Fringe

Fringe is the X-Files for the 9/11 era. Clearly influenced by X-Files in its early seasons, the show developed its own unique approach to the X-Files format. Further, the show's writers were far better at developing story arcs and preventing it from becoming too convoluted, in spite of some rather absurd science fiction mumbo jumbo: parallel universes, alternate timelines, and even soul magnets. Now, I will have to be on the prowl for another endearing and quirky science fiction series with the soul of Fringe.

Although the series started off rocky in the first season, and took some missteps in the fourth and fifth seasons (why would you remove Peter from several episodes of the fourth season when his relationship with Walter was part of the show's moral and emotional development?), its second and third seasons were spectacular science fiction television. Double agents, conspiracies, the conflict between the prime and parallel universes, and the perfect antagonists, like David Robert Jones, made for suspenseful television. Sure, Astrid is basically a glorified maid. Yeah, season 4 was clunky and season 5 was, while entertaining, lacking in the monster of the week format of the show's earlier seasons. But, one must acknowledge the creativity of the show in its willingness to explore all kinds of fringe science and take risks on the character development. 

Fringe was an amazing television experience for examining how science evolves faster than our morality, so we're forced to see Walter Bishop come to terms with the consequences of his actions. Watching Walter's relationship with Peter and, in turn, Olivia's relationships with the two were beautiful occasions. Peter and Olivia still aint nothing compared to Scully and Mulder, but their blossoming relationship nicely matches our growing affection for the world of Fringe. Shoot, now I want to go to Boston because of this show. Leonard Nimoy's presence, even though he does not appear in many episodes, also brought a degree of SF culture and history to the show, especially providing humorous moments such as Olivia's consciousness under the control of William Bell. Seeing Nimoy's character's other side in the fourth season, a result, ultimately, of the lack of Peter in that timeline, was likewise an interesting way to reset the show. X-Files has bequeathed to posterity an excellent science fiction show.