"Fringe" and America

The show that I decided to write about today is called, "Fringe." This is really the only show that I watch on a regular basis, so I thought it would be the only one which I could glean some insight from. The show is based around a team of three men and two women who are called on to investigate supernatural happenings and their relationship to the existence of another dimension.

While much of the show deals with paranormal activity, there is a bit that can be taken away from the show regarding how it portrays Americans. Through the eyes of the viewer or the eyes of the filmmaker, "Fringe" seems to depict Americans in many ways. First, there is Olivia Dunham, the main female character, who we see as a strong female character. She fulfills many stereotypically male and female traits, finding a balance between both perspectives. In addition to Olivia Dunham, the other recurring female characters - Nina Sharp and Astrid Farnsworth - portray strong female characters with little to no dependence on male characters. This seems to suggest that American women have grown beyond the ascribed stereotypes placed on them by prevailing male power and control. In fact, in the majority of the episodes, the women characters take positions of power and control, and are instrumental in the plot's resolution.

Another way in which the TV show "Fringe" depicts Americans is through its portrayal of the male characters. Many of the male characters seem to struggle with issues of control, primarily control over their own life. This can be seen when analyzing the characters of Peter and Walter Bishop. Peter Bishop (Walter's son) is initially portrayed as greedy and focused on money. He does whatever it takes, however illegal, to obtain money, and this seems to be the way J.J. Abrams is trying to depict modern American males. As the show develops, so does Peter, and he eventually sees that there is more to life than just money, there are relationships, either seen through his relationship with his father or with Olivia Dunham.

On the other hand, Walter Bishop is constantly plagued with what seems to be amnesia, and only recovers bits and pieces of his past at a time. One of the primary uses for this technique is to reveal to Walter how in his past he used to manipuate and control other people for his own ends, something that he has struggled to overcome in his later years. I think Walter's character, in addition to giving us insight into post-feminist male roles, also gives us insight into how we treat the elderly. This is seen primarily because the rest of the cast is younger, and constantly looks at Walter as an old, senile man. Despite this perspective of Walter, he is usually instrumental in solving the paranormal dilemma facing the cast during each episode.

Ultimately, then, it would seem that the TV show "Fringe" speaks to the strength of women and the elderly in American society and the struggles they have had to face to be seen as more than the means and the byproduct of the white male agenda. I really enjoy this show, because it not only addresses sociological issues and issues of power and gender, but it does so through the lens of a science fiction drama. If you have seen any other shows by J.J. Abrams ("Lost") you might understand why "Fringe" is more than just the surface plot or a shallow storyline, but it is at the same time a critique of our belief systems and how we think of the world around us.

Questions:
1. When watching TV, do you typically take for granted the issues the director may be trying to raise?
2. How has this changed because of this class?