 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Fringe
Common Sense Media says
Moody conspiracy drama is creepy, complex, and masterful.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that, like The X-Files, this sci-fi/action show combines conspiracy theories and sometimes-violent thrills. There are plenty of explosions, gunfights, and dead bodies (some of which are pretty gruesome to look at), as well as a bit of suggestive content (some scenes show the female lead wearing very little) and drug experimentation. The show promotes some unusual scientific theories, including interdimensional plots, dangerous biological weapons, advanced cybernetics, and much more. Most of these are clearly impossible, a few seem quite plausible, and some fall somewhere in between, which could have teens wondering where to draw the line between hard science and make-believe.
What's the story?
FBI agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv) and the FRINGE team started off investigating a dark, international conspiracy that featured an enormously powerful technology corporation, a long-running dispute over secret paranormal research, and an honest-to-goodness mad scientist, Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble). As they dug deeper, Bishop's craziest ideas turned out be true, revealing that the plot stretched all the way into a parallel universe. The resolution of that plot has long-lasting impact on all of the characters. Also along for the ride is Dr. Bishop's son, Peter (Joshua Jackson), who's equal parts genius and rogue and has some major secrets of his own.
Is it any good?
J.J. Abrams excels at delivering this kind of taut, complex drama, filled with conspiracies, secret projects, and hard-to-believe scientific discoveries. The man behind Alias and Lost manages to please fans of smart sci-fi shows with Fringe, another engrossing, thrilling drama. Mad scientist Walter is an especially appealing character, the likes of which haven't been seen on television before -- he's happy to combine LSD visions, playful banter about dinosaurs, and impossibly complex theories about parallel universes.
The series' one notable flaw is really the same issue with Abrams' past hits. Fans are happy to ride along to see where he's going, but as the story has evolved, it's also become increasingly difficult to for new fans to jump aboard. Fringe is a complex and entertaining series, but there's a lot that won't make sense to people who haven't done their homework.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the appeal of shows like this one. Are theories like the ones explored here realistic? Does that matter? Is it fun to watch a show like this one precisely because it's unrealistic? Why do you think so many movies and TV shows focus on massive conspiracy theories?
Talk about the drug use in this show. Is it presented in a positive or negative light? Teens: What's your reaction to the use of drugs in the show? Do you feel any differently about drug use after watching?
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AGE
Getting frustrating, but good for a shocking thrill
I really did not think the show was going to appeal to me, but friends and family were saying it was great, so I gave it a shot. It was originally very interesting and intriguing, and each episode is very different, but I can't help but feel like there really isn't enough information about the overall story, so it is being dragged on and on and on. Some tidbits of the story appear, but then are ignored in the future episodes. I have found some of the cases disturbing, but nothing you wouldn't see in a movie. I love the role of Joshua Jackson/Peter Bishop and can't wait to see how his character develops further.
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AGE
Great for science-minded teens
While a favorite for my husband and me, NOT for the littles. Often has very scary images. Requires an intellectual engagement to understand the plot as well.
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AGE
GREAT SHOW 13+
great show. My friend introduced to me, and i have been watching it ever since. Sometimes it can be a little scary, but there is usually humor mixed in. They don't swear alot, barely any sexual stuff, but sometimes Walter says things relating to sex. GREAT SHOW, you should watch it sometime.
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AGE
Gore
The show alternates between dark and hilarious. The lead seems quite flat, like she's too average, however. I'm hoping she'll improve.
The show pushes on science, making you question what really can be done, and what reality actually is. I'm expecting it to be quite a good show.
Just watch out for the gore. I said on for 14 and up, because by this time, most kids don't care about gore.
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AGE
12 and up with some parental guidance.
An "X-Files" for this decade with new and improved characters, deeper plots, improved special effects, but they seem to be running into the same problem that the X-Files did - Where are they going with the major plot or story line? It seems to be moving at an awkward pace. Hopefully things will start moving and make sense within the context of the reality that the show has put itself.
Overall, it's entertaining, easy to veg out to after a long day; not much thinking, not too much suspense, but creative, imaginative. It's nice to have a female lead, because female actors add more dimensions than the action figure male leads.
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | Fox |
| Cast: | Anna Torv, John Noble, Jonathan Jackson |
| Genre: | Drama |
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