TV-14, Fox, Season 1 and 2 available on DVD, Season 3 premiered September 23 2010.

Created by J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci. Starring: Anna Torv, John Noble, Joshua Jackson, Lance Reddick.

FRINGE is a mind numbing, time bending and thrilling new television show from J.J. Abrams the creator of Lost and Alias. His involvement alone, made me want to check this show out.  However, I only got round to it recently and as soon as I did I was hooked in. I’ve caught up on Season 1 and 2 (all 45 episodes), to make it just in time for the Season 3 premiere on September 23 2010. There were Losties so now I guess there are Fringies!

The show follows the exploits of special agent Olivia Dunham (newcomer Anna Torv who is a real find here), Mad Scientist Walter Bishop, (John Noble who brings a fantastic blend of tongue in cheek humor to the show) and his son, Jack of all trades, Peter Bishop, (played solidly by Joshua Jackson).

This team is part of an FBI “Fringe” Division based in Boston Massachusetts under the supervision of Homeland Security. The team uses unorthodox “Fringe” science and FBI investigative techniques to investigate a series of unexplained, often ghastly occurrences that are happening all over the world.

This show is like a hybrid of The X Files and The Twilight Zone–which I say as a compliment since both shows are classics of the 80s and 90s respectively.

While Fringe has a very definite overall plot which unravels slowly as each episode plays out, what is convenient about this show, is that you do not necessarily have to follow every single episode in sequence in order to know what is going on and enjoy it. Each episode starts with a specific mystery and ends with them solving it. My recommendation of course would be to stick with it through to the end as there are plenty of twists and turns here thus far to keep you on the edge of your seat.

I have to mention, that what kept me watching this show the most is the beautiful Australian actress Anna Torv, who plays the lead role. This is her first major feature and not only does she illuminate the screen–she owns it. I’ll be keeping my eye on her for the duration of Fringe and beyond.

In the meantime, I’m just happy to get my weekly dosage of Fringe. A show that although is not a fully satisfying replacement for Lost just yet–is still thoroughly original and entertaining nevertheless. 4/5 stars.