Os
The Fringe team investigates a case of dead, floating thieves who have been stealing rare metals. Walter identifies traces of the elements osmium and lutetium in their blood, a toxic alloy that inexplicably creates a material lighter than air. Dr. Crick, an aerospace engineer, discovered the alloy and hopes to detoxify it in order to allow his paraplegic son to walk again. Walter realizes the strange properties of the alloy are due to further weakening of the prime universe as a result of his crossing in 1985, and determines that he must seek advice from William Bell. Believing that Bell had prepared to return through the use of "soul magnets", he strikes the bell that Bell bequeathed to Nina Sharp in his will. Simultaneously, as Peter is showing Olivia the five data disks he collected from the dead shapeshifters, Olivia is possessed by the spirit of Bell.
Tropes:
- Artistic License – Physics: Lampshaded, as Walter speculates that the sheer incongruity of the dense metals osmium and lutetium developing anti-gravity powers is proof that the laws of physics are breaking down in the prime universe. Can also serve as an Author's Saving Throw for the general scientific weirdness throughout the entire series.
