Olivia (Fringe)

"Olivia"
Fringe episode
Olivia (Torv) realizes she cannot return home to the prime universe, as the building they used for traveling has become filled with impassable amber.
Episode no.	Season 3 Episode 1
Directed by	Joe Chappelle
Written by	J. H. Wyman Jeff Pinkner
Production code	3X6101
Original air date	September 23, 2010 (2010-09-23)
Guest appearance(s)
Kirk Acevedo as Charlie Francis Seth Gabel as Lincoln Lee Ryan McDonald as Brandon Philip Winchester as Frank Stanton Andre Royo as Henry Higgins Amy Madigan as Marilyn Dunham Gerard Plunkett as Senator Van Horn Gabrielle Rose as Dr. Anderson
Episode chronology
← Previous "Over There (Part 2)" Next → "The Box"
Fringe (season 3) List of Fringe episodes

"Olivia" is the first episode of the third season of the American science fiction television series Fringe. The episode was co-written by J. H. Wyman and Jeff Pinkner, and was directed by Joe Chappelle. The third season spent its time alternating between the prime and parallel universes, and "Olivia" was placed in the latter. This is indicated in the introduction of the episode, with the same red screen used in the last season's finale, "Over There". "Olivia" follows the cliffhanger left by the second season, in which Olivia Dunham is trapped in the parallel universe. The episode explores the consequences of Olivia's abduction by Walternate, and her attempt to go back to the prime universe.

Though Fox was initially worried about an entire episode set in the other universe, they soon came to appreciate the storyline. The episode included the first appearances of guest actors Andre Royo and Amy Madigan, who would both appear in several later episodes. It first aired in the United States on Fox in September 23, 2010, receiving almost all positive reviews due to the combination of emotional storylines, suspense, action, and humor. Many thought it was a good indicator of what the rest of the season had to offer, while others appreciated the numerous popular culture references that set the two universes apart.

In the previous episode "Over There", Olivia (Anna Torv) and Walter (John Noble) used Olivia's ability to cross from the prime universe into the parallel one, where Walter's son, Peter (Joshua Jackson), was being kept. After dealing with their respective counterparts from the parallel universe, "Fauxlivia" (Torv) and Walternate (Noble), Olivia and Walter were able to successfully free Peter. As they prepared to return to the prime universe, Walternate ordered Fauxlivia to take Olivia's place, returning with Walter and Peter, both unaware of the swap.