TV-Reviewed

It’s episodes like “Snakehead” that make me wonder if the writers are doing the right thing by including all of these episodes that don’t really tie into the show’s anthology. With the ratings dropping, I can’t help but wonder if this is going to be Fringe’s final season.

“Snakehead” was hands-down one of the most disgusting episodes we’ve seen and Fringe has had some disturbing episodes. These squid-like parasitic worms were really a sight to see as they moved about in the bodies of their hosts.

While Peter and company tried to get to the bottom of the worms, Walter was going through a new phase which I rather liked. Having been out of the institution for a year now, Walter is attempting to be more independent and he hasn’t won the trust of his son, Peter, yet. Peter still wants to follow him around and it’s clearly got under Walter’s skin.

I don’t think John Noble (Walter Bishop) gets nearly as much credit for his acting as he deserves. The breakdown scene in Chinatown was terrific. You could see a man sad, frightened, and upset with himself. He couldn’t find anyone he knew and for all his efforts, he just couldn’t remember his son’s phone number.

Walter’s decision to “chip” himself was bizarre. I’m sure it’ll be used at some point, but was just silly if you ask me.

As for the mystery of the week, the gang managed to tie the worms to a Chinese gang known for trafficking street drugs like heroin. Their involvement in parasitic worms was an interesting change. The FBI was able to determine that these worms could be used to treat humans with low white blood cells and other health problems.

Personally, I found this story a little week. The episode wasn’t helped by Peter’s decision to get involved and be a hero. It was pretty clear he would need rescuing in the end. Peter isn’t an action hero; I don’t see the need to put him in a role that just doesn’t work for him.

Rating: 7