Fringe: Season 5, Episode 11 - 'The Boy Must Live'

We're coming to the end of one of the more entertaining and smart science fiction shows ever broadcast.  The great thing about this season, though it is abbreviated, is that Fox was kind enough to let the series end on its own terms.  I'm sure that has just as much to do with its loyal following, but still in a time when other networks that rhyme with 'NBC' jerk around one of their best, and understandably cult, shows, it's nice to see a show end the right way.

So now we have 3 episodes to go, including this one.  Walter has been dealing with an inner conflict for much of the season.  He has been scared of becoming the man he used to be.  A man consumed with discovery, no matter the cost.  Beginning with the previous episode, Walter has a moment with Michael, the alleged savior child, that unlocks his compassion and emotion.  It's been an interesting journey for Walter, as he fights the uncaring Observer's as he's dealing with his own inevitable march to a life ruled only by reason and science.  Michael halts this process for Walter, and it's vital he does.

Each season has belonged to a particular character.  Season 1 & 2 is Olivia Dunham's, Season 3 belongs to Peter Bishop.  I'd have to assign 4 to the team, but 5 is all Walter Bishop.  And that has never been more prevalent than in 'The Boy Must Live'. 

Fringe has always done a great job balancing the sci-fi, action with emotion.  Well, it has since Season 2 when it shifted from a weekly procedural to its more expansive story line.  Some were turned off by this switch, but it has enabled the show to grow and show truly some of the most daring sci-fi stories on television.

As promised, we dive head long into 'Who & Why' this week.  The last episode revealed who the mysterious 'Donald' is, and this week we find out why.  But that's not all, the Observers themselves are explained, and we even get a glimpse at their own time.  Saving the world is always going to come with a price, and this week the cost becomes a little bit clearer.  'The Boy Must Live' is heavy on emotion and exposition, but exceedingly rewarding for it.  Pushing the story forward to its double episode finale next week.  But don't worry, there's plenty suspense at the end.  Not so much action, but suspense.  Who doesn't love when our heroes are running from a closing in dragnet with a mad dash to a train, as the noose closes tighter, and tighter…

I'm anxious to see where we end up next week, but truly saddened that the curtain is about to drop.

Grade: A-