Despite last week's season 5 premiere, "Thought Transilience Unifying Model-11" is a complex outing with lots of great character moments, it's easy to say that it is covered by the "In Absentia," the second episode of the season Friday. While there are not any characters beautifully reflective moment like it's the final scene of the premiere, "In Absentia" is plunging headfirst into the evolving relationship - and tension - between the battle-hardened Etta and fresh-out-of-amber parents.
The episode saw our heroes back to their lab at Harvard, which is under the control of the Observer. Hope that Walter has left some indication of what the plan in September, the group crept back to the lab through the heating vents, to avoid the observers who have taken over the campus. When they find Betamax recorders that Walter had used just before he ambered laboratory, they were interrupted by an unexpected visitor - Gael Manfretti loyalist soldiers, played wonderfully by Eric Lange (or, as LOST fans know him, Radzinsky).
Before we go any further, let's talk about how great Georgina Haig is, shall we? He was anything but predictable as Etta, who reveals his dark side a lot this week as he was tortured Manfretti by taking years off his life. Of course, he rationalized his actions were necessary in times of war, but the fact remains: that's some pretty harsh. It's hard to see how impulsive Etta will not end up getting the best of him (after all, she was a guest star again, not the main cast members), but if he does this a lot with the character in three episodes, I can 't wait to see how much he is growing every week. He's the best invention since Anna Torv Fringe.
Apparently, torture Etta Manfretti about doing some good, although it may be too high of a cost. Admitting that he would not make it out alive, Manfretti decided to help the team, telling them how to turn the power back lab so Walter could power a laser to cut out of the amber Betamax recorder. To gain access, Walter manipulated Manfretti resembling pig eyes, a scene that really push the boundaries just a little confidence.
With that done, Peter and Etta entered Harvard science building to turn on the power. There, the observers who do experiements on humans, in one of the most horrific event sequences ever made. Through one window, Etta see his old friend, Simon Foster (Henry Ian Cusick), the man who helped Peter escape from amber, cut (and reanimated) by observers. I do not know if Fringe ever done this quite surprising for such a main character, but it certainly has the intended effect of depressing too. (And that's too bad -. I hope to see Henry Ian Cusick back on the show) It's here that the impulsive Etta apparently signaled his eventual death, but he stops out of revenge demanded by Peter, a soothing once they complete the mission.
Manfretti makes Olivia promise to inform her of his death, before she was taken by Etta to be given to the Resistance. Along the way, though, Etta Manfretti decided to let go, his mind has been changed by Olivia. Interestingly, Manfretti claimed not to have the boy, though he admitted throwing a lot in the resistance movement, Olivia being too changed his mind. Etta transmit video from Manfretti Olivia escape (without the Sprint logo on the phone Whoa!), And Olivia seems to believe that her daughter is a good person.
Meanwhile, Walter is playing a video corrupted and finds that he has hidden a series of tapes that the instructions to the plan in September. Looks like we got a little formula established for the season, right now, though if that really stick remains to be seen.
Overall, "In Absentia" is better than the season premiere, and another indication that the end may also be the best Fringe.
