Fringe’s Walter Bishop is My Friend

by Nalts on January 16, 2009

A few weeks ago I was asked to review some episodes of Fox’s Fringe, and propose some ideas on how to promote the show via online video. At that point, I watched virtually no television beyond The Office and 30 Rock. But I became immediately captivated by the show, and voraciously consumed every episode via Hulu, Fox.com and even purchased via AppleTV.

I used to like Prison Break, House and Criminal Minds, but what differentiates Fringe is the distinct characters. Most particular is Walter Bishop, a scientist who has been in a mental hospital for 17 years. During my spinal surgery, there were moments where I was so medicated that I believe I thought Walter was real… and my friend. Walter is a modern Frankenstein that had an alleged toothpaste research project in a Harvard lab, and Walter’s odd statements bring some comedic relief to the otherwise haunting show.

 

Fringe Walter Bishop

Fringe Walter Bishop

Walter is played by Actor John Noble (you’ll remember his, perhaps, as Denathor from Lord of the Rings. This interview shows Noble’s tense pause as he explain’s Walter’s time in a mental institution, at which point we wonder where Noble ends and Bishop begins.

 

As I type, I’m working on an ode to Walter. I’ve been begging Fox to let me visit the set during a future production because I want to see Olivia’s eyes in real life, and see if Noble is as odd as Walter or if he’s a great actor (probably a little of both).

Here’s a clip from Fox that shows some of Walter’s finest moments. Feel free to dance along.

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