On 'Fringe,' the Astrids finally meet! It isn't under the best circumstances, but Alt-Astrid's arrival provides insight into this timeline's characters. Plus, when will Peter realize he is home?

How awesome was it to see Astrid and Alt-Astrid meet? I loved the shriek! I also always wondered why more people don’t do that. Can you even imagine what it would be like to meet yourself?

The camera work was exceptionally well done with the two Astrids. (Producers on Ringer — watch this episode!) Alt-Astrid’s arrival provided the impetus for us to get to better know this timeline’s characters. In particular, Walter and Fauxlivia.

This Walter seems to be more aware than the previous timeline’s Walter. He calls Astrid by the wrong name, but they are terms of endearment rather than a disregard for her real name. He never once called Alt-Astrid the wrong name. This Walter remains sweet.

His interactions with Fauxlivia were quite enjoyable. They have this odd, but entertaining rather than annoying bickering thing. The end when Walter finally gave her licorice and she gave him her unusual mints was a great goodbye. As was the hug, Walter gave Alt-Astrid.

This timeline’s characters are generally happier than those we left behind and that’s a good thing because … sorry, Peter, but … you aren’t going back to “your” people. These are your people!

I still don’t understand how he can want to go back to the old timeline. I get that he wants “his” people back in his life, but that was a horrible world on the brink of destruction. Even if he could go back, would he risk this new peaceful timeline and these people he is getting to know to do it? How would he know that using the machine to go back wouldn’t destroy this new timeline?

Ultimately, I don’t think it matters. There isn’t an old timeline to go back to because he is within that timeline. It was just changed. Both current universes are the same places that he left. The people are different because they were never exposed to him. Now, that they are getting to know him, they are adjusting and changing.

How long before Olivia starts looking at Peter in a different way? They didn’t get together immediately in the old timeline either. But, it will happen here. Walter is getting irritated with Peter, but is letting him in and starting to have feelings (even if he is fighting it) for his son.

Is September responsible for Peter’s return? When Neil found the blue device that September lost, is that what shifted the timeline? The new observer speculated that September lost it the day he “didn’t save the boy” and now “the boy is back.” Oops.

Overall, I loved “Making Angels” for the insight we got into the characters. These versions of the characters we have grown to love over the last few years are ones that I don’t want to lose. They live in a happier, more peaceful time, and deserve the opportunity to learn to love Peter and for him to love them.

Odds and Ends

Fauxlivia seems to have replaced Olivia at some point. When did she fake being Olivia? Was it a mission? That wasn’t clear. Will we get the back story on this or will it just be something that hangs out there?

Peter definitely rubs Walter the wrong way. Kinda fun to see this Walter be aware enough to care. “He’s not my son.” Oh, yes he is!

Alt-Astrid never had coffee? Hmm….

Why did Astrid lie to Alt-Astrid about her father? She seemed to have a loving relationship with him when she went home. Was it just to help her get over the grief?

Shiitakes Happens!

Photo Credit: FOX