If you're writing a TV episode and going to reference Blade Runner -- or at least its source material -- it's probably a good idea to say something at least semi-interesting about humanity and identity.
In the case of tonight's Fringe, mission accomplished. Mostly.
"Do Shapeshifters Dream of Electric Sheep?" didn't have anything quite as cool as this scene, but it at least took the time to get inside the head of its sympathetic villain (played by Marcus Giamatti, cousin to Paul). Until now, the shapeshifters had been cold, efficient killing machines (or, as Walter put it, creatures that are neither and both human and machine).
Here, we learn that just as the shifters are capable of insinuating themselves into the lives of the people whose identities they steal, they're also susceptible to taking on that person's emotions, the way poor, fake Ray Duffy came to realize he needed his impostor family.
All that aside, there was just a lot to like about this episode: it gave pretty much all the characters something to do, it found just the right blend of creepiness, humor and humanity, and it featured one of the best pre-credits sequences this show has ever had.
I'm excited to see where things head next, how long Fauxlivia can keep her cover intact and what Olivia's up to Over There. See you all on November 4.
Tom Coombe
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