The following contains MAJOR SPOILERS for "The Same Old Story," the second episode of the Fox series, "Fringe."

Weird science continues to run rampant in "Fringe" as mysterious murders plague Boston.

A serial killer with an appetite for prostitutes and extracting pituitary glands is the target of FBI Agent Olivia Dunham, crazed scientist Walter Bishop, and his son, Peter.

As the episode opens, a prostitute suffers severe abdominal convulsions after sleeping with the killer. Aborting the prostitute's murder in the choas of her spasms, the panicked killer dumps her on the street. She quickly finds herself hospitalized with a rapidly advancing pregnancy. As horrified doctors look on, she gives birth, her hyper-aging baby growing to adult size and promptly dying of old age!

In response, Agent Phillip Broyles hosts a classified meeting. The only attendee we recognize is Nina Sharp of the super corporation, Massive Dynamics. It's here where small clues to the foundations of "Fringe" appear to be revealed.

Broyles describes the mysterious birth as "another anomaly, whose mysteries and origins remain the sole purpose of this committee." Makes you wonder who are those other committee members. Dharma Initiative, anyone?

Later, Broyles reveals insights to Dunham, explaining, "These events appear to be scientific in nature and suggest a larger strategy, a coordinated effort. It has been referred to as 'the pattern.'"

Dunham's investigation leads into Walter's past. He informs her that rapid-aging experiments were part of his research decades ago. The project was spearheaded by the Department of Defense. Its goal was to cultivate soldiers, growing them for three years in a lab and deploying them for immediate service. Pituitary glands played a key role in the processes' science.

It's safe to speculate that a significant portion of "the pattern" is linked to past projects such as this, and the corruption and greed of the creative minds who initially brought them to fruition. Think Wall Street in a lab coat.

As the episode progresses, we are introduced to a rogue scientist who holds the key behind the episode's events, an eye-popping experiment to learn the last images seen by a murder victim, and Massive Dynamics' enticing attempt to pry Dunham from the FBI.

Could Massive Dynamics be '"the pattern's" source? It's certainly the easy answer.

What Worked

The undercurrent of larger events at work elevate the series with a welcome tension. It's good to see a simple mysteries of the week formula is not the only trick in the box. And Perter's medical history, and the last image of the show suggest tantalizing events are looming.

The relationship between Peter and Walter Bishop may be one of the best attributes of the show. Joshua Jackson and John Noble give outstanding performances. They're on track to deliver two of the Fall's most memorable characters. Noble rants, Jackson quips. It makes for an amusing mix.

Love those 3D location titles too. It may be simple eye candy, but like title use in "Heroes," it adds a nice signature to the show.

What Didn't Work

Dunham should consider seeking backup a bit sooner in the future or upgrade her firepower. She is confronting fringe science afterall. May I suggest an assault rifle and grenade launcher?

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

"Fringe" stars Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, John Noble and Lance Reddick. "The Same Old Story" was written by Jeff Pinkner, J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci; and was directed by Paul Edwards. "Fringe" airs on FOX Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET.

Bryant Griffin is the Lead Designer and a Staff Writer of Airlock Alpha, writing out of the Tampa, Fla. He can be reached at bgriffin@airlockalpha.com.

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