While I can understand some people being upset with the reset, I didn't mind it. I liked how it changed some of the dynamics and kept the story fresh with new twists and surprises. Heck, who doesn't like Jarred Harris returning as David Robert Jones? That was a big plus for me.
So many stories, so little time.

I never understood the hate for the reset in the second half of the show. I kind of liked it myself. You are right. Astrid was underused in the show.

Like everyone else said I'm jealous of anyone that gets to watch this series for the first time. I remember being mesmerized and having seen nothing like it when I first saw it and couldn't stop thinking about anything but the show. It starts out as a Monster Of The Week show (first season mostly) while it's finding it's footing and then begins slowly introducing pieces of the puzzle that will become the overall arcs of the entire series. This is a show that requires patience and needing to watch carefully because if you miss something than you might get confused at some point.
Peter really is hesitant at first but then he grows to be a huge part of the Fringe team and family is a huge aspect of the show and the relationships are just as important as the plots of the series.
Astrid does get pretty involved a lot of times but she is probably the most underutilized character on the series and I'm guessing sometimes you;ll feel like she just got stuck with babysitting duty for Walter. Tht second half of the series is almost a reset of sorts and it's almost like a re-introduction and you meet another side of the characters you didn't know existed (literally).
Keep us updated!

You're welcome. Hope you enjoy watching the show.

Thanks, looking forward to joining the fandom.

I envy you as a new viewer. The show has great story telling and character development. There are two episodes that have to be watched out of order: Unearthed and Letters of Transit. Fringe is one of the best shows I've watched in years.

Wow, thank you for taking the time to type this for me
I made a note of those 2 episodes.
I watched "Bound" last night. I enjoyed it.

Hi. Welcome to the fandom. In offering my opinions, I speak only for myself, obviously. Having said that, here are a few thoughts for your consideration which I hope you will find helpful.
First, there is a mix of standalone and "mytharc" episodes but they are all connected.
Second, this is a serialized show. It's best to watch the episodes in order, with two exceptions. The first is season 2, episode 11 "Unearthed". That episode was actually shot at the end of season 1 and contains a massive continuity error because of a change in direction on the show. I usually watch it after season 1, episode 16, Unleashed. The other is season 4, episode 19, Letters of Transit. Please, do yourself a favor and watch it as the first episode of season 5. If you don't, then it will undercut the drama at the end of season 4. Episode 4:19 was a flash forward episode and was the production company's pitch for a fifth season. Please consider skipping it until after the end of season four. I can't explain why without spoiling things.
Third, this show plays a very long game. If you have seen the Pilot, then you have already seen certain things that will pay off in later seasons. Some of them are so subtle that you will only catch them when the entire show has ended. It has a very definite ending which makes sense. Repeat viewings will reveal many things.
Fourth, the characters begin and end in different places in their own lives and in relation to each other as they go through their experiences together. Each event has an effect on them. They grow and change as time proceeds. Each episode is part of that process. In previous posts I have offered tentative lists of the most important episodes but I really feel uncomfortable doing that. There are a few clunkers in the show but they are few and far betweenand even they have something in them that adds to the whole. Best to just go straight through and Fringe Binge. Trust me. I know I'm a complete stranger on the internet but trust me.
Finally, when all is said and done, I think you will find that the cast is outstanding. It is a marvelous troupe of players and they give wonderful performances.
Hope that helps and I hope you enjoy the show. I certainly have. I have been through it several times now and I am still finding new things.
Enjoy.
VP

I envy you, you are in for such a treat.