Let us put aside for a moment that, simply as an outstanding episode in one of the greatest series in the history of TV, this one deserves accolades entirely on its own merit.
Hypnotic, engaging, moving, well-cast (Georgina Haig, one of the most photogenic women in the history of Earth), well-acted, well-written, well-directed, great SFX and a kick-ass hi-emotion ending.
Seriously what more could you ask for? Let's just skip the formalities and start handing out awards.
However my purpose in writing this review -- which goes into the IMDb archive and, in the year 2050 will be available as a engram directed planted in the human brain, I think -- is that I wanted to look at the legacy of JJ Abrams.
Legacies are important, and if history teaches us nothing else, it shows us that the people contemporaneous to an artist are worst judges of a legacy because they are too caught up in the moment.
(Eg -- remember this review penned in 2016 -- Quentin Tarantino is currently producing movies to sycophantic fans who consider each release better than the last. But the truth is that, in the opinion of this prolific reviewer, his greatest work, his legacy, is KILL BILL, each scene, each line of dialog, a true labor of love.)
Which brings us back to JJ. I fully realize that he has more great works in him and this review may or may not pass the test of time.
But, like the characters in Fringe, I am doing the best I can in this review, with the tools available to me.
In 2016, everyone is excited about Person of Interest, which just ended. They are gob-smacked. If you started a survey, POI would be considered JJ's greatest work and his legacy.
But that is not correct. It was a brilliant series. I watched each episode. I reviewed over a dozen right here on the IMDb.
But still not his best work.
I just saw the 2009 Star Trek for (I think) the 5th time. And each time I watch it, it gets better. (Which, kind reader, is the hallmark of a truly great work, and a well-kept reviewer's secret.) Star Trek 2009 is brilliant. It may be one of the best films ever made, period.
But still not his best work.
Fringe is his best work.
The writing, the passion, the casting, the attention to detail as if the producers would not tolerate even one single error in any episode.
The vision.
Even this episode -- a "play within a play" to quote Shakespeare -- was a clinic in how to entertain an audience. The story arc did not require this quick trip to the future. But producers felt it had to be done.
I am re-watching Fringe one episode at a time. I have strong views. A reviewer is supposed to. Which is why IMDb gives me the big bucks.
One of the best TV series --if not THE best -- in history.
And quite possibly the series which, 100 years from now, Abrams will be best remembered for.