Ep 4. Do Shapeshifters Dream of Electric Sheep?

Fringe season 3 episode 4, titled "Do Shapeshifters Dream of Electric Sheep?" follows the Fringe team as they investigate a series of murders that appear to have been committed by shapeshifters, beings who can take on the appearance of anyone they choose. As the team delves deeper into the case, they discover a connection to a powerful corporation that has been conducting illegal experiments on shapeshifters in an effort to create the perfect assassins.

The central character in this episode is Olivia Dunham, an FBI agent who is part of the Fringe team. Olivia is haunted by memories of her experiences in a parallel universe, where she met an alternate version of herself who had suffered through a tragic childhood. As Olivia pursues the shapeshifters, she finds herself grappling with her own inner demons and the toll that her job has taken on her.

The other members of the Fringe team are also on hand to help with the investigation. Walter Bishop, a brilliant but eccentric scientist who was once institutionalized for his wild theories, provides insight into the workings of the shapeshifters' biology. Walter's son Peter, who has a complicated history with Olivia, serves as the team's tech expert and provides a counterbalance to Walter's more whimsical tendencies. Meanwhile, Astrid Farnsworth, Walter's lab assistant, helps to keep everyone organized and on track.

As the investigation progresses, the team discovers that the shapeshifters are not the mindless killing machines that they initially appeared to be. In fact, they are part of a larger network of beings who are fighting for their own rights and identities. This revelation forces the team to question their assumptions about the shapeshifters and their role in the murder case.

The episode also delves into the theme of identity, both personal and collective. As the shapeshifters struggle to assert their own identities in a hostile world, Olivia and the other characters are forced to confront their own sense of self. For Olivia, this means facing her traumatic past and acknowledging the toll that her job has taken on her mental health. For the shapeshifters, it means fighting for their right to exist as individuals, rather than being treated as disposable weapons by a powerful corporation.

Overall, "Do Shapeshifters Dream of Electric Sheep?" is a thought-provoking and thrilling episode of Fringe that explores complex themes of identity, power, and morality. With dynamic characters, intricate world-building, and a suspenseful plot, it is a standout entry in the series that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.