Within the expansive world of science fiction television, there has seldom been a series as compelling and controversial asLost,which likely inspiredFringe. With convoluted plot threads and mysteries galore,Lostmesmerized audiences throughout its six-season run. WhenLostfinally ended, there was a need for something just as engaging. This is whenFringenot only stepped in to fill this void but alsoimproved uponLostwith a unique brand of brilliant sci-fi.
Lostoffers more overarching, mind-bending mysteries, butFringe’s cast and charactersgive rise to potent character development and complex relationships, namely between Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv), Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson), and Walter Bishop (John Noble). Furthermore, whileLostdragged out its mysteries over many seasons,Fringeprovided more regular payoffs. Finally,both shows tackled significant themes, such as the ethical implications of science inFringeand the struggles of survival inLost,allowing them both to have a lasting cultural impact.
Fringe Was Full Of Mysteries And Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Twists
Every Episode Of Fringe Is A Different Puzzle
Fringemight not have as many long-running mysteries asLost, but its mysteries are just as intriguing.Fringemanages to blend episodical problems with more significant, running storylines, keeping viewers on their toes. The narrativetackles parallel universes, advanced technologies, and the morality of scientific experimentation. All this happens alongside intermingling character arcs, making the stakes personal. This character turmoil makesFringeemotionally deep, and every revelation is genuinely satisfying.
20 Main Lost TV Show Characters Ranked Worst To Best
Lost’s diverse ensemble cast features numerous captivating characters, some beloved by fans while others are less favored.
The best and wildest mysteries ofFringeare each akin to jumping into a chapter of a thrilling novel, filled with new dilemmas the characters have to figure out.LikeLost,Fringeemploys the"mystery box"form of storytelling,although it usually resolves those mysteries far quicker, creating the satisfaction of smaller payoffs throughout without allowing the larger story to slip away from them. Admittedly,Lostdid a great job of creating mysteries. However,Fringe’ssmaller-scale approach permitted it to display a level of closure thatLostblatantly missed.
Fringe Leaned More Heavily Into Sci-Fi Than Lost Ever Did
Unlike Fringe, Lost Is Sometimes More Supernatural Than Sci-Fi
Some ofLost’s bizarre mysteries are still unsolved, blurring the line between supernatural and scientific. Meanwhile,Fringedives straight into classic sci-fi. Based on scientific theories instead of supernatural elements,Fringepulls the concept of fringe science (speculative sciences lacking scientific support, often proposed by non-experts) to the forefront.Delving into these ideas,Fringereconsiders life’s realities and what realistically can be done on planet Earth. The show asks profound questions and, unlike its contemporaryLost,takes the time to follow up on such ideas.
Fringepulls the concept of fringe science (speculative sciences lacking scientific support, often proposed by non-experts) to the forefront.
A prime example ofFringe’s take on sci-fi is in season 2, episode 18, “White Tulip”, one ofFringe’sbest episodes. This episode follows scientist Allister Peck (Peter Waller), who transforms his body into a time machine,while the subplot has the main character Walter explaining a shocking truth to his son. By embracing sci-fi,Fringelaunches into a myriad of moral and ethical dilemmas while navigating what it truly means to be human in a world of endless possibilities. WhereasLostat times resides in the overtly supernatural,Fringeanchors its storytelling with a scientific backbone, making for a more grounded tale.
Fringe Was The Perfect Lost Companion And Replacement
Fringe Premiered Two Years Before Lost Ended
Debuting whileLostwas still on the air,Fringecame at the perfect time. It works both as a complementary piece and a perfect follow-up toLost, offering new twists on old themes. WhereLostleaves most of its questions open to interpretation and speculation, explaining them with vague supernatural arguments,Fringetakes another path.Losthas time travel elements, but they are explained away by the powers of the mysterious island. Contrarily,Fringeutilizes science to back its bizarre plot, making it far more effective in delivering on its mystery elements.
This 5-Season Show From 16 Years Ago Predicted Pretty Much Every Modern Sci-Fi TV Trope
Fringe was a sci-fi TV show that pioneered sci-fi tropes, as it delved into concepts of multiverse and time travel long before modern shows did.
WhileFringestill left behind many questions, it was a new take on theLostformula. Because the enigmatic and the unknown are still major motifs,Fringeis an intellectually gratifying television show that sets itself apart while answering to the same tastes asLost.It is a complementary piece that took all the best elements ofLostyet still differentiated itself with its alternative approach and sci-fi prowess. AfterLost,Fringeis just what the world needed, and the subsequent show proved itself to be a masterclass in narrative-driven, mystery-based storytelling.
Fringe
Cast
This sci-fi procedural follows the FBI’s secretive Fringe Division and its agents Olivia Dunham, Walter Bishop, and Peter Bishop. Together, they investigate cases regarding strange events that threaten society, including cases of parallel universes, human experimentation, and other strange phenomena.
