we need network tv back. writers sure made shit up as they went along, but at least we had 20+ episodes of content and characters had room to breathe and develop in their own time. i remember watching Fringe season 1 in 2008 and it was phenomenal. Lost was 3 seasons in at the time, people were dying for more speculative fiction to rack their brains about and Fringe was the only new show that could deliver on this front. when they started to reveal what the show's mythology was really about, people lost their fucking minds. Fringe mostly struck gold with its cast: newcomer Anna Torv, paired with Dawson's Creek's Joshua Jackson (who cant act if his life depended on it, but he's still super charming) and legendary lotr actor John Noble. this show also launched Jared Harris as the popularly recognised actor he is today. not to mention that one guest star that appears in the last few seconds of the season finale. JJ Abrams probably had him on speed dial i guess. jesus christ. rewatching it almost 15 years later, i can say that the first season is still super solid. sure, the monster of the week narrative is terribly old, but it doesnt bother me because the character moments are just so good. the vfx also stood the test of time. some effects from 2008 are better than some... things major corporations are making today with infinitely higher budgets. seriously, we need to be more aware of this because tv used to be so good. but anyway. unfortunately i never finished watching Fringe at the time. i know the last couple of seasons are probably not as good (?), but i intend to finish my rewatch this time around and see how it goes.