Here’s what TVOvermind is saying about Olivia’s mom being cast for season three:
“Over There, Part 2,” introduced some interesting storylines to the Fringe dynamic. Of course, there were the obvious ones, like Olivia being trapped in the alternate universe, but there were some more subtle storylines that were established. One of those was introduced in a scene between Olivia and her alternate universe counterpart (from here on referred to as “Altlivia”). Olivia noticed thatAltlivia’s mother was still alive, a striking difference between the lives of the two FBI agents.
Of course, the fact that they shared a mother in no way conjured the mercies of Altlivia, who soon engaged in a pretty hefty fight with Olivia. But the question remained: would we see Altlivia’s mother? She wouldn’t be the first alterna-parent to be seen on the show — alternate versions of Peter’s parents have been featured and reunited with their universally displaced son.
We will be seeing Mrs. Dunham, it turns out. Entertainment Weekly has confirmed that Altivia’s mother will be portrayed by actress Amy Madigan. Madigan, 59, is probably best known to genre television fans for playing Brother Justin’s manipulative sister Iris in Carnivale. She recently appeared in the medical dramas Grey’s Anatomy and ER as well. She’s been married to actor Ed Harris since 1983 and the two have a child together.
The casting call for Altivia’s mother described her as “lovely and together” and “deeply devoted to her daughter.” That’s a far cry from Walternate, isn’t it?
Now, of course this is only speculation, but I’m anticipating that she’ll be spending some time withOlivia in lieu of her daughter’s disappearance into the other universe. I’m anticipating her character’s arc — roughly four episodes, according to EW — to begin with harbored resentment toward Oliviaeventually ending with acceptance and even love toward her alterna-offspring. Great story opportunity? You betcha.
Fringe’s third season is set to premiere in September with the episode tentatively titled “Olivia.” I can’t wait. Can you?
Sam McPherson began writing for Walter's Lab in August 2009. He also writes for the sites TVOvermind, MovieOvermind and SpoilerTV, in addition to being an administrator on Lostpedia since March 2009. Sam's favorite shows are Lost, Fringe, Doctor Who, Flight of the Conchords, FlashForward, True Blood, and Monty Python's Flying Circus. Follow him on Twitter (@mcphersonator) or send him an email (sammcpherson@tvovermind.com).
