For those of a certain vintage, the gap left by The X Files has been crying out to be filled for years and the first thing to say about Fringe is that it will do precisely that if this is what you're looking for in a show. However, it will do a whole lot more for you, too, and you may find yourself hooked to the point of madness once you start on it. So why can't we get enough of this ground-breaking series from the brilliant J.J. Abrams?
Aside from the appeal of the delectable Joshua Jackson the series benefits from an outstanding cast, including two Aussie talents: Anna Torv and John Noble. The trio are the main focus of the show, which follows FBI 'Fringe Division' agent Olivia Dunham (Torv) and her unlikely mad scientist ally Walter Bishop (Noble) and his son Peter (Jackson). Solving weird and frequently gruesome cases of unexplained phenomena is their thing, but there are no ghosties or woolly, paranormal excuses for the far-fetched plots here: instead, everything is explained in cleverly researched and very believable scientific terms.
Some viewers have been put off watching Fringe due to its high blood and gore count right from episode one and it does become a running joke that at least one character will die horribly before the opening credits of each episode. But speaking as a real hater of unnecessary grimness, I can promise that it's worth it once you get over the initial gag reflex.
Anna Torv as the utterly kick-ass Agent Olivia Dunham
The character development in Fringe is compelling, there is some quite wonderful dark humour, and the series crosses plenty of lines that other series would back away from. This is no more apparent than (spoiler alert!) when our heroine suddenly finds herself on an upper floor of the World Trade Center at the end of season 1, leaving viewers utterly perplexed between seasons at what has happened to reality. There are also some really clever little production touches that make it a joy to watch. Look out in particular for series 2 episode Peter which sees the main characters (as well as the show's entire look and feel) revert to 1985.
The show is not entirely without fault: I wouldn't want to look too deeply into any of the science and there is the occasional throw-away 'monster of the week' episode even as far in as season 3. But from about the middle of season 1, the over-arching plot line takes over, and this is what will keep you coming back for more.
Fringe is still quite a minority show here in the UK, as it is only being aired on Sky 1 at present. However, series 1-3 are now available to buy on DVD or Blu Ray. I really think that British viewers are missing out one the most gripping series since The Wire so don't let it get old before you check it out.
