"Over There: Part 1" Review
“Over There: Part 1” starts with a bang. I loved the teaser. The writers didn’t waste any time in showing us the alternate universe. “Over There” literally begins over there, teasing at what’s to come. And things move at a break-neck speed when the episode jumps back to the regular universe. I’d expected the whole episode to build up to the jump to the other side - I figured it would end with Olivia and Walter making it “over there.”
That’s not the case at all. About half-way through, Olivia, Walter, and several other former Cortexiphan children (introduced in earlier episodes) are already on the other side. On that note, it was nice to see these former characters return - although I was a little surprised at how quickly they were killed off.
As I mentioned, it definitely took me by surprise that these characters crossed over so quickly. It’s for the best though, because “Over There” is about introducing us to the alternate universe. If the episode built up to them crossing the boundary, it may have been more impactful, but we wouldn’t be given enough time to understand the laws of the alternate universe.
But don’t worry, because we’re given plenty of time “over there.” And things are different on the other side: way different. It feels like if the alternate universe were that different, the humans wouldn’t look anything like us - they’d be human-plants, or bred with aliens, or something equally insane. But I won’t talk too much about the laws of alternate universes (simply because I don’t know what the hell I’m saying).
The most substantial difference on the other side is the inclusion of Charlie Francis! Okay, that’s not the most substantial difference, but I was excited to see him back. Thank God he’s alive over there - I miss him. There are literally tons of differences on the other side, and I won’t bore you by listing them all. Just keep an eye out for all the subtle differences; let’s just say that the show has a very strict attention to detail.
Peter seems pretty happy on the other side. There was a nice reunion with him and his mother - she seems like a really sweet lady. Walternate Bishop, on the other hand, seems nuts! He’s the Secretary of Defense, and it’s fascinating to watch John Noble play the part. He stands incredibly straight (unlike the often hunched Dr. Bishop we know), and he really looks like the Secretary of Defense. It appears that he’s building a Doomsday Device, or something like it. I’m sure will learn what that’s all about next week - and I’m excited to find out.
Near the end, there’s a nice scene where Olivia watches her doppleganger with her boyfriend (by the way, what’s with those weird tattoos on their backs?). It was a sad scene, and her expression said it all. The scene is then interrupted by Lenoard Nimoy! Since next week is Nimoy’s last episode before his retirement, I wonder if he’ll survive Part 2 of “Over There.”
I can’t wait to see how it all ends.
-MP