Fringe takes the viewers on an LSD ride

by Carla Day

This had to be one of the strangest episodes I've ever watched on any show, but I loved it. Not only did it transition Belly out of Olivia, but it brought Olivia out of her shell.

CliqueClack TV

TV Shows

Fringe
- Season 3, Episode 19 - "Lysergic Acid Diethylamide"

“I knew the dog wouldn’t hunt.”

One thing I really appreciate about Fringe is the continuity of the show. This week the solution to saving Olivia involved a callback to John Scott situation. Of course, anytime LSD is involved there will be fun happenings. In this case, two stuck out to me. Peter to — and about — Broyles, “You’re bald. I think he’s an observer.” The second after Broyles accidentally takes LSD and freaks out a bit.

Most of the episode took place in Olivia’s mind: Inception-style. This just adds another invasion of Olivia’s brain to the long list. It’s amazing her brain hasn’t turned into mush by now. Her mind was an intriguing mix of our world and over there, which is another reason to question how she has remained sane.

I’m not sure what to make of the cartoon; at first, I thought it was odd, but, it grew on me — especially during my second viewing of the episode. It also allowed for Leonard Nimoy to make an appearance without being on screen, that alone made it worthwhile. The zombies, zeppelin, and chase scenes were just added benefits of the cartoon.

In the end, I was thrilled that this experience brought Peter and Olivia even closer together. In her mind, he recognized the fake Olivia — that was huge; it overcomes the Fauxlivia situation. Peter knows his Olivia and he saved her. This allowed her to confront her stepfather, “No, I’m not afraid of you.” She was free.

I’m not at all sure what to make of the final scene: “I haven’t seen him before, but I think he’s the man whose gonna kill me. ” Wow. Guess we just have to wait to find out.

Other stuff:

“Just about, Wally.” – Astrid
Why did Nina try and kill Walter and Peter in Olivia’s mind? Is it because Olivia trusts her or because she doesn’t? And, was that Alt-Nina?
“Belly, why are you a cartoon?” – Walter
“She’s not lost, she’s hiding.”
Good thing Peter remembered Olivia talking about the Red Door.
Notice the monitor sticky notes? One said: Belly-Olivia