So, lately I have been binging on episodes of the TV show “Fringe.” For those unfamiliar, it follows a division of the FBI called Fringe Division as they investigate extra-ordinary events, which often appear paranormal or supernatural, but which all end up being able to be explained by the science within the show (which definitely goes well outside the realm of recognized scientific fact). I’m about halfway through season four, so I’ll probably do another review once I’ve finished the series, but I feel like there’s a lot to talk about in the first three seasons, anyway.
One of the best things about the show is the fact that there are three distinct major female characters, all of whom feature significant character development, screen time, and who frequently interact with each other in meaningful ways.
Olivia Dunham is the main protagonist of the series, and she’s a great example of a strong female character that isn’t just “thrown in” as a token strong female character. She is never portrayed as a character who is “overcoming” being a woman, or succeeding despite being a woman; nor is her character portrayed as being better because she’s a woman. I think that is absolutely wonderful. Too many series and films let the genders of their characters matter more than the characters themselves, often resulting in sexist portrayals and places where otherwise captivating characters fall flat.
Nina Sharp is the second main female character. She is cunning, mysterious, and completely outside the realm of being defined by her gender. Singlehandedly (one of her arms is cybernetic), she runs the largest corporation in the world of the series. It’s often hinted at that her ethics might not line up with what most people would term “good,” but there are other points (mainly in flashbacks) that hint in the other direction. Either way, she is deeply self-motivated and in control of her own character’s progression.
Astrid Farnsworth is the third main female character. At first (and throughout most of the first season) she seemed like a throw-in character. Her role within the world is as an investigative research assistant to Olivia and the two Bishops (Peter and Walter), so she is often tasked with the grunt work. This led to most of her dialogue and interactions in the first season being mostly technical and about progressing the individual episode’s plot line for the other characters. However, starting in the second season, she is written in as an actual character, with her own story and plot pieces. She’s still subordinate to the other major characters, but that mostly seems a victim of limited space to expound upon individual storylines.
Overall, I feel like the show is very positive towards women. There are, however, a few moments which bother me. The show basically ignores the existence of LGBT persons. While it doesn’t negatively portray LGBT people, it also doesn’t even acknowledge their existence, which I think is a huge flaw in the overall writing. Additionally, the entire way to resolve the conflict between the two parallel universes in season three is described by one of the characters as “if Peter Bishop chooses our Olivia, our universe survives. If he chooses their Olivia…” Literally the fate of two entire universes hang in the balance, and the writers put it in a perspective of a man has to choose between two different women (parallel universe copies of each other) to resolve the conflict. Except that choosing between the two Olivias doesn’t even end up being the resolution to the conflict. It’s a complete red herring, and, in my opinion, an interchangeable element to the plot (as in, any kind of red herring would have worked in its place). The plot line didn’t have to line up with typical patriarchal paradigms, and I believe it would have taken very little effort (with no negative effect on the plot) to pursue a different line. Of course, this isn’t the most grievous of offenses, especially coming from a show that already is doing so many things well without going down those lines. However, I think it is important to point out and realize instances where even wonderful things fall short.
a trans-parent perspective 
I just finished a binge watching on Netflix of the series Fringe! It was awesome! Thx for sharing!