Concentrate and Ask Again

In the episode, the Fringe division enlists the help of a troubled telepathic man (Omid Abtahi) in their investigation of a mysterious blue killing powder.

Walter (John Noble) suggests they read the man's mind to learn of any such plot using the ability of one of his undocumented nootropic Cortexiphan patients, Simon Phillips (Omid Abtahi).

Simon, who is unable to control his telepathic abilities, has isolated himself from the general population for two decades, but finds some comfort in not being able to read the mind of Olivia (Anna Torv)—a fellow Cortexiphan patient.

Realizing that the men are seeking revenge on those involved with Project Jellyfish, the Fringe team determines the identity of the last intended victim, a former military general running for public office.

In side plots, Nina has recovered different translations of the tomes about the First People, including one from William Bell's personal safe, and realizes that they all say the same thing in different languages.

[14][15] With 7-day out time shifted viewings taken into account, over 6.0 million viewers ultimately watched "Concentrate and Ask Again", including a 56 percent increase in the 18–49 age group, the largest percentage gains of any other show of that week.

I'm really digging seeing Blair Brown more often as Nina Sharp takes a more prominent role in the series, and I like how the writers are using all the tools in their toolbox (including Sam) to weave an intricate story and put new perspectives on characters we thought we knew well."

Entertainment Weekly staff member Ken Tucker called "Concentrate and Ask Again" the completion of a trilogy of episodes that "bring together a lot of the show's mythology.

"[7] Instead, Tucker enjoyed the smaller details in the episode, such as the room full of items owned by William Bell; he also praised guest actor Omid Abtahi's "marvelously anguished" performance.

"[17] Isler praised the final ten minutes for "provid[ing] some really interesting action" with Olivia's ending of the case, and the revelation of Simon's note in conjunction with Sam's knowledge of the First People.