 " A New Day in the Old Town " is the season premiere and first episode of the second season of the American science fiction drama television series Fringe , and the 21st episode overall . It was co @-@ written by J.J. Abrams and Akiva Goldsman , with Goldsman directing . The episode followed the aftermath of Olivia 's journey to the parallel universe in the last season 's finale , while also introducing the idea of shapeshifters . It guest starred actors Luke Goss , Ari Graynor , Meghan Markle , and Tegan Moss . 
