favorite episodes from Season Two.<br /><br />I watched Fringe The Dreamscape and thought it was just as wonderfully rendered on film and just as compelling and you know something I don't think of The X-Files for a moment watching Fringe at this point. I suppose that says something. I watch them back to back and they are two distinctly fine series. So yes, Fringe feels like an entirely different animal at this point as I'm watching.<br /><br />I simply wanted to express my approach to the Pilot when it first came out and how I perceived it and how it was perceived by others and experienced.<br /><br />I think as time moves forward Fringe will get a much different evaluation.<br /><br />Also, I completely see the effect of The X-Files on Millennium. Carter's approach to character and the mood and tempo of these two shows is entirely Chris Carter and very powerful. It's not surprising he had such a cultural impact in the day.<br /><br />I will go back to Lost and finish that one too. I am fine with unanswered questions too because, as I said in this Pilot piece, some of the aspects of these terrific series that leave open-ended interpretation bend the brain a little. I enjoy that aspect of science fiction. For example, there were some weird touches to The Dreamscape in Fringe. I wasn't quite sure what they meant, but I positively loved it [ex- the butterflies on the wall that Dunham sees fluttering]. I love touches like that.<br /><br />Troy, all I can say is thanks for taking time to write. I hope I didn't drone on too long, but wanted to give a slightly new perspective since seeing some more of Fringe. You make some great points and, like you, you got me going. Thanks again. sffSFFhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04256589316922398158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031498593064294214.post-13837597955331283382013-01-19T19:27:29.363-05:002013-01-19T19:27:29.363-05:00Troy,
Trust me, no offense taken. I love your vo...Troy,<br /><br />Trust me, no offense taken. I love your vocal alternate take on Fringe. It's refreshing.<br /><br />I love what you have to offer on television my friend.<br /><br />SO let me take my observations further and respond to your thoughtful response. <br /><br />I can see where people, including myself, had their caution lights on a little with Fringe at the beginning and perhaps unfairly so.<br /><br />Looking at that Pilot again, and of course I've seen a good handful of episodes as of this writing up to and including Whedon's The Dreamscape which I thought was very very good, my view of the Pilot is shaded now a little by the things I've seen since in fairness.<br /><br />Trying to speak objectively strictly on the Pilot I can tell you that, first, as I've said here with high marks, I thought the Pilot was very very good. But coming into it with some expectation this was going to be am X-Files-like series perhaps I did not give it the benefit of the doubt and kept allowing that to shade my viewing experience.<br /><br />Still, in broader and more sweeping generalizations, I can see the comparisons to The X-FIles people connected to. Having said that, it was still a great starter Pilot and I didn't fully appreicate it when I first saw it. I did like it. I think I liked it more now. HAving seen all of the Fringe episodes I've seen I am thoroughly enjoying the series and connecting to the characters and stories more and more with each passing episode. It's shaping up to be what I hoped for and what you referred to it as, "fantastic science fiction."<br /><br />That is so funny regarding your experience with The X-Files. I found that really interesting. Because, I came along to The X-Files right about the time you dropped off and became a complete addict. SO it won me over with its midway point until the end. Those days seem a tad like a blur to me now but I made every effort to stop and watch that series for awhile.<br /><br />With Lost, I did the same thing and dropped off around season 4 /5.<br /><br />Now, you raise a really interesting point about The X-Files.<br /><br />I have been watching both The X-Files and Fringe simultaneously. I just wanted to see what it was like watching these two series together. <br /><br />I've been alternating each night.<br /><br />Well, with that little experiment I can see where you would feel that way about The X-Files. That series has a much different look and pacing. In fact, Fringe and The X-Files on atmosphere, mood, lighting and style are so very different that I think you are correct in your assessment that they seem worlds apart.<br /><br />Like I said watching them back to back lately they feel and look and work very differently. There is the FBI component, but even the way the FBI operates within the two series is very unique. Fringe, of course, has a high tech corporate/ science element that is extremely unique to that series versus this government/ FBI conspiracy vibe within the FBI along with how Scully and Mulder break down a crime scene with their backgrounds versus Walter's lab. The series both behave and move very differently. Fringe had a very irreverent sense of humor going on as well that I really like not that Mulder isn't great for a one liner with Frohike.<br /><br />But I do know exactly what you mean and I'm sure the further I go the stronger your perspective will resonate. So thank you for making the point and I don't disagree. Wathcing the two together really makes a much greater contrast of styles and approach. Fringe is indeed a different series from many I've seen. SFFhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04256589316922398158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1031498593064294214.post-53383992362143742372013-01-19T17:42:42.112-05:002013-01-19T17:42:42.112-05:00SFF,
Ok, so here we go. I could write all day abo...SFF,<br /><br />Ok, so here we go. I could write all day about this one. This of course is nothing against you, but I am tired of people comparing Fringe to The X-files. For, me I don't really see the big comparisons...there may be some things here and there, but Fringe in my mind definitely stands on its own..it's as good as if not better than the X-files.<br /><br />Like you fell off with LOST, I fell off with the X-files pretty much after season 4 and haven't visited the series since. I've tried on many occasions to pick the series back up, but once I pop in an episode to restart the watch, I just get bored and end up turning it off. <br /><br />I remember watching the Pilot of Fringe and loving it. Yes, there are some imperfections in the episode, but by and large, it's fantastic television. After the premiere of the pilot, I started to read all these comments how Fringe was a rip off of X-files, so I went back to watch the pilot of the X-files and I have to say, wasn't very impressed after a second viewing. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the X-files and owe that show alot, because of its popularity, Millennium was born, which is far better in my opinion.<br /><br />I sometimes try and figure out all the hoopla over the X-files and remember when I first watched it, it was right up my alley, but for whatever reason, couldn't sustain my interest and I love all the kind of stuff.<br /><br />Fringe on the other hand had me hooked from day one. I just finished watching the series finale last night and it did answer alot of questions, but of course, a few remain unanswered and I am ok with that.just like I was ok with LOST leaving ALOT unanswered.<br /><br />I guess what i am trying to say is people should not judge or compare Fringe to the X-files and let the show stand on its own for what it is...fantastic science fiction.Troy L. Foremanhttp://www.backtofrankblack.comnoreply@blogger.com