Olivia (Fringe episode)

"Olivia" is the ninth episode of the first season of the Fox science fiction television series Fringe. The episode first aired on November 18, 2008, in the United States.

The episode centers on Olivia Dunham's (Anna Torv) increasingly blurred memories and perceptions as she struggles with the after-effects of her mental link to John Scott (Mark Valley) established in earlier episodes. Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble) and his son, Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson), attempt to stabilize her mental state using unorthodox methods, while Olivia continues to investigate a series of seemingly unconnected cases. These cases ultimately reveal a pattern related to a pharmaceutical company's experimental drug, Cortexiphan, which Olivia herself received as a child.

The main plot revolves around Olivia's deteriorating mental condition and her attempts to reconcile her fragmented memories with reality. She experiences vivid hallucinations and distortions of time, leading to confusion and paranoia. Her relationship with Peter becomes strained as she questions his motives and trustworthiness. Walter's unique understanding of the human mind and his own past experiences are crucial in navigating Olivia's mental crisis.

Furthermore, the episode deepens the mythology surrounding Cortexiphan and its connection to Olivia's abilities. The episode provides further clues to her childhood, hinting that she and other children were subjected to experimental treatments that may have granted them extraordinary abilities, albeit with potential psychological consequences. "Olivia" also explores themes of memory, identity, and the blurring lines between science and the supernatural, which are recurring motifs in Fringe. The episode concludes with Olivia seemingly regaining a measure of control over her mental state but still facing an uncertain future as she grapples with the implications of her Cortexiphan past.