The Fringe: X-files wannabe?

[Eian Flannagan]

Has anyone else given this show a chance? I did, for two reasons. 1) I'm a sci-fi junkie, and 2) It's a JJ Abrams creation, which interests me due to the upcoming Star Trek movie connection.

I've been pretty disappointed. It gives one the appearance of trying to re-do the "X-files," which is a patently ridiculous and unattainable goal. IMO, the acting has been sub-standard. The storylines are too "familiar," as though I've seen them before, and there have only been 3 episodes. Oh, yeah! I have! Chris Carter already did that. Successfully, too! They are even attempting a running "back-story," similar to the X-files' government cover-up conspiracy. Only Abrams is calling his back-story "The Pattern."

Does anyone else have an opinion?

Eian

[Elessar]

I saw some kind of special about it and then read about it on SciFI Wire and that was the IMMEDIATE thought that I had. The interviewer brought it up immediately with Abrams and in his usual way he tried to act like it wasn't a copy, just similar. BS. It's the same, just with 20 years more advanced filming techniques and one more main character. My friend Lance says it's good but I just couldn't sit down and watch someone copy the XF and try to act like they were doing something original.

[CoffeeCat]

I haven't even seen the x-files but I couldn't watch it. The first episode was a snoozer.

I've always felt that the only way to recreate the greatness of a show was to find a good cast with great character chemistry. Add some writers who exploit that while remaining true to good form and your golden.

[Reanok]

I watched maybe 15 minutes of Fringe and changed the channel I didn't care for it. It Just seemed to be another overhyped show.

[evcake]

I started watching it and am hooked. I don't find it much like XF - totally different feel to it. Eleventh Hour is more similar, except that the team actually has the support of their organization.
It's interesting to see John Noble play such a different part for him. He's usually a villian, isn't he? Or some disapproving elder, making much use of his trademark scowl.
I think the casting for Broyles is good too. Spooky.