Is weird in a pseudo-scientific sort of way.

I'm talking, of course, about Fringe, Fox's TV show about science, conspiracies, and just general wackiness. I started to watch this show in its debut season, but I think I may have been distracted by other things, as I didn't really think much of it after two episodes. Something pulled me back to it recently, however, and I rewatched the first four episodes of Season 1.

I'm hooked.

Not only do I enjoy a good conspiracy show mixed with a healthy dose of sci-fi, but I also really enjoy the interplay between the three main characters, FBI Agent Olivia Dunham, brilliant (and kooky) scientist Walter Bishop, and his son, Peter Bishop. These three are part of a larger group investigating a growing number of scientific anomalies which has been dubbed, The Pattern.

This show has just about every crackpot pseudo-scientific claim appearing in some form--from trans-dimensional travel to reading the thoughts of a corpse--with just the right amount of corporate and government menace thrown in. Many people compare it to the X-Files, and I think, in a certain sense, the comparison is fare. However, I see far more connections with another kooky conspiracy show--Millennium. Unlike the impenetrable and confused Lance Henriksen vehicle, Fringe keeps its audience mystification to a controlled pitch, offering just enough mystery to tickle the fancy of conspiracy buffs without drowning you in misdirections and plot twists that make it impossible to join in on the fun.

I'm now on Episode 7 and looking forward to the unveiling of more Pattern-related mischief. If you are a fan of sci-fi tv shows and haven't given Fringe a look-see, you really are missing out on something special.