The TV show Fringe featured a long-running love story between FBI Agent Olivia Dunham and Peter Bishop, and the timeline of their relationship isn't entirely straightforward. Initially brought together because of Olivia's professional relationship with Peter's father, Walter, the pair's story spans multiple universes, heartbreak, and – ultimately – a happy ending. However, because of Fringe's complicated plot, tracking the exact timeline of Olivia and Peter's relationship isn't easy.
As the Fringe trio of Olivia, Walter, and Peter works together to solve a series of cases, the Fringe Division uncovers a web of secrets, behind-the-scenes government machinations, conspiracies, alternate universes, and advanced technology that threaten to destabilize the very fabric of reality. Throughout the series, the team faces numerous personal and professional challenges and obstacles, grappling with betrayal, loss, and ethical dilemmas in the process. Through it all, Agent Dunham and Peter form a close bond, united by their shared determination to uncover the truth and protect humanity from harm. However, this intimacy is inevitably compromised by the show's antagonists and various complications. Here is the complete timeline of Olivia and Peter's relationship in Fringe explained.
Olivia & Peter First Meet In Fringe Season 1
Throughout Fringe season 1, Olivia and Peter chase crazy cases and develop a close working relationship as they investigate these bizarre cases together. This strong bond is based on their shared experiences and mutual respect for each other's skills. However, their relationship in the first season is strictly professional and platonic. Olivia is portrayed as a dedicated and determined agent who is grieving the betrayal and death of her former romantic and FBI partner, John Scott. Therefore, she is focused on solving the cases at hand rather than finding romance. On the other hand, Peter is portrayed as a bit of a playboy con artist with a checkered history of romantic relationships with women.
Despite this, there are some hints throughout the first season that there may be romantic tension between Olivia and Peter. For instance, when Olivia is kidnapped in season 1, episode 10, "Safe," one of the best episodes of Fringe, Peter reacts more emotionally than he would for just a friend. In general, Peter responds intensely whenever Olivia is in danger, and vice versa. Olivia and Peter's relationship in the first season of Fringe is focused primarily on their professional partnership, but there are hints of a romantic connection between them. While their relationship remains strictly platonic in the first season, the groundwork is laid for their relationship to evolve throughout the rest of the series.
Olivia & Peter Get Closer In Season 2 - And Then Fauxlivia Appears
Fringe season 2 opens with a distraught Peter standing over Olivia's seemingly lifeless body. He kisses her forehead in what appears to be a final farewell, but to his surprise, Olivia suddenly opens her eyes and asks for him. She recovers from her injuries, and she and Peter return to their normal working relationship, albeit with a deeper connection. Walter notices the growing closeness between Olivia and Peter, and in a Fringe quote more sweet than weird, Walter even asks Peter if he thinks Olivia will call him "Dad" someday. In season 2, episode 15, "Jacksonville," the two almost share a kiss before being interrupted by the need to save the world once again.
The revelation of Fauxlivia's existence creates a rift between Peter and Olivia, as the latter struggles to accept that Peter has been intimate with her doppelganger. Olivia feels betrayed and hurt, questioning Peter's feelings for her and, thus, the sustainability of their entire relationship. Meanwhile, Peter is torn between his feelings for Olivia and his attraction to Fauxlivia, with whom he has developed a genuine connection. Despite the challenges they face, Olivia and Peter's bond deepens as they work to overcome the obstacles presented by the alternate universe and its impact on their lives.
The Betrayal And Reconciliation After Fauxlivia In Season 3
Peter's involvement with Fauxlivia, one of the best television bad guys, causes a significant strain on his relationship with Olivia in season 3 of Fringe. While Olivia struggles with feelings of jealousy and betrayal, the growing romantic tension between her and Peter becomes more evident. As the season progresses, Olivia and Peter finally act on their feelings as the season progresses and share a ionate kiss. However, their relationship becomes complicated once again when Olivia discovers the truth about Fauxlivia and Peter's involvement with her. Olivia feels betrayed and angry, thinking that Peter should have known the truth about Fauxlivia. Eventually, she forgives Peter, and they start a real romance together.
Throughout the course of this season of Fringe, Olivia and Peter's relationship goes through various twists and turns, with alternate universes and timelines causing complications. In the alternate universe, Peter discovers that Fauxlivia had his son. In the Bad Future, where Olivia and Peter are now married, their happiness is short-lived as Olivia tragically dies. Fortunately, Peter and Walter are able to work together to prevent the destruction of both universes and ultimately succeed in preventing the Bad Future and Olivia's death. However, their victory comes at a cost as Peter disappears, and everyone seems to forget about him, adding another obstacle to their already complicated relationship.
Peter's Season 4 Disappearance & Reappearance In the Prime Timeline
The opening episodes of Fringe season 4 see Olivia struggling to Peter, who has been erased from existence. Meanwhile, Walter is plagued by terrifying visions of Peter, whom he also doesn't . The mystery deepens when a man claiming to be Peter suddenly appears in their current timeline, causing confusion and suspicion for Olivia and Walter. Fortunately, Olivia and Peter's connection is too strong to resist, and they eventually share a ionate kiss in season 4, episode 12, "Welcome to Westfield." However, the Observers are getting ready to invade, and Peter, fearing for Olivia's safety, makes the difficult decision to leave her again.
However, with the help of Walter and the Observer September, Peter comes to realize that he is actually in his original timeline and that Olivia's love and Walter's concern brought him back to them. Overjoyed and relieved, Peter rushes back to Olivia's side. The Fringe season finale, season 4, episode 22, "Brave New World Part II," sees the stakes raised even higher as Walter shoots Olivia in the head to prevent her from destroying the world. Luckily, Olivia recovers and delivers some excellent news to Peter: she is pregnant with their daughter, Etta. The season ends on a hopeful note as Peter and Olivia prepare for the future with their child.
Fringe Season 5 Gives Olivia & Peter A Happy Ending.
Olivia and Peter's relationship story in season 5 of Fringe is stable despite the significant challenges they face. The season begins with them living in a dystopian future where the Observers have taken over the world. Despite the situation, their love for each other and their daughter, Etta, is unwavering. As the season progresses, Olivia and Peter struggle to find their daughter, who the Observers took from them years ago. Their ultimately successful determination to reunite with their daughter and defeat the Observers, no matter the cost, highlights the depth of their love and devotion to each other. Sadly, Fringe was canceled before season 6 could explore their relationship more.
In the final season of Fringe, Olivia and Peter's love story reaches its satisfying conclusion. They are finally reunited with their daughter, who had been lost to them for so long. The family is shown to be living in a peaceful and happy future, with Olivia and Peter still together and in love. Throughout Fringe, Olivia and Peter's relationship has evolved and grown, and in the end, it is clear that they are meant to be together. Their bond has survived the many obstacles and challenges they faced, proving that their love is enduring and strong. Ultimately, Olivia and Peter's Fringe relationship timeline is a testament to the power of love.