Fringe carved out a distinct niche in the realm of science fiction television, captivating audiences with its unconventional narratives and innovative exploration of “fringe science.” After five compelling seasons filled with unique concepts, the series wrapped up in 2013, leaving many fans craving a revival. This fervent dedication from viewers can be attributed to the show’s skillful fusion of complex character dynamics and the fascinating voyage through bizarre scientific phenomena, resulting in both thrilling and poignant storytelling.
Regarded as one of the most exceptional sci-fi series of its era, Fringe embraces peculiar storylines that push the boundaries of imagination. In its 100-episode journey, the series frequently delves into absurd and extraordinary elements as Peter, Olivia, Walter, and Astrid tackle odd cases for the FBI. From eerie instances of body horror to the hilariously surreal escapades involving a drugged Walter, there are countless memorable moments throughout the show. Yet, certain episodes remain particularly etched in the minds of viewers due to their sheer strangeness.
10 The Same Old Story
Season 1, Episode 2
Notably, one of the most bizarre episodes of Fringe comes from its very first season. Episode 2, titled “The Same Old Story,” revolves around an astonishing case where a woman gives birth to a rapidly aging infant. Following a brief encounter, Lorraine finds herself in labor the very next day, resulting in a cesarean delivery. Alarmingly, the newborn ages to the appearance of a 90-year-old and soon passes away. Olivia Dunham, along with Peter and Walter Bishop, investigates the unsettling case, linking it to previous experiments conducted by Walter with a man named Penrose.
The episode’s chilling twist reveals that Walter’s colleague has a son afflicted with rapid aging syndrome, leading them to illicitly harvest pituitary glands from women to combat the son’s condition. Lorraine unknowingly becomes part of this horrific scheme. This unsettling portrayal of an aging newborn epitomizes the show’s capacity for shock and weirdness, cementing its place as a haunting memory in the minds of viewers.
9 The Dreamscape
Season 1, Episode 9
Among the memorable episodes of the inaugural season, “The Dreamscape” stands out as particularly unforgettable. Following a corporate presentation, executive Mark Young finds himself attacked by imaginary butterflies that lead him to jump to his death. Upon investigation, Walter discovers numerous cuts on Mark’s body, yet his clothing remains intact. This bizarre occurrence results from a hallucinogen that induced the victim’s mind to physically manifest the imagined attack.
The actor, Ptolemy Slocum, underwent extensive makeup effects, donning over 75 prosthetics to illustrate the butterfly-inflicted wounds. Despite the episode’s questionable explanation, its premise—using delicate butterflies as lethal entities—remains a chilling highlight of the series. Many longtime fans, including cast member Jasika Nicole, report developed aversions to butterflies as a consequence of this episode.
8 The No-Brainer
Season 1, Episode 12
In a metaphorically charged narrative, “The No-Brainer” explores the sinister consequences of excessive screen time when a teenager suffers a gruesome fate of having his brain liquefied while watching a malefactor’s online content. The episode garnered mixed reviews, often described as average, yet its infamous CGI representation—featuring a digital hand that liquefies victims’ brains—earns it a unique label of strangeness.
Here, Brian Dempsey conducts a vengeful campaign, sending out a program that acts like a human computer virus, ensnaring victims in an unending loop of audiovisual stimuli. Although “The No-Brainer” occasionally delivers light moments through Walter’s comic relief and hints at Olivia’s familial interactions, its reliance on odd CGI ultimately diminishes its impact while firmly securing its place among the show’s most peculiar entries.
7 The Transformation
Season 1, Episode 13
“The Transformation” presents another strikingly bizarre narrative in its first season. The episode begins with a disturbances involving a scientist who uncontrollably morphs into a grotesque creature inside an aircraft restroom, ultimately leading to an unfortunate crash. The Fringe team learns that this transformation correlates with the man’s intended meeting with another individual, Daniel Hicks, who begins to experience a similar transformation when interrogated. With a dramatic twist, Peter sedates Hicks to prevent further chaos as they pursue a nefarious weapons manufacturer who appears to be behind the unnatural changes.
The episode also marks a significant personal evolution for Olivia, as she grapples with the fading memories of a deceased associate through the lens of the sensory deprivation tank. Beyond the emotional depth, the strange porcupine-like mutations in “The Transformation” are undeniably eye-catching, leaving a lasting impression that underscores the show’s affinity for the bizarre.
6 Ability
Season 1, Episode 14
Among the anthology of gruesome incidents depicted in Fringe, the episode “Ability” stands out for its stark exploration of body horror. After a cryptic encounter involving a $2 bill, a newsstand clerk tragically becomes suffocated as his own skin seals over his mouth, nose, and eyes. This morbid phenomenon intensifies when another agent meets the same fate while investigating a connection to the mysterious figure David Robert Jones.
The unsettling concept of dying due to suffocation within one’s skin is not just horrific but also emblematic of some of the show’s peculiar conclusions. As the tension escalates with the threat of a toxin spreading, “Ability” reveals deeper layers of the overarching narrative, highlighting Olivia’s peculiar abilities tied to an interdimensional conflict and shedding light on Walter’s work with the ZFT book.
5 Snakehead
Season 2, Episode 9
The character of Walter Bishop serves as a cornerstone of Fringe, with his quirky yet poignant persona shining through in episodes like “Snakehead.” The narrative follows a terrifying premise involving crew members infected by squid-like parasites from China. While unraveling the origin of these creatures, Walter’s struggle with his mental faculties becomes a subplot, propelling the character’s growth.
Walter: Truly, Agent Farnsworth, it never ceases to amaze me the infinite variation that Mother Nature gives us. She truly has quite a disturbing sense of humor.
Although “Snakehead” does not advance the main plot significantly, the inclusion of these grotesque squid parasites and Walter’s peculiar escapades in Chinatown render it one of the more abnormal cases encountered by the team. Originating as a medicinal tool for a young boy’s immunodeficiency, the episode illustrates the bizarre interplay between medical science and horror, maintaining Fringe’s hallmark of the uncanny.
4 Jacksonville
Season 2, Episode 15
In “Jacksonville,” the narrative ventures into parallel universes with an incredible premise surrounding an earthquake in New York that merges two buildings and their inhabitants. The Fringe team uncovers an astonishing discovery as they stumble upon a man merged with his alternate self, possessing multiple limbs. This unexpected revelation shocks even Astrid, who is no stranger to bizarre cases.
This episode is pivotal as Olivia recalls her childhood abilities, linking her strange power to the larger narrative about Peter’s origins—revealing his ties to an alternate universe. The explorations of past traumas and sensational moments in “Jacksonville” highlight the intricate relationship between characters, underscoring the series’ commitment to blending personal and inventive storytelling.
3 Brown Betty
Season 2, Episode 19
Character-driven narratives underpin the emotional weight of Fringe, and “Brown Betty” —centered around Walter Bishop—perfectly exemplifies this. After an emotional toll from Peter’s absence, Walter resorts to a mind-altering substance, bringing forth a detective noir tale laden with musical elements, featuring characters from the show in unexpected roles. The plot portrays Olivia as a 1940s detective on the hunt for Peter, who has stolen Walter’s metaphorical heart.
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Fringe’s “Episode 19” Trend |
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Episode |
Title |
Synopsis |
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Season 1, Episode 19 does not follow this trend. |
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Season 2, Episode 19 |
“Brown Betty” |
Walter tells Ella a whimsical detective story with musical interludes reflecting his emotional state. |
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Season 3, Episode 19 |
“Lysergic Acid Diethylamide” |
The team attempts to expunge William Bell’s consciousness from Olivia. |
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Season 4, Episode 19 |
“Letters of Transit” |
In 2036, a resistance finds the Fringe team encased in amber. |
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Season 5, Episode 9 |
“Black Blotter” |
Walter unlocks Pandora’s Box, encountering a young Observer in a hidden realm. |
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Season 5 only had 13 episodes, hence Episode 9 was referenced. |
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Throughout its narrative, “Brown Betty” interweaves whimsy with deeper meanings, revealing Walter’s internal struggles. His narrative serves as a metaphorical reflection of his emotional state regarding Peter’s absence, presenting a heartwarming and eccentric look through the lens of a skewed fairy tale.
2 Lysergic Acid Diethylamide
Season 3, Episode 19
Continuing the tradition of bizarre 19th episodes, “Lysergic Acid Diethylamide” showcases an animation style that distinguishes it from the rest of the series. In this episode, Peter and Walter embark on a surreal journey into Olivia’s psyche, battling her fears represented by antagonistic figures. While the concept of the William Bell possession divided audience opinions, the episode boldly ventured into a whimsical format that heightened its mythology.
As a contender for Best Episode at the 2011 Portal Awards, “Lysergic Acid Diethylamide” utilized LSD as a narrative device, revealing layers of Olivia’s past while presenting visceral experiences rendered in animated form. The episode’s experimentation with stylistic choices highlighted the show’s unique approach to storytelling, cementing its status as an unforgettable installment.
1 Black Blotter
Season 5, Episode 9
In the context of its final season, “Black Blotter” emerges as one of the most bizarre episodes of Fringe, showcasing Walter’s psychedelic journey with the eponymous drug. This enlightening trip into his psyche prompts him to confront the consequences of his past actions within the framework of the parallel universe saga. The episode’s artistic execution mirrors a blend of whimsical and dark imagery, encapsulating Hartley and his misadventures through peculiar animations and hallucinations.
As one of the concluding episodes of the series, this narrative cleverly revisits Walter’s previous drug-fueled escapades, culminating in an experience that encapsulates his character’s complexity and growth. “Black Blotter” ultimately affirms Fringe’s commitment to ambitious storytelling and creativity, presenting a fittingly strange farewell for a show celebrated for its unique place within sci-fi history.
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