Jacksonville (Fringe)

In the episode, Olivia is forced to recount her time spent as a child in tests conducted by Walter to regain the ability to see objects that have been influenced by the parallel universe and prevent the deaths of innocents.

Agent Broyles (Lance Reddick) provides a cover story of an unexpected controlled demolition to explain the disappearance of the hotel.

Wyman released a joint statement about its plot, "Along with the usual mystery, suspense, science and general wackiness, the episode contains one big answer, the consequences of which will affect our team for the remainder of the season and beyond.

"[2] Also in the commentary, Pinkner added that for the episode's final scene, "We knew it would be in the back third of the season that we would really acknowledge for Olivia that Peter came from the Other Side.

[2] Commenting on Peter's secret origins affecting their relationship, actress Anna Torv stated in an interview with Digital Spy that "Jacksonville" is "the episode that pushes us forward with a huge amount of momentum towards the end of the season.

"[4] "Jacksonville" was the first episode of Fox's initiative with Science Olympiad to release lesson plans for grade school students.

Each lesson would relate to the week's particular science; in "Jacksonville"'s case, the intention was for "Students [to] learn about earthquakes of different magnitudes, as well as their impact on buildings and how it can be mitigated.

"[5] Jeff Pinkner commented, "Everything we do is grounded in some version of authentic fringe science and what scientists believe is possible," and was pleased to be a part of "anything that can help invest kids in learning.

"[6] On its initial American broadcast on February 4, 2010, "Jacksonville" was watched by an estimated 7.76 million viewers, gaining a 2.8 ratings share for those aged 18–49.

[10] Ken Tucker from Entertainment Weekly loved "Jacksonville", believing it to be a "tremendously moving, startling episode" and "one of [Fringe's] finest hours".

"[11] In addition, Stegall praised Olivia's dream sequence and subsequent accusation of Walter, the inclusion of Massive Dynamic as allies, Broyles' role as "support" rather than "the usual role of Plot Obstacle," and the science behind the episode ("The very fact that we can have two different yet legitimate quantum physics explanations on a television drama is, in itself, cause for applause.").

[11] She concluded her review by noting Anna Torv has made "the most progress" in her performance, evolving from "downright wooden in the first year" to "carrying the role with grace and strength.