Why Season Two is so frustrating is because our first view of Olivia is one of a broken woman who doesn't remember any part of her visit on the other side. It seems her dramatic re-entry into our world has not only done some damage to her mind, but her self confidence as well, as a major focus of the first few episodes are all about getting her back on her feet. Of course, she does eventually get back in her groove, and we do eventually see her conversation with Bell, and it all leads to the revelation that a group of shape shifters from the other side have been infiltrating various people in the area in an attempt to bring someone, or something to our side.
Most of the season not only focuses on Walter (John Noble) trying to bring Olivia's long locked-away abilities back to the top again, as well as the full story behind Peter's (Joshua Jackson) origins and the details between a tragic time in Walter's past. In fact, the two story arcs, Peter's past and Olivia's powers, become very interconnected as both events lead to a falling out between the Bishops.
Overall, the season does a great job of pulling away from the weekly fringe-event episodes and provides many more concerning the overall story arc. While the first season did a pretty good job of setting up the universe(s), this one follows through and reveals the inevitable conflict between the two worlds and what kind of preparation Walter and Bell planned all those years ago.
Of course, Fringe: The Complete Second Season's Blu-ray release means the visuals are super crisp and the colors really pop, but the higher definition really shines in the explosion-filled season finale, as well as various lighter special effects sprinkled throughout the season.
As for special features, there is a lengthy special feature, "The Mythology of Fringe" that talks about where the show has come from, and where Season Two takes it. There is also the usual collection of commentaries, deleted scenes, a gag reel, and behind-the-scenes featurettes on select scenes from six episodes. Another good featurette is one concerning the show's props and is hosted by Noble and Prop Master Rob Smith.
There is one other special feature, an episode called "Unearthed." I remember thinking this episode was rather odd and simply didn't fit in Season Two since it clearly shows a character which dies pretty early in the season. "Unearthed" originally aired later in the season, but upon further research, it is obvious it was originally created for Season One, but for some reason got pushed back. So instead of putting it on the Blu-ray in the same awkward location, the people behind the release pulled it out of rotation and stuck it in the special features section.
Fringe started off as a good sci-fi series with hints of X-Files (look for the slight nod to the older series in the premier episode "A New Day in the Old Town"), but has really come into its own with Fringe: The Complete Second Season. If you haven't picked up this show yet, do so. It is well worth your time.
