Join us for our Fringe Summer re-watch, where we review every episode of Fringe during the summer hiatus. Comments are welcome as we dig into the connections made over three seasons.Episode 319, entitled "Lysergic Acid Diethylamide," which will be referred to from here on out as "LSD," is a real trip. Literally! This "little family unit" as Peter calls the 3 of them in episode 216: himself, Walter, and Olivia, really go places in this episode, all while seated in the triangle seen in the above photo. (We know Fringe creator JJ Abrams loves triangles, but it's interesting to see one literally here.)
A Little History On Lysergic Acid Diethylamide(LSD)
First synthesized by Albert Hofmann in 1938 this drug was used to treat psychiatric disorders.
It is from the ergot family. Ergot is a fungus that grows on grains, most commonly on rye. Sandoz Pharmaceuticals introduced a prescription form of it called Delysid, in 1947, and it was very promising in the medical world.
Interestingly, the CIA thought it might be helpful in chemical warfare and mind control in the 1950's and gave it to soldiers and civilians as part of the 'MKULTRA Program'(remember I mentioned that in my commentary on "Of Human Action"?)
Apparently it was used widely for recreational purposes in the 1960's which led to a political uprising and then its restriction. Today there a few groups who still study its medical applications in controlled trials.
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