Why do SciFi shows always get a bum rap? They usually start out on a rocky, pot-hole laden road and if they're lucky, sometimes make it into cult history.
X-Files, arguably one of the most well-known scifi dramas ever didn't start out with great ratings. Now, I can't even count the number of shows who have had a holla back to Mulder and Scully at some point. Even the Original Star Trek limped along until finding immortality much later.
But I've noticed in this day and age, it seems to be much harder for shows that deal with the wonderfully weird to catch a break in the TV world. And those that I see during the fall premieres usually have some kind of hype along with them that say "going to be the next X-Files..." aimed at fans like me, who will come to see if the new show will indeed measure up to the classics.
Fringe was like that. And you know what? It's brilliant! But does it get the viewers? Not really.
This makes me wonder, are there really that few SciFi fans out there anymore? Sure, we have an entire channel dedicated to the oddball and off-the-wall [SyFy] where we can find reruns of the various Star Gates, X-Files and newer series like Eureka and Warehouse 13. And yes, it's probably easier for them to eke out an existence on a cable network. Those seeking a home on the Big Four (CBS, NBC, ABC and FOX) have a much harder road ahead of them.
True facts: not many SciFi shows live a long, happy life on the Big Four. Even some that are less scifi and more fantasy fun like Pushing Daisies (which, I miss terribly) can garner critical acclaim and yet, die fast and quiet from bleeding ratings.
To me, Fringe is the best thing since our beloved X-Files. The characters are strong, multifaceted and we were invested in them from the beginning. Anna Torv was a little stiff at first, but as the show progressed, her Olivia Dunham is probably one of the strongest female characters on TV today.
The ensemble cast of actors, such as the great John Noble, Joshua Jackson, Lance Reddick and Jasika Nicole come together in a fusion of great chemistry and portrayal. And it's a crying shame Noble hasn't received an Emmy for some of his performances (another snub at Scifi genre, methinks).
The story arcs are compelling to say the least. But they are also a problem for the show. Having complex ongoing story arcs does not make it easy for new viewers to enter a show and know what the hell is going on. Lost had this problem as well, and frankly it's what kept me from watching that show. If I have to go buy several seasons on DVD to catch up, it's an excluding factor for me.
Fringe will premiere it's 4th season this fall and frankly it was a minor miracle that it got the nod from FOX network. FOX does seem to love it's Fringies, but don't expect a lot of growth. After struggling in the Thursday night time-slot, Fringe was moved to Fridays last season, the "death slot." But our plucky little show persevered.
Will it continue to survive this season? After that cliffhanger in Season 3, one can only hope. So why aren't people tuning in? The subject matter? The complex story arcs and mythos? Who knows.
Bottom line, Fringe tells a great story for those who chose to listen. There is action, suspense, drama and romance wrapped around a juicy and sometimes graphic scifi center. How can you beat that?
In my TV lineup, Fringe's finales far exceeded the competition with the utter "Wow!" factor alone and if given the chance, I think it could wow us for seasons to come.
Season 4 airs Sept 23 on FOX.
Get more on Fringe here at Popstar including character bios, news and episode recaps.
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