Resident Alien enjoys exploring the human condition through the lens of its protagonist, who is not of this planet. So far, many of the themes covered have been pretty universal amongst people but in tonight’s episode, Harry learns about the inequality between men and women.
“Girl’s Night” resolves the issues from the previous cliffhanger with the sheriff and deputy confused by the presence of two Astas. Similar to Harry’s amnesia problem, the conflict is quickly solved in a too convenient of way. The protagonist has powers we never knew before, which could have been helpful in the past as well but he only uses it now. In addition, the conclusion to Dr. Hodges’ murder is unsatisfying since there’s no real motive for the real Harry and as Asta mentions, there is still an innocent woman in jail for the crime: Abigail Hodges.
The outcome also plays counter to the opening Liv-centric flashback. She is excited by the possibilities after her own experience with an extra-terrestrial visitor. The town deputy finally has her affirmation that we are not alone but it’s taken away from her just like that. At least the scene also reinforces the types of struggles and mistreatment she’s had to endure her entire life as well as her close relationship with Asta.
Previously, our resident alien had agreed to build a device to phone home and convince them not to destroy Earth. Though Harry is very ingenuitive, the limited technology complicates creating a long-distance communicator. Lucky for him, the brilliant laser physicist, Carlyn (Alex Borstein), comes into his life. The cousin of the mayor’s wife has exactly what he needs back in her laboratory.
We receive a very hilarious and entertaining courtship. From their very first meeting, the sexual tension is so palpable. Tudyk and Borstein have great chemistry together and you can’t take your eyes off of the quirky, awkward, yet eerily hot flirtations between them. It’s one of the more unique and energetic seductions.
The entire episode, Asta has constantly brought up Harry’s lack of empathy and his inability to comprehend what women go through. He can relate a little now after morphing into Carlyn and heading to her lab to retrieve some items. Obviously, the anatomy is different to what he’s accustomed to but more importantly he experiences harassment first hand. At least the real Carlyn will receive more respect next time she goes to work.
Elsewhere, the ladies of Resident Alien have the titular gathering starting at The 59. It’s empowering to have all these strong women providing support to one another but disheartening to hear the things they had to give up to get to this point. Not to mention all the comical drunken shenanigans they get into. But they do have each other’s back and have a new cause to get behind: equal pay. However, the show is beginning to build some friction between BFFs, Asta and D’arcy, with the latter having a closer relationship with Jay than her real mom.
Even Sahar isn’t immune to unwanted passes when she helps her friend figure out his extra testosterone problems. It’s about time they finish the hairy Max gag especially since hair is starting to grow in places covered by clothes. That could have gotten a lot messier especially since their kids. And who thinks that final orb won’t be important later in the season?
The pair did discover the camper of General McCallister’s agents which lead us to catch up with Lieutenant Logan and see what he’s up to. Resident Alien is bringing his storyline along slowly, which is find considering how much is still going on in the different narratives. He serves as a reminder that there are still people after Harry and maybe Logan has switched sides after being left to fend for himself. It will be interesting to learn more about his motivations this season.
“Girl’s Night” is carried by the performances and chemistry between its star and guest, Alex Borstein, while covering inequality in a way consistent with the show.
New episodes of Resident Alien air Wednesday nights on Syfy.
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