By Kevin McDonough

September 09, 2008 6:00 AM
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The folks behind “Lost,” “Alias” and “Mission Impossible III” offer the new serialized head-scratcher “Fringe” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-14), a frightening look at a contemporary world where technology and unfettered corporations can make every nightmare come true.

Much like “Lost,” the series begins with a gruesome incident on a commercial airliner guaranteed to dredge up bad memories of 9/11. After the wounded liner lands at Boston’s Logan Airport (the departure point for many of the real 9/11 terrorists), a crack team of FBI agents assemble to see just who or what may be responsible for the horrifying results.

The action quickly centers on FBI agent Oliva Dunham (Anna Torv), a brilliant but long-institutionalized scientist; Walter Bishop (John Noble); and Peter (Joshua Jackson, “Dawson’s Creek”), Walter’s handsome son, whom Olivia cajoles into helping out.

As thrillers go, “Fringe” packs a punch. It presents a compelling if baffling mystery with cinematic flair backed by big-budget effects. But I don’t see “Fringe” replacing “Lost” on many viewers’ must-see lists. On a superficial level, the Boston setting just doesn’t compare to the lush island locale. And the mysteries seem more technology-related than character-driven. But it’s early yet.

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