Yikes Meta! Fringe 2x20 Brown Betty

[kazzy]

I quite enjoyed this episode. In an attempt to explain what I liked about it so much I did a character meta.

If you read it through, I'd love to have some meta/discussion *is hopeful*. Be careful though, it's a long one.

Comments

[miss_pioupiou]

You pretty well sum up why I absolutely loved watching this episode. It had so many levels in there, I couldn't get my head around everything the first time I watched it. But IMO, this episode wasn't about noir, musical or even fun, but more truly about the characters and their relationship.

"First and foremost it is important to keep reminding yourself through this episode that this is Walter’s perception of people in his life." Or rather about Walter's interpretation of those relationship.

"It is a special heart, made of glass, unique in the universe(s) (as there is only one Peter)." I think the glass-heart part was the most touching bit, mixing so much symbols, as much literally than metaphorically. Peter who is born different. Walter with a broken heart and needing Peter's. Peter who needs Olivia to heal.

I think I'll stop here, because I could go on and on, on the meaning of this episode.

[kazzy]

But IMO, this episode wasn't about noir, musical or even fun, but more truly about the characters and their relationship.

To be honest, I didn't love the musical parts of this episode, though I can see how they came out of Walter's head. The Noir was a little better, though it carried the story fairly well. It was the character bits that really stood out as being juicy. There is so much that can be said about the entire episode.

Or rather about Walter's interpretation of those relationship.

Oh! Excellent point! I hadn't thought of it like that.

The glass heart is so very much laden with meaning, you could almost get pages out of it alone.

[ye_olde_geek]

Excellent points. Yeah this is a filler episode, but it's a filler episode with some substance to it. The silly little fairy tale is like a glaze over the much meatier character insights.

....Yeah, that metaphor doesn't really work does it? Anywho.

Walter's perception of himself is very interesting. He as the narrator tells us that he did create good things, but at terrible cost. He's acknowledging that the ends do not justify the means, in stark contrast to the Walter that existed before all of this, a Walter for whom right and wrong were irrelevant in the pursuit of expanding human knowledge.

It's fairly obvious that Walter belives Peter and Olivia have a more-than-friendly personal connection and that's reflected here in the story. What's interesting is that in Walter's ending, when Peter leaves, Olivia doesn't go with him. I suspect Walter believes his actions have ruined any chance Peter and Olivia might have had as a couple.

[kazzy]

What's interesting is that in Walter's ending, when Peter leaves, Olivia doesn't go with him. I suspect Walter believes his actions have ruined any chance Peter and Olivia might have had as a couple.

I hadn't really thought of it like that - I can imagine that would be another to weigh heavily on Walter. Particulary as he wants to see them together. Though Olivia does leave at the same time as Peter? I guess I just assumed they were leaving together.

[toadless_27]

I really sorry about calling you, i didn't think it would ring if you weren't off line> I'm really sorry!!!!!

SOrry
Jenn

[kazzy]

But you haven't called me since!
(normally calling me at that time on a weekend would be fine, even if I was asleep, but because I was sick I probably wasn't at my best.
Luv you! *hugs*

[grimorie]

Lovely long meta! Especially for the Brown Betty-verse!

What does this say about Walter’s perception of her role in what could be a coming war? Is he being wilfully ignorant? Does he truly not see her like that?

Perhaps he's already elevated her to a more special role, I find it curious that he does see her in red when as Nick Lane told Olivia, they were programmed specifically to wear only blacks and grays.

[kazzy]

The Brown Betty-verse holds a special place in my heart. I just love the character moments.

Perhaps he's already elevated her to a more special role

I really hadn't thought of it that way. Hmmm. *puts on her best think-y face*