Popular Fox Series ‘Fringe’ in Danger of Cancellation Without Fan Intervention

Hate it when perfectly good shows get canceled? Me too. That’s why when I found out the popular Fox series ‘Fringe’ was dipping into the red, I decided to take up the cause. If you’ve never seen it, or are only a casual viewer, you’re missing one of the best shows on tv, with high-concept plots that are inventive, interesting, and really bring the Sci-Fi series into the 21^st century, avoiding the I’ve-seen-this-a-thousand-times-before blahs.

The series centers around mad scientist and former evil genius Walter Bishop (John Noble), who heads up a fringe sciences team, investigating cases that cross into the paranormal, with the aid of his son Peter (Joshua Jackson), and under the supervision of F.B.I. Agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv). Walter, who is unpredictable and child-like, after having pieces of his brain removed and many years spent in a mental institution, is desperate to recover what knowledge he has lost. His frustratingly spotty memory keeps anyone from fully understanding the lengths he and former partner-in-crime William Bell (Leonard Nimoy) went to in their experiments, including the consequences of traveling to a parallel universe, or the full extent of his relationships with Peter and Olivia. Stuck between two universes, and trying to fill in the gaps in his mind, in this case what Walter doesn’t know could hurt everyone.

The way the writers combine realism with the surreal, paying close attention to the technical aspect of both physical and metaphysical sciences, while also speculating about the future is like an hour-long wet dream for any Sci-Fi nerd. In addition to the investigations, and the running storylines of the eccentric characters and their sketchy, shared pasts, nearly each scene features clues, and easter eggs, all meant to misdirect you from completing any theory you may have devised. The mystery, humor, and action will keep you captivated, and yelling at the screen, wondering what effects this episode will have on the next.

So why should such a high-quality show with a faithful fan base, and an 8.8/10 star rating on imdb.com be in jeopardy of being canceled? The problem seems to be coming from the top. Fox’s decision to move it to Friday nights, coupled with long hiatus’, makes it appear that they have been taking steps to sabotage the series. There could be numerous reasons for this, anything from pressure from advertisers to loss of interest in the show, but there is still a way to get the series back for a fourth season.

First, forget anything you’ve ever heard about TV ratings. Unless you’re part of the relatively small Neilson test group, tuning in live for any show isn’t going to make much difference, and if you’re like me, you DV-R everything anyway. Keep in mind that the networks serve us, not the other way around, so it’s important to be vocal with them about their programming. The best ways to keep the show on the air, is to join the numerous fan communities online, and email Fox, urging them not to cancel the show. Some hardcore fans are mailing the network Red Vines licorice, but for everyone else, an email will do. That way, if the series does survive the cut, then we can say it was all our doing.

‘Idiot’ or Genius? The Premier Season of “An Idiot Abroad” Sets New Records

After watching the premiere season of The Science Channel’s “An Idiot Abroad”, I’ve been able to conclude that “idiot” Karl Pilkington is actually a genius in disguise. Like a reluctant secret agent, Pilkington is sent on missions to see The Seven Wonders of The World, while his trips are continuously sabotaged by co-stars Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. Gervais and Merchant, who also produce the show, act like two older brothers, always looking to set up Karl for their own amusement. It’s a good thing they do, because this series has been one of the best new shows of the year, breaking viewership records and attracting an audience of over four million viewers since it’s debut.

Pilkington’s reluctance to take part in anything, and critical and often unmoved views of The Wonders, gives a real-person’s perspective on places that are supposed to be amazing, but in reality, are little more than over-exposed tourist traps. The non-polarized commentary is a refreshing contrast to the hackneyed travel veteran host’s viewpoint, where the landmarks are still portrayed as trendy and humbling. In watching Karl bumble his way through the cultural gauntlet, his experiences become relatable, and opinions trustworthy, as he often says aloud what viewers are thinking.

Even though The Wonders are underwhelming, the real entertainment comes from the constant diversions Gervais and Merchant send Karl on, including his donning a costume and dancing the parade route for Carnival, to getting kidnapped as part of a safety training exercise. With his consistent resistance to everything outside his comfort zone, he is easily and often pushed into quick-witted tirades, outraged by the running joke of unaccommodating lodging, bizarre and disgusting foods, discomforting customs, and periodic phone calls from HQ, detouring him to his next activity.

Amidst all his misadventure, he still manages to find ways to amuse himself, going for a float in The Dead Sea, and joining in on some dancing to directly defy Gervais and Merchant’s wish for him not to enjoy his self during the taping. “I don’t like false fun”, Pilkington said in the final episode, as well as firmly declaring that he would not return for a second season. Here’s to hoping he’s just playing hard-to-get.