TV.com

Fringe Season 2 Episode 15

Jacksonville

Favorite

Watched It I've Watched This 4

Next
Episode Previous
Episode

AIRED: Feb 04, 2010

Free Trial / Subscription

VUDU

Buy

9.5

User Rating

735 votes

Your Rating: 10
Your Rating: 9.5
Your Rating: 9
Your Rating: 8.5
Your Rating: 8
Your Rating: 7.5
Your Rating: 7
Your Rating: 6.5
Your Rating: 6
Your Rating: 5.5
Your Rating: 5
Your Rating: 4.5
Your Rating: 4
Your Rating: 3.5
Your Rating: 3
Your Rating: 2.5
Your Rating: 2
Your Rating: 1.5
Your Rating: 1

Rate Now

EPISODE REVIEWS
By TV.com Users

Write A Review

Episode Summary

EDIT

When the sole survivor of a building demolished by an earthquake in downtown Manhattan proves to be from the other Earth, Walter leads the team to Jacksonville, the source of a related experiment that he and William conducted years ago. Now only Olivia and the secrets of her past can prevent another catastrophe.moreless

FAN RECAP

Fan Episode Reviews (12)

Jacksonville

7.0

By arkanitoo, Jul 16, 2012

"Fringe" is a troubled courtship. The other half promised me that things are constantly changing, it's just a phase, that everything will be fine. But after discussions (fillers) are back, one after another and when I say it's over, she makes a new promise. She returns to the mythology.

Now comes the so-called "late winter", which, while not offering us the world, promise us surprises. I read somewhere that this "Jacksonville" end with a huge cliffhanger and I, as much as we want, go up to expectations. But first things, first, by an earthquake shakes the building and the result is not expected. Beyond the physical destruction of the structure, the bodies of those who were there it was changed, merged into each other, stuck in materials and inertia. A true scene grotesque, outspoken who offered a fascinating premise. And I speak not only in the initial minutes, the arrival of the team building and discussion of Walter (John Noble) with the victim were fantastic.

We thus know that the building and its tenants have come from another dimension, where the September 11 was slightly different. We soon realized that this phenomenon was the work of Newton (Sebastian Roch) - one much like Voldemort - which gives more step towards opening the portal between two worlds. It was not explained why this experience, the true purpose ... maybe say in the future. That said, the big question that did move the whole episode was, if a building to enter our world, the other will have to leave, what? To maintain balance out material where, material has entered, with the same weight, with the same measure. I realize now why Olivia (Anna Torv) in addition being counted the minutes, if she got too much time someone would spit on the other side to side. I do not understand the question of Peter (Joshua Jackson) and his permanent stay, but it should still going to be explained. The action is then focused on finding this building on time and save all the people who inhabit it.

The only way to find this nomadic body is back to "light up" the capabilities of Olivia, who as a child, medical tests, was able to identify objects on the other side. We traveled to the name of the episode, Jacksonville, where Bishop and Bell (Leonard Nimoy) trained mercilessly countless children. Here the narrative loses pace, slow down and return address past issues. Why knock again on the question of the immorality of the old shares of Walter? This has been debated, discussed, wept. We want new discussions, new arguments. So what promised to be a frantic race turns out to be a walk Sunday best who wins just forces near the end.

Here some questions arise. In late winter of last season, an episode called "Ability", Olivia demonstrated that under conditions of stress, have paranormal abilities. In that case telekinesis, to erase the lights - I do not remember if Jones had previously injected with the stimulant drug. Now, almost a year later, she returns to be tested and with the help of Walter realizes that the fear is that links the "switch". So far so good, she realizes the dynamics of the thing and will tell Peter. So but if she was activated as soon not see that Peter did not belong there? Seconds later he saw the building (in a scene a bit forced). They decided to leave this revelation to the end - when she was supposedly rested and without their active power - for almost a novel that you see now at risk. And it was this huge cliffhanger promised. Yes it is a major change, but please do not play more with our expectations.

We go to break. Time to buy popcorn. For want a second part better than the first.

The Best: It's mythology. It is the juice that matters.

The worst: The huge lack of pace.moreless
DO YOU AGREE?
0 1

Flag
Share Hide
Truth is known

9.5

By dreamgoat, Jan 30, 2012

I bet Walter wish he had his full memory now, of what hes being accused of doing test on Olivia when she was a little girl made her scared. Olivia was enraged at Walter for scaring little children including her, Walter didn't know how to explain in a right way to Olivia as much he tried Olivia didn't want to hear it. She was so scared when she was little she learned how to put her fear in to anger, is why she not afraid of anything. She can't use her powers if she was scared, when they started losing buildings and running out of time she felt helpless and scared. When she felt scared she was able to use her powers to see the next building that was going to disappear into the other side, thus evacuate the people that were in that building just in time. Olivia and Peter were going out for drinks, so Peter gave Walter contact numbers to call just incase. Olivia was at the door Peter answered and the door and said hi to Olivia he was excited to go, he need to get something upstairs before he went Olivia saw an other side aura around Peter indicating he was from the other side. Peter went upstairs and Walter told Olivia please don't tell him. This is getting out of contol and what Walter did back than is comming into light. I don't know if Olivia can see him the same way, and not to be able to tell Peter put her in the same boat as Walter. If Peter finds out some way he will think they tag teamed on this and will have no trust from either one of them. I'll be watching the upcomming episodes on this but can't wait to see what happens.moreless
DO YOU AGREE?
1 0

Flag
Share Hide
We've come to expect rather more of Fringe and justifiably so.

6.5

By screenagedkicks, Nov 21, 2011

The trouble with sliding comfortably into an episodic pattern is that you set up a series of expectations that, if not met, will have an overtly negative impact on the viewer's reception. Fringe has been running for so long on the 'three stand alones, one big mythology hour before break' formula that it's somewhat redundant to even state the fact. Unsurprisingly, after three episodes with very little bearing on the arc plot, along comes a story, titled 'Jacksonville' no less, that promises to ramp up the progression, just before, shock of shocks, a hiatus! Well, I never. The problem here, however, is that it struggles to deliver against the expectations that we justifiably have for it. This certainly isn't a bad episode of Fringe by any means, but by focusing all of the arc plot movement into a single hour, the writers shoot themselves in their respective feet. If they'd maintained a steady momentum, tied the stand alones into the mythology to a greater extent, and steadily revealed certain elements, what we get here wouldn't feel quite so underwhelming.

To begin, how many times must we see Olivia strapped to a chair, forced to enter a 'dream like' state? This is a thorn in Fringe's side, the sort of half-baked deux et machina that allows the writers to get themselves out of sticky situations. It robs the episode of its dramatic momentum; for all the scenes are executed well, making good use of chiaroscuro and soundtrack to manufacture something truly eerie, the teleology feels weak. The drive to prevent another cross-dimensional incident is subsumed by the inner workings of Dunham's conscience and this sadly doesn't have the suspenseful pull to captivate. Unfortunately, it's somewhat contrived too. Once again, we're treated to some cod-psychoanalytic mumbo jumbo about Olivia's emotions affecting her abilities: she needs to get scared, to revert to a child-like state in order to see the glimmer. And unsurprisingly, before hour's end, she's miraculously able to do so, despite years of blocking out such feelings and maturing into adulthood. It's just so darn predictable: why do we need to resolve the enigma, to restore the equilibrium before the episode ends? Would it hurt to present a more human side to the character for once and have her fail? At least that way, there would be some genuine tension and, get this, significance to the threat. A quick fix isn't always the best solution.

The fix itself is rather questionable too. In order to find her scaredycatness again, Olivia needs the possibility of a smooch with a close male colleague... there's a shred of sexism in there, if you can find it. This whole strand feels unnecessarily fluffy and pointless and sadly, reads like a transparent attempt to manufacture further conflict. Lo and behold, Olivia and Peter begin to see each other in 'a new light' just as Dunham is able to see glimmers around those who don't belong, thereby revealing Walter's secret and setting the narrative on the inevitable trajectory of Olivia feels guilty, doesn't tell Peter, it weighs down on their potential relationship just as things start to get serious, Peter somehow finds out, feels betrayed, they 'split up' and the season ends with young Bishop waltzing off to the alternate universe to 'find himself' or some such contrite nonsense. Actually, that's not a bad guess for the cliffhanger: Peter scarpers, closes the 'gate' behind him, Walter and Olivia are left alone. If I was a betting man...

There is a great deal of potential in 'Jacksonville' and some of it is realised well. The basic crux of the story is inherently intriguing, with a stellar teaser sequence that is stunningly executed, creating some truly horrifying, but memorable, visuals. The methodical pacing of the Jacksonville scenes work wonders, with reflective piano music and slow shots that linger on the minutiae working in conjunction to create a potent sense of wonder and displacement, as well as a notably eerie undercurrent. It's just a shame that these strengths don't filter through to the other aspects of the narrative. The writers channel their energies into over-utilised plot tropes rather than unique, engaging drama. Olivia's dream trips are becoming tiresome, the overall story lacks oomph and the realisation of the connection between Peter and Dunham is just a convenient plot manoeuvre rather than a logical development. We've come to expect rather more of Fringe and justifiably so; let's hope the remainder of the season delivers.moreless
DO YOU AGREE?
4 32

Flag
Share Hide
Anachronisms, anachronisms

7.0

By vonculver, Nov 06, 2011

I loved this episode, but am I the only one who noticed a few thing out of place (or rather time) at the day care center? I'm specifically referring to some of the toys, which were not produced until after the daycare center would have been closed down. There were some woolly mammoth toys on a table in the classroom. These were kid's meal toys (I forget which fast food chain) related to the Ice Age movies, and I believe they were actually for Ice Age 3. Did they time-travel to bring back these toys, or were the set dressers just a little careless?moreless
DO YOU AGREE?
1 21

Flag
Share Hide
My favorite show astounds the audience yet again with another incredible episode. **spoilers**

9.5

By brn2act, Oct 24, 2011

Finally, the truth is coming out! Ever since the season finale last May, I have been waiting for the inevitable discovery regarding Peter's past. The writers did a brilliant job slowly bringing the past into light. This cliff hanger has prepared the viewers for the long hiatus until this April, giving them something to think about in this time period. The entire episode seemed to build to that moment. Peter and Olivia's building chemistry seemed to come to a breaking point in this particular episode. Their "almost kiss" and "almost date", both of which were unfortunately cut short in this particular episode, were beautifully acted by Joshua Jackson and Anna Torv. Olivia's pain throughout the episode was obvious. Her past has haunted her throughout the series up until now, and will continue to haunt her even with the answers she has found. Her relationship with Walter has always been a complicated one, considering what he did to her as a child. This episode, along with The Road Not Taken from season 1, has shown the anger she feels at Walter over what he has done. The episode itself was a very mythological one, as opposed to the dreaded stand-alone episodes that fill the gaps in the season. It was an excellent way to go into the long break, and will leave fans wanting more for the time leading up until the new April 1st episode titled Peter.moreless
DO YOU AGREE?
15 1

Flag
Share Hide

See All Fan Reviews

Cast & Crew: STARS

EDIT

Anna Torv	Olivia Dunham
Joshua Jackson	Peter Bishop
Lance Reddick	Phillip Broyles
Blair Brown	Nina Sharp
Jasika Nicole	Astrid Farnsworth
John Noble	Dr. Walter Bishop

See All Cast & Crew

Cast & Crew: RECURRING AND GUESTS

EDIT

Jim True-Frost	Ted Pratchett	Guest Star
Sarah Edmondson	Pauline Hess	Guest Star
Ada Breker	Young Olivia	Guest Star

See All Cast & Crew

Watch Online

Episode Photos

Olivia (Anna Torv) on Fringe from the ep...

© 2010 Fox Broadcasting Company
Olivia (Anna Torv) on Fringe from the ep...

© 2010 Fox Broadcasting Company
Olivia (Anna Torv) on Fringe from the ep...

© 2010 Fox Broadcasting Company
Olivia (Anna Torv) on Fringe from the ep...

© 2010 Fox Broadcasting Company

See All Photos

Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

FILTER BY TYPE

TRIVIA (4)
ADD TRIVIA
- Trivia: In the scene with Peter and Olivia sit at the swing talking about "freakishly good memory," you can see some of the glyphs on the wall behind him: the seahorse, the flower, the hand, the butterfly, and the frog.
  EDIT SHARE
- Trivia: In the opening sequence, the 3D graphic text for MANHATTAN is spelled "MANHATAN." Also, Ted Pratchett is working on blueprints for "Pentagon Annex IV" and drinking "real coffee." When one of his coworkers comments about this, Pratchett says that he gets his secret coffee stash from a cousin in Hawaii. In prior dealings with the alternate universe, it has been suggested that there is a "blight" which affects the other universe and its plant life. This adds up to indicate that the initial sequence is set in the alternate universe, not the "real" one.
  EDIT SHARE
- Trivia: The glyph code for this episode is REVEAL.
  EDIT SHARE
- Trivia: The Observer can be seen walking in front of a fire truck at night, at the building disaster right before the Fringe team arrives on the scene. He's to the left of the Ian Thomas/Production Designer credit.
  EDIT SHARE
QUOTES (8)
ADD QUOTES
- Olivia: You abused us, Walter. Me and other children.
  Walter: No, we were trying to help you. We were trying to make you more than you were.
  Olivia: Is that what you were doing? Or searching for answers to questions you shouldn't have been asking in the first place?
  Walter: I was a different man then.
  Olivia: I was a defenseless child.
  EDIT SHARE
- Olivia: So what are the odds of something like this occurring naturally?
  Walter: Oh, it's possible. But if so, God has a far more disturbed sense of humor than even I could have imagined.
  EDIT SHARE
- Astrid: Walter, I don't think I can do this. I've seen some pretty disturbing things in my time working with you, and I think I've handled them pretty well. But this... I can't do.
  EDIT SHARE
- Astrid: All right, so what am I looking for?
  Walter: Anything that looks like it doesn't belong.
  Astrid: I think this qualifies. Richard Nixon on a silver dollar.
  Walter: That's disturbing.
  EDIT SHARE
- Olivia: I failed. I failed and I'm supposed to be the one who can stop things like this.
  Peter: Olivia. You--I've never met anyone who can do the things that you do.
  EDIT SHARE
- Olivia: So you think we should just let the building disappear? Let those people disappear?
  Broyles: There are times when the only choices you have left are bad ones.
  EDIT SHARE
- Olivia: The conspiracy nuts are gonna have a field day.
  Broyles: You'd be surprised what you can make the general public believe.
  EDIT SHARE
- Walter: She's here, Peter.
  Peter: I know, I heard it too.
  Walter: Shall I get the door?
  Peter: Absolute not. In fact, it would be my preference if you could be someplace else all together.
  Walter: Oh... where?
  Peter: Chicago?
  EDIT SHARE
NOTES (5)
ADD NOTES
- Injoke: The combination to the padlock, which Walter says that William Bell uses for everything, is 5-20-10. This was the original air date of the season 2 finale, May 20, 2010.
  EDIT SHARE
- Injoke: The transitioned building is the Zelazny Building, named after famed author Roger Zelazny. Many of Zelazny's works revolve around parallel dimensions and travel between realities.
  EDIT SHARE
- While uncredited for this episode, Leonard Nimoy's voice can be heard as William Bell on the video recordings of the experiments he and Walter Bishop conducted on Olivia when she was a child.
  EDIT SHARE
- Music: The Firebird Suite (Igor Stravinksy)
  EDIT SHARE
- International Airdates:
  UK: March 30, 2010 on Sky1
  Latin America: April 06, 2010 on Warner Channel
  Sweden: June 17, 2010 on Kanal 5
  Germany: August 30, 2010 on ProSieben
  Poland: December 16, 2010 on TVN
  Finland: December 29, 2010 on MTV3
  Czech Republic: February 4, 2011 on Nova Cinema
  Slovakia: December 14, 2012 on Dajto
  EDIT SHARE
ALLUSIONS (1)
ADD ALLUSIONS
- Brandon: Yeah, yeah, yeah, Raiders of the Lost Ark. The bag of sand and the idol.
  Referencing the 1981 movie featuring Indiana Jones, an archaeologist adventure seeking the lost Ark of the Covenant. In the opening sequence, Jones attempts to steal an idol on a weight-sensitive plate by swiftly and smoothly replacing it with a bag of sand of the same weight.
  EDIT SHARE