A few weeks ago, I snagged a copy of FOX's Fall offering, Fringe, from a friend of mine. I figure I should share some scoop with you, in addition to an observation or two about the pilot...

From Lost and Alias creator J.J. Abrams, I couldn't help but notice the similarities between those shows and Fringe, which in case you didn't know, is being described as "a drama centered around a female FBI agent who is forced to work with an institutionalized scientist in order to make sense of a brewing storm of unexplained phenomena." Many of the common aspects I can't go into now, because they're too specific and would spoil the 82-minute episode for you.

I will tell you, however, a bit about the "mad scientist" character played by actor John Noble. Prior to his institutionalization almost two decades ago, he worked out of a major university and was part of a classified U.S. Army experimental program called Kelvin Genetics. They gave him the resources to do whatever work he wanted, which was mostly in an area called Fringe Science: mind control, teleportation, invisibility, astral projection (aka "out of body" experiences), genetic mutation and reanimation. Sound familiar? Could Kelvin Genetics possibly have something to do with the Dharma Initiative? I'm going to guess and say no, but it would definitely explain a lot about Lost Island if it did, right?

Of course, there's also the matter of the strong, female lead who works for a major government agency (Alias) and the fact that the pilot opens with passengers on a plane in trouble and what happens to them will be a main focus of the series (Lost). Plus, there are daddy issues going on between Pacey Witter (aka Joshua Jackson)'s character and John Noble's (Lost and Alias). Also, by the way, my illustrious intern Marisa tells me Fringe has quite a bit in common with The X-Files as well.

In case you are wondering though, I'd give this first episode a 7 out of 10. The 82 minutes pales in comparison to Lost's first season premiere. Still, word is Abrams and company are doing a bit of tweaking to bring everything to perfection right now, so I could be eating that statement before we know it.

FYI, today is FOX's day at the Television Critics Press Tour and Fringe Exec. Producers, J.J., Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman will be on hand for a midday panel. So if you've got questions for them about what comes up post-pilot, send 'em my way. And if you'd like to know more about what happens in that first two hours, I'm here for you. Just holler at me.

• Check Out All of Zap2it's Summer Press Tour Coverage

Comments

Josh jackson's character is NOT Pacey freaking Witter. His name on the show is PETER BISHOP. Get your names straight.

preiq | Jul 14, 2008 4:04:05 AM | #

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I'm sure Korbi knows that... it's just a reference to Josh's most famous role.

Rachel | Jul 14, 2008 6:51:08 AM | #

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So preiq doesn't doesn't understand your humor Korbi, it's okay. Don't listen to him, I will forever call him Pacey too!!!!

P | Jul 14, 2008 6:51:12 AM | #

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The only reason I considered watching this show (even though I loved Alias when it was on) is for Joshua Jackson. He is what TV has been missing!

Mandy | Jul 14, 2008 6:55:04 AM | #

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I saw the pilot as well, Korbi, and I really liked it. I can't wait for the mythology of the show to kick off and go places that only J.J. can imagine. I hope he has a more hands on position than he does on LOST.

Mark O. Estes | Jul 14, 2008 8:41:55 AM | #

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He is not Pacey..he is FOREVER Charlie Conway.

DUCKS FLY TOGETHER!!!

Danielle | Jul 14, 2008 9:18:14 AM | #

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YES! Charlie Conway is the REAL miracle man!

Sara | Jul 14, 2008 10:03:11 AM | #

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I'm confused about something:

The pilot is 82 minutes, but it will be shown in a 2 hour slot. That's 38 minutes of commercials.

During the FOX upfronts, they said that Fringe would have limited commercial interuptions - not the pilot specifically, but the show for the entire season. Basically said that the eps would be about 50 minutes rather than the 42-44 minute average.

38 minutes of commericals are more than the average for a 2 hour slot - average would be about 36 minutes.

Are they adding in scenes? Reshooting some scenes and extending them?

Anyone care to guess/speculate?

Rishi | Jul 15, 2008 12:33:01 AM | #

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I am very upset that FRINGE
is taking HOUSE's timeslot.
HOUSE is an ADULT show and should NOT be on at 8 p.m. EST.
It also will pit HOUSE up against NCIS.
FOX put HOUSE back on at 9 p.m. EST on TUESDAY (Hughsday) where it belongs.

WE LOVE YOU, HUGH!!!
Hope you will the Emmy!!!
You sure do deserve it.

Lisa | Jul 15, 2008 2:38:56 AM | #

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Rishi, I believe the Fringe pilot is having a 90 minute premiere, not two hours. :)

Marisa_Roffman | Jul 15, 2008 2:20:57 PM | #

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You know, Lisa, shut up. Fringe is ALSO an adult show. dumbass. I don't see any teens in Fringe, DO YOU!

Peria | Jul 17, 2008 8:28:34 AM | #

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Hello to all you FROST lovers ( Lost & fringe ), i found out an incredible fact about these 2 programs today, basically we all know theres something going on here.... right? with all these creepy comparisons, i read up that half way through fringes 2nd series the 2 programs are going to join, basically lost will no longer be on any more nor fringe because lost will be in fringe and fringe will be in lost, i cant wait!

Gary Bent | Oct 12, 2008 8:50:09 AM | #

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Yeah...that's a great idea!? So what, FOX (Fringe) and ABC (Lost) are gonna have to fight about who get this amazing 'FROST' show? I'm sure that's a great idea, Gary. In fact, why not just let MTV have it? Or even better, bring it to the UK, put it on BBC One!

Fish | Oct 23, 2008 12:13:38 PM | #

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