TV Series Review: Fringe, Season 1

Fox TV continues to hit on winners, and "Fringe" is another winner. "Fringe" is a sci-fi thriller series, starring Anna Torv as FBI Agent Olivia Dunham. Dunham is part of the FBI's fringe division, investigating strange and unexplainable events, mostly in the greater Boston area. She is assisted by Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble) and his son Peter (Joshua Jackson). Dr. Bishop is a genius who's been in a mental institution for 17 years. Many of the strange and unexplainable events started with research he was conducting in the 1980's, along with fellow super-genius William Bell. Season 1 of this series focuses mainly on Agent Dunham, as she comes to grips with the new world she has entered and begins to understand her role in the events that will unfold in the future. There are also some interesting subplots between Dr. Bishop and Peter Bishop.

I've been told that "Fringe" is an updated version of "X-Files", but having never been an "X-Files" fan, I can't say for sure. I tried watching "X-Files" and found it to be a terrible show, mostly because Mulder and Scully were both unlikable characters. On the other hand, I find that I really like the characters in "Fringe" and I root for them to succeed. Even the slightly crazy Dr. Bishop has his moments.

"Fringe" is a 4.5 star series. I was close to giving it a 5, but I rate too many things as 5 stars, so I need to cut back. If you haven't watched this series, but are a sci-fi fan, I suggest renting a few disks of season 1 and see what you think.

You Go Tim Tebow

CBS is standing behind it's decision to sell a 30 second Super Bowl ad to Focus on the Family. The ad features Florida Gators QB and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. According to the story, "the 30-second ad is expected to recount the story of Pam Tebow's pregnancy in 1987. After getting sick during a mission trip to the Philippines, she ignored a recommendation by doctors to abort her fifth child. She later gave birth to Tim, who won the 2007 Heisman Trophy and helped his Florida team win two BCS championships."

First off, way to go Tim Tebow! That is a great story to tell and thank you for telling it. This story, like so many others, proves that God, not doctors, should decide who lives and who dies. God has a plan for all of us, and when we go against His will, we miss the opportunities He provides for us.

Second, good job CBS. I think it's wonderful that they aren't backing down to pressure from these radical women's groups. Focus on the Family paid for the ad, and in this country, you get what you pay for.

Finally, to these women's groups. Won't there be a lot of other commercials during the Super Bowl that are far more demeaning to women? Beer commercials and Go Daddy ads are 2 that come to mind right away. Why is abortion such a big issue to these groups? Now, I'm not a radical feminist, but it just seems like there are so many other issues these groups should be tackling that would make a real difference to women everywhere.

I'm Stumped!

Every once in a while, you come across a question in your life that is so vexing, so extremely difficult, so ludicrously complex that your head might explode if you think too hard about it. Today, I thought of one of those questions, and my head did nearly explode.

This question ranks right up there with the greats of all time. So, please, be prepared before attempting to think through this one. Here goes:

Who would win in a fight between Jack Bauer and Chuck Norris?

I honestly can't figure it out...I mean, Norris has the devastating round house kick to the face, but Jack Bauer always gets the job done. It's like the irresistible force meeting the immovable object.

Anyway, ponder an your own risk.