The episode “Alone in the World”, the third of Fringe’s fourth season, is mostly a study on this timeline’s Walter, bringing out aspects of his personality previously explored in both of the previous timelines’ universes (wow, all these timelines and universes are really complicating things!). But, typical of this show, light is shed very differently on these same aspects. However, I still had a bit of a rough time reviewing this episode, and I don’t quite know why. It made for very good television, but perhaps it was the rehashing of the same concepts that left me a little at a loss on how to review it, using this new format, without repeating myself.
There are, of course, some things in this episode that were never seen before. For example, the demeanor of this timeline’s Walter screams of vulnerability, much sharper than the vulnerability of the Walter from the previous timeline. Interestingly enough, this timeline’s Walter also displays a certain strength that the previous timeline’s Walter did not have. Particularly striking is the ability of this Walter to control himself. He seems to be able to have normal social interactions, even with people who scare him (Dr. Sumner) or people who do things that bother him (Aaron touching Peter’s toy).
Is his ability to control himself a sign of maturity the grief of losing Peter twice in this timeline has given him? Whatever it is, somehow, in this timeline, Walter is able to think logically about ways to keep his ‘insane’ side under control, like when he is talking to Dr. Sumner, or when he apologizes to Aaron for shouting at him.
There is also a certain humility to this Walter that I greatly appreciate, having been frazzled for far too long about the arrogance of both Walters in the previous timeline. But, interestingly enough, this humility seems connected with insecurity in his ability to do great things, such as, in this episode, saving Aaron. While the Walter of the first timeline was arrogant and that made him use his genius in a way dangerous to the greater good, the Walter of this timeline is to a certain extent incapacitated by his insecurity. It’s interesting how moderation plays such an important role in ensuring that the capacities of both Walters can attain their full potential.
Another interesting thing is the difference between the way this timeline’s and the other timeline’s Walter deal with children the way. This timeline’s Walter is a lot less comfortable, but just as cute and loving – probably yet another of the consequences of losing two sons at a relatively young age.
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