Compared to shapeshifters, the guy who could predict the outcome of any given situation the week before that, and that box that melted people's brains the week before that, Olivia foiling a bankrobber isn't all that compelling. I was far more interested in the notion that the people encased in the amber -- one of the more horrific notions this show has given us -- are basically alive and aware the whole time.
Still, in terms of moving the overall story of the season along, this episode worked. Any doubts Olivia has about where she really comes from are erased by the time the hour is up; next week, we'll see how her doppleganger is handling her own cover, hopefully in the midst of a more interesting case.
Other thoughts:
- It's good to see the rules of movie/TV CPR apply in the alternate universe: if you pound on someone's chest with enough desperation, they'll come back to life.
- An interesting call-back to season one tonight, as Olivia goes into an isolation tank to try to cross over. Of course, the folks "Over There" have much better technology -- Walter's season one tank looked like it was made of sheet metal -- so Olivia takes a much longer journey.
- Ghost Peter is a pretty nifty way to keep the entire cast working in each episode.
- I wonder if we'll get an episode where Walternate gets as much screen time as regular Over Here Walter. It's neat seeing John Noble play a version of the character that commands this much respect (notice how Olivia sits up straight when he walks into the room.)
- So, which New York City thoroughfare is "Nixon Drive" supposed to be?
Tom Coombe
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