Ep 11. Making Angels

In the eleventh episode of the fourth season of Fringe, titled "Making Angels," the Fringe team becomes involved in a case involving a woman who spontaneously combusts in the middle of a busy streets. While investigating the case, they discover that the woman was part of a group led by a man named Aaron that is attempting to create a device that can transport human consciousness to the afterlife. As they delve deeper into the group's activities, they begin to uncover the true motivations behind Aaron's obsession with the afterlife, and come face to face with some of the deepest questions about what it means to be human.

Throughout the course of this captivating episode, the Fringe team is forced to confront some of the most complex and fascinating concepts in the entire series. With its trademark combination of thrilling action, mind-bending science fiction, and heartfelt human drama, "Making Angels" is an incredibly powerful and thought-provoking addition to the Fringe canon.

One of the key themes explored in this episode is the idea of human consciousness and what happens to it after death. As the Fringe team investigates the group led by Aaron, they begin to realize that he is not simply trying to create a device that can transport people to the afterlife - he is trying to create a device that can prove that the afterlife exists. This leads to some truly fascinating philosophical debates between the characters, as they grapple with the concept of life after death and the possibility of a higher power guiding our fate.

Another major theme woven throughout "Making Angels" is the power of belief and the lengths that people will go to in order to find answers about the ultimate questions of existence. As the Fringe team delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding Aaron's group, they begin to realize that his obsession with the afterlife is rooted in a profound sense of loss and grief - a desire to reconnect with loved ones who have passed away. This underlying emotional theme helps to ground the episode in a deeply human story, even as it explores some of the most mind-boggling scientific concepts imaginable.

Of course, no episode of Fringe would be complete without plenty of high-stakes action and thrilling suspense, and "Making Angels" certainly delivers on those fronts as well. From tense shootouts to heart-stopping chase scenes, this episode is a masterclass in how to keep an audience on the edge of their seat. But what really sets Fringe apart from other sci-fi shows is its ability to balance those thrilling setpieces with deeply emotional character moments, and "Making Angels" is no exception.

In particular, this episode puts Peter Bishop front and center, as he grapples with his own questions about what happens after we die. As someone who has traveled between universes and even been brought back from the dead himself, Peter is uniquely positioned to understand the complexities of the afterlife - but that doesn't make it any easier for him to grapple with. Actor Joshua Jackson gives a nuanced and powerful performance, capturing both the intellectual curiosity and the emotional pain that Peter is experiencing.

Ultimately, "Making Angels" is a standout episode of Fringe that explores some of the most profound questions of existence while still delivering plenty of pulse-pounding action. With its blend of complex storytelling, engaging characters, and thrilling setpieces, it's an episode that will keep you thinking long after the credits roll.