Connect with us
resident alien 2.1.1
Photo: James Dittiger/SYFY

Television

‘Resident Alien’ season 2 episode 1 review: The pain of memories

Harry, our resident alien, continues to become more human.

The science fiction comedy, Resident Alien, returns tonight for an all-new season. When we last left off, Harry had a change of heart and decides to spare the Earth. He’s ready to head back home but discovers that Max has stowed away on his ship.

The season two premiere is used for closure to some of the previous season’s storylines while continuing others left in a cliffhanger. For example, the mayor and his wife seem to have solved their marital issues after their tussle with General McCallister’s minions. Their rekindled intimacy is fun for a few laughs initially, but the show goes to the well one too many times with regards to their sexual escapades. In addition, the allusions to Kate’s PTSD seems to run counter to everything else and the long running gag minimizes her mental state.

The main focus of Resident Alien is Harry gradually becoming more human. After returning Max, he has an insightful inner monolog on memories and why sometimes we suppress them. It is very poignant reflecting on how sometimes they prevent people from moving on. Instead, they look backwards to relive the pain of failure but can also suppress the pasts they don’t like.

“Old Friends” also serves as a refresher on all the different characters we grew to enjoy. D’Arcy and Judy Cooper continue their frenemy back and forths hurling pleasantries and insults. Sahar is still the plucky and bright young girl who helps Max out of his binds. With all the progress Sheriff Thompson and Deputy Baker have made, there’s a tease that things have reverted back to the status quo but the subplot plays into the themes of memories and regrets and deals with a loved one from Mike’s past that we might learn more about later.

resident alien 2.1.2
Photo: James Dittiger/SYFY

However, for an episode that is supposed to set the tone for a new season, there isn’t much definitive progression in the loose threads from the finale. Thompson and Baker are still investigating the real Vanderspeigle’s death. It’s absurd yet entertaining hearing the sheriff breakdown the murder but he’s not too far from the truth. Dr. Stone is missing and Lieutenant Logan, who was left behind, is squatting in his house. These are only reminders that these storylines are out there but nothing new is revealed.

The only real developments are Harry related. Of course, Resident Alien would find a way to keep his stay on Earth a little longer but the bigger reveal is that his people might send someone else to complete his original mission.  It would have been nice to catch a glimpse of another alien on their way to hype up the new narrative since mentions in conversations don’t have quite the same effect.

This episode serves as a nice refresher of the series and brings back the characters, humor, and exploration of humanity the show is known for. Though it feels more as an epilogue to season one’s finale rather than building the intrigue and excitement for what’s to come.

New episodes of Resident Alien air Wednesday nights on Syfy.

resident alien 2.1.1
Resident Alien S 2 E 1 Review: 'Old Friends'
This episode serves as a nice refresher of the series and brings back the characters, humor, and exploration of humanity the show is known for. Though it feels more as an epilogue to season one’s finale rather than building the intrigue and excitement for what's to come.
Reader Rating0 Votes
0
Reminder of the elements of the show that are so enjoyable.
Profound thoughts on the impact of painful memories.
The gag about the mayor and his wife's bedroom escapades go on too long.
Minimizes Kate's PTSD and mental state.
No real progression in the loose threads from last season.
6.5
Good

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024 AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup