At last, the long wait is over. This episode brings together the storyline of the shapeshifter, the alternate universe and Walter’s past. The Fringe team investigates a case of stolen brain tissue from a psychiatric patient. This led to identify Thomas Newton, the head of the shapeshifters, who is attempting to find the information on how to open the door between the two universes. After successfully stealing three brain tissues, he interrogated Walter Bishop in an unusual way. This led to discovery of Walter’s past and the connection of William Bell to his amnesia.

What have we learned from this episode?

1. Walter’s memory.  We have been wondering why Walter can’t seem to remember many things from his past.  At last, we got the answer.  His amnesia is connected in some way to the brain tissues extracted out from his brain.  Although, it is still vague on which memory does Walter actually remember and not?  I asked this question because I can sometimes never tell whether Walter actually faking the loss of memory or he just really don’t remember at all.  Also, we also learned from this episode that Walter’s obsession to food (and anything else) is his attempt to recreate a scenario to make him remember.

2. The Blight.  All along we thought that the other reality is much more advanced in science, more prosperous, and more lucky.  But it seems that it is not the case.  Thomas Newton told Walter that trees and plants died a long time ago.  This reminded me of the deja vu event of Olivia back in Season 1 when she saw the burning of the city.

3. 1995.  That was the date when Dr. Paris issued an indefinite prescription to three patients.  Since the brain tissue cannot survive long in open… does that mean Walter was operated in 1995.

4. Dr. Paris is William Bell.  And he operated Bishop.  He took out the brain tissues of Bishop to prevent the knowledge being passed on to “dangerous people”.

The After Thoughts:

1. Continuity.  As expected the tracking device came back for Peter to use, unfortunately, it is useless because it was taken out.  It makes me wonder how did the shapeshifter knew about this?  And also, Astrid finally got to hold a gun.  I think it’s quite good to see that as a subtle continuity from the attack in the lab in Snakehead episode.

2. Thomas Joseph Newton.  It makes me wonder what is the connection between Newton and Bell.  More importantly, how did Newton knew about the hidden brain tissues?  It also bugs me as to why Newton’s head was cryofrozen.  Who froze it?  If Bell has to freeze Newton’s head, why freeze it when he knew he’ll be a dangerous man?

3. The invasion.  It seems that the alter world is much more equipped in scientific advancement.  Perhaps, they have prepared well for the attack.  They needed the door to be open for them to arrive her and invade us.  It makes sense now that the invasion is more of a need of the alter world to occupy a better place.  Who wants to live in a place of dead plants and trees?

4. The shapeshifters.  I just don’t understand that how come shifter Charlie’s body is deteriorating having been in the body for 6 weeks, while the shapeshifter (who is eating pear in the Momentum Deferred episode) did not.  Should we assume that Newton is a shapeshifter?  If so, would he be needing to shapeshift in order to attain his perfect form?