Ep 20. Brown Betty

In Fringe season 2 episode 20 entitled "Brown Betty," we see a different side of the show's narrative that we haven't seen before. Instead of the usual sci-fi oriented plot, we witness a noir musical episode set in the 1940s. The plot revolves around Walter Bishop, as he spends his evening reading Peter and Olivia a bedtime story. However, instead of a typical bedtime story, Walter tells them a tale set in the 1940s noir-inspired world where he is a detective searching for a missing piece of heart-shaped equipment.

The episode opens to the tune of “Mad World” sung by Olivia, who plays a lounge singer in the alternate timeline. We then see Walter as a private detective marveling at the arrival of a new heart-shaped device that is promised to "tickle your imagination." However, when a thief steals the device, Walter is hired by the device's creator to retrieve it. He sets out on a mission accompanied by Olivia's character, a torch singer named Nina who works in the same lounge as Olivia, and Peter's character, a piano player named Sam.

Throughout Walter's mission, we see familiar characters reimagined with their new roles in this alternate timeline. Astrid is depicted as an African American comic artist who provides Walter with helpful insight. Even Massive Dynamics CEO, Broyles, is reimagined as a mob boss with a sense of style and a hairdo reminiscent of Elvis Presley.

As Walter progresses through his case, he becomes increasingly immersed in the mystery and begins to see the world in a different light. The show's creators infuse the episode with recurring musical numbers that heighten the suspense and help to express Walter's thoughts and emotions. The singing and dancing add charm and humor to the noir-inspired world and contrast with the usual tone of the show.

One of the highlights of the episode is seeing Walter's character undergo a change as he explores this alternate world. He becomes more confident and brave, traits that are uncommon for him in the real world. The musical numbers help to showcase his transformation and how he is breaking out of his shell. As the episode progresses, we see him morph into a more adventurous and outgoing version of himself.

The episode's plot takes a twist towards the end, which ties everything together nicely. It leaves the audience feeling satisfied as they see the story come full circle. Even though the episode is vastly different from the usual sci-fi oriented episodes, the storyline's arc ties back to the main show's theme, which is discovering the truth about reality.

In summary, Fringe's "Brown Betty" episode is a refreshing take on the show, providing viewers with a change of pace from the usual sci-fi/fantasy tropes. The episode provides a new platform for the show's creators to showcase their talents and creativity by incorporating musical and noir elements. It's a fun and entertaining episode that viewers will find charming, and it will leave them satisfied with its unexpected twist.