Squaring the Circle on Fringe


I've come to realize recently that I don't do reviews of Fringe.

Most of you readers of this blog would respond, "Duh, Dave, no kidding."

I'm more an examiner of the minutiae of Fringe and try to suss out the meaning of the metaphors, symbols and clues contained therein.  Maybe as a fan of Sherlock Holmes I fancy myself as a detective of sorts.  It doesn't hurt that I am a fan of science fiction.  It just resonates with me.  Science fiction often acts as a mirror on contemporary society  (mirrors Chris!) and perhaps that's what resonates with me.

I'd have to admit some of my observations turn out to be totally spurious.  I may be having fun with them but in the end nothing comes from it.  Soooo, that brings me to my latest "observation".  "Squaring the circle of Fringe."

Taken right from Wikipedia, "Squaring the Circle" is defined as....

 Squaring the circle is a problem proposed by ancient geometers. It is the challenge of constructing a square with the same area as a given circle by using only a finite number of steps with compass and straightedge. More abstractly and more precisely, it may be taken to ask whether specified axioms of Euclidean geometry concerning the existence of lines and circles entail the existence of such a square.

Cool right?!!

No?  OK, how about this, also taken from Wikipedia, "The expression "squaring the circle" is sometimes used as a metaphor for trying to do the impossible."

Now we're talking Fringe!  Remember the hashtag for this past episode was, "Nothing is impossible".  Oh really?  Tell that to Euclidean Geometry!

Ha, enough teasing you all, lets get to the point and the clue for which is contained in the above picture.  When I first watch a Fringe episode I deal in the emotionality of it all.  I get wrapped up in the characters and what happens to them.  Upon further review (NFL fans!) the little stuff comes out.  Take a look at the modern object d'art right behind Peter from the header photo.  Here, I'll blow it up for you.


There it is, a circle contained inside a square.  Does it mean anything in the larger sense of where Fringe is going this season?

Well, maybe yes.  

I think we can all agree that this season of Fringe has dealt with the themes of sacrifice and resistance.  Many have hypothesized that a major character will die this season and I'm thinking perhaps it will be two.

Think on the final scene between Walter and Peter in the last episode.  Basically, how do you anchor two people that are adrift from the world.  At least Walter has reached out. But I have a feeling that he may have approached the wrong person.

I'm a big believer in String Theory, so that means there are infinite possibilities for the future especially if you start manipulating it.  Do I detect some eye-rolling out there?  Get to the point Dave!

OK, OK!  What the Fringe team is trying to do is the impossible and the clue to which is right behind Peter.  Is all lost?  Not really.  How about this, Peter and Walter fix the future but it no longer contains Olivia and Etta.  Or.  Peter and Walter fix the future and Olivia is reunited with Etta but Peter and Walter have died.

Orrrr, 

Olivia saves the future but Peter, Walter and Etta live on without her. Crazy right?  All I am saying is prepare your selves for a bizarre ending to the Fringe franchiseRemember how pat last season ended when all were smiles?  That is until they got renewed and September paid his little visit to Walter, "They are coming."  I don't think it will be so pat this season.  We may even see multiple endings as we dab the tears from our eyes.  Possible futures played out before us and all of them are real.

Try squaring that circle and imagine the impossibilities






Comments

  1. I like the squaring the circle idea. I've never heard of it. Interesting catch in the episode too. I've caught a couple of things that have me wondering if they are real clues or just there to drive me nuts. lol

    Interesting theories on how things may or may not end. Everyone keeps talking how they want Fringe to end "happy;" yet Wyman only said that we'd be satisfied with the ending - not that we would be happy. Anna Torv has mentioned more than once in interviews that she thinks it would be great and she'd love Olivia to die a hero. Who knows?

    I do agree that it will be bizarre.

    I've heard that in the next couple of weeks, they will be done filming. So at least they will know. We have a bit of a wait though!

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  2. I know exactly what you are talking about Kristin, not everything has a deep purpose to it. Some are tangential or oblique references and the others could be just thematic touch points. Still, I'd like to think all these little clues give us an insight into the Fringe writers mindset and cumulatively they add up "something".

    Everyone loves a happy ending but I don't necessarily have to have one. I wouldn't mind if it was an open ending, something that we could debate on forever.

    Hopefully the wait will be worth it Kristin. Thanks for the feedback!


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  3. A darker take on this is that William Bell (and/or the Observers) have "squared a circle" with the universe..er...multiverse? (maybe the multiverse IS the circle?) and in order to restore things they almost have to "undo the impossible" that has been done by all the technomaniacs trying to mess with the universe(s.) Which in itself kind of sounds "impossible"...

    Hard to wrap your mind around, I know... mine's been all twisted up since last night though. But I think that's a good thing. ;-)

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    Replies
    1. You're right RJ that is difficult to wrap your mind around. I like your take on this mind bender, maybe they are reversing what was deemed impossible earlier. Sounds like a very "Walter-like" thing to do.

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