Fringe: September's Notebook

During the fourth episode of the series -- "The Arrival" -- we were introduced to Michael Cerveris' character, who was referred to simply as, "The Observer." This occasional character was credited with the name "September," and he would play a pivotal role in important episodes such as Peter, The Firefly, and The End of All Things. He would also become a fan favorite. Little did we know early on just how much of an impact he would have over the course of the series.As he observed the Fringe team, he took meticulous notes, and fans long wondered about the content and purpose of these writings.When it was revealed that he was Walter's friend Donald in "Anomaly XB-6783746," he became like a part of the Bishop family to fans. As a father himself - to a special boy named Michael - he understood just how far a person would go to save someone they love. "It must be difficult.. being a father."I'd like to think that hidden deep within Walter's heavy coat was the notebook kept by his friend, taken into a future which would be altered; a change that would ensure his friend would have essentially not existed.This hefty tome is accessible to both casual fans and to those who are obsessed with every little detail of the production, story, and characters.As a highly-invested fan, the forward by producers Jeff Pinkner and Joel Wyman started me off on an emotional note, and also underscored just how seriously the creative team took this project. They brought us an unforgettable story and beloved characters, so the "Fringe faithful" fought tooth-and-nail to make sure that the intended conclusion would happen. It worked.Great thought was put into the organization and layout of the book.The first section of the book deals with the backgrounds for Walter, Peter, Olivia and other agents such as Astrid, Broyles, Charlie Francis, John Scott, and Sanford Harris. Massive Dynamic's origin, and the stories for William Bell and Nina Sharp, provide some insight into these two enigmatic characters.September presents the facts of events he had observed in the blue universe, red universe, and amber timeline; and he also makes his own personal comments and interpretations on what appear to be blue Post It notes.We get a glimpse of life for Walter when he first met Bell and when he married Elizabeth. The events from the episode Peter are given thorough observation, as are Walter's interactions with Olivia during the Cortexiphan trials. Walter's secret regarding Peter's origin is of particular concern to September, especially when it led to Peter returning to his universe of origin, to Olivia's entrapment and replacement by Fauxlivia, and to the use of the machine.The alternate universe receives similar treatment for Walternate, Fauxliva, Lincoln Lee, Charlie Francis, Colonel Broyles, Astrid Farnsworth, Frank Stanton, and Henry Higgins (the cab driver). Dossiers are also included for characters in the amber timeline.For each section, color-coded file folders contain case details for various Fringe Events.As a key component of the show's mythology, the Machine, and its effects, received visually stunning extra focus.My favorite pieces from the book deal with September's observations of the relationship between Walter and Peter, and that of Peter and Olivia. His words mirror my interpretations of the love that these extraordinary people shared for one another.Sadly, this book is not pure perfection, even coming from the viewpoint of an Observer. Some of the events must have come from another timeline, because they did not happen on screen as described in the book. Or maybe the Observer had the same issue that normal humans have when it comes to reporting events...For instance, the notes for Olivai's return from the alternate universe state that Olivia was pulled out of the tank by Peter when she made it back home (Entrada), and that they embraced.In the on air episode, Olivia came back to the blue universe while Peter and Walter were still dealing with the arrest of Fauxlivia. Olivia stepped out of the tank in Walter's lab and saw Astrid -- who was confused and then happy to see her -- before she fainted. Only then was she taken to the hospital. She later woke up to a relieved-but-terrified Peter, who was sitting by her bedside. He told her he was sorry (due to not knowing she was left behind), but she explained to him that he had no reason for being sorry, that if it wasn't for him, she wouldn't have made it. (Because she kept seeing projections of him and they acted a guide to remind her of who she really was, and why she was there.) Only then did Peter kiss her forehead, all too aware that her happiness would be dashed when she found out just how far she had been replaced...There are several more examples, but I'm not going to nitpick, because I am awed by everything this book got right.The importance of drawings and pictures has long been an interesting detail in Fringe. Examples include Roy McComb's drawings in The Ghost Network, Olivia's sketchbook in Subject 13, the drawing of Peter in the machine, the picture of Olivia, Peter and a child in The Day We Died, and the many times various characters have stopped to look at pictures of loved ones or at drawings.The creators of this book took this idea to heart, and the number of never-before-seen pictures and diagrams alone makes this book worth the wait and every penny.This book is overflowing with little goodies and extras from the series. Be prepared to be delighted by various pieces of cool reproduced "ephemera" from the show. These little pieces are mementos, much like the pictures and ticket stubs that Peter observed in the home of Alice Merchant in episode, 6B. They are proof that Fringe was real.The only thing that could have topped this would have been the inclusion of a mini Violet Sedan Chair Seven Suns album. Fans still wonder about that promotion, and what happened to all of those supposed copies...I own two other books from this publisher: The Complete X-Files and Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender. Neither are even half of what this book is. In fact, the X-Files book was a great disappointment as far a written content goes, because it was riddled with way too many annoying and just plain wrong errors about episodes, characters and mythology. As a fan, I expect an author who knows the subject... The few errors I pointed out here about September's Notebook were nothing in comparison, and the authors are highly knowledgeable of their topic and audience.Truly, I feel that the authors were powered by Cortexiphan as they seemed to know exactly what Fringe fans wanted in an endearing keepsake of this beautiful and heartfelt family saga, as told through the lens of a man who saw it all. Great genuine love and affection was obviously poured into this effort, and it made a tremendous difference.I am often wary of entertainment-based books because if I bother to buy such a book, it normally means I am a huge fan, and as such, I have high expectations. This book is what I expected and more. Another copy will be purchased and locked away in case anything happens to the copy I now possess.On a sentimental note: Even though September/Donald made the sacrifice of his own existence, as long as we have the paradox of his faithfully documented and illustrated notebook, he will be recognized, which means he existed.Plus, the last entry in the notebook is the very essence of Fringe, and our fandom learned that lesson well.Oh, and if you are curious about the small #CrossTheLine on the back cover corner, Google it and "Fringenuity."

If I had to sum up my reaction to "Fringe: September's Notebook" in one word, that word would be "Wow!"I can't say I was a fanatic "Fringe" follower during much of the show's five-year run. In fact, it took me a season or so to really get into it. Having cut my teeth on "The X-Files," so to speak, I was at first a little disappointed in "Fringe" when the episodes aired. But I later came to enjoy it very much. I grieved when the series ended and left a big black hole in my Friday night activity schedule. However, I have all the season DVD sets so far available, and I'm watching episodes on a semi-regular basis. I'm even more impressed the second time around."Fringe: September's Notebook" is an outstanding resource that has added immeasurably to my interest in, respect for and understanding of the series. I can't praise it enough. Having read the unanimous five-star reviews before my copy showed up, I had very high expectations of what awaited my eager perusal when I opened the Amazon box. As I carefully slit and then removed the protective plastic wrapper, I immediately realized the book far exceeded even my highest expectations! Visually, stylistically and physically stunning, the "notebook" is absolutely chock-full of "stuff" that is sure to captivate any "Fringe" fan. Crystal-clear color photographs adorn every page. I didn't count them, but there must be several hundred of them. The text is small and dense, and packed with the most detailed, esoteric information imaginable about the incredibly rich, complex and fine-textured "Fringe" universe(s), episodes, events and characters. Envelopes bound into the book contain some really neat extras. Tabbed card-stock dividers add a cool faux-FBI-file aura to the whole thing. There's no way any reader could possibly read and digest this book straight through cover-to-cover. Rather, read it slowly and savor it, a little at a time, like a fine Port. At least that's how I'm doing it--it's a perfect companion to the DVD sets, and I'm looking forward to literally months of enjoyment nibbling away at this invaluable tome as I work my way through the series again."Fringe: September's Notebook" is truly a remarkable achievement on the part of authors Tara Bennett and Paul Terry, and it celebrates a remarkable achievement in network television. An obvious labor-of-love that explores and reveals absolutely every aspect of "Fringe," the book is certain to satisfy even the most die-hard fan. I can't conceive of anyone who enjoyed the series having a negative reaction to it. It's hard for me to wrap my head around the amount of thought, work and devotion that went into creating this book. Every bit of it shows on the pages. I heartily congratulate the authors on their incredible accomplishment.To all "Fringe" fans, casual or rabid: you need to buy this book with no questions asked. You're really missing out if you don't. I give it my highest possible recommendation.