Resident Alien has evolved as a series over the course of its first two seasons. What began as an extra terrestrial helping to solve a small town murder mystery has become a struggle for the existence of Earth between Dr. Harry Vanderspeigle and the Greys, an alien race planning to invade the planet. The season three premiere explores the good doctor’s plans for the impending confrontation.
Much of “Lone Wolf” delivers the same comfort that Resident Alien is accustomed to. There are familiar pairings of Deputy Liv and Sheriff Mike investigating a case, D’arcy and Asta even closer now that they are roommates, the Hawthorne’s domestic issues, and Harry being his quirky oddball self. The humor is consistent, but all the subplots are leading towards the new narrative with the Greys.
Just because there are many aspects that are the same, doesn’t mean it can’t be moving. The heart and soul of the show revolves around the close bond developed between Harry and Asta. Despite Harry’s desire to do things himself, he understands the importance and the power of community. His new friends are the reason why he decided to stay behind on Earth rather than fleeing with the alien baby, Bridget. The love he has for Asta shines through once again in the bumbling way only Harry can express.
The new elements from this season of Resident Alien look to freshen things up in interesting ways. Joseph, the Grey-human hybrid that’s keeping tabs on Harry looks to be a challenging adversary. He is cunning, cold, and appears to be less incompetent compared to the doctor. That’s why it’s curious that Joseph can be as unsubtle at times showing that the two characters aren’t too different. Add in a potential romance with Asta, and the newest resident of Patience can make everything complicated.
Then there is the different dynamic between Harry and General McCallister. After spending two seasons as enemies, they have become allies. It provides amusing opportunities to see Linda Hamilton’s comedic side whenever her character interacts with Dr. Vanderspeigle. For his part, Alan Tudyk keeps the actress on her toes in their scenes. However, as fun it is to see the actress who played Sarah Connor from The Terminator films let loose a little, it also takes away from the intimidating nature and presence that General McCallister built beforehand.
*SPOILER* We also have to mention how sad it is to see Sahar written off the show. She is a plucky, no nonsense companion the served as a great partner in crime for Max. At least she was given a moving send off, and man, has Judah Prehn and Gracelyn Awad Rinke grown up on the show.
The season three premiere of Resident Alien delivers what you’d expect from the series, while taking a slower approach setting up the threads for the new storyline.
New episodes of Resident Alien air Wednesdays on Syfy.
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