Harry has been battling with the physical prison that is his human body this season on Resident Alien. Last week, he received a tip on how he could regain his powers, but it could come at a great cost.
As teased before, General McCallister played a prominent role. We discover where she went off to following the season three finale. It involves some time traveling shenanigans, which Resident Alien has some fun with. The outfits, jargon, and era lifestyle differences play with the silliness of the series. However, the time travel does muddle the narrative a bit since it’s not always clear when the scenes are taking place, and the period gags can sometimes go overboard and be a distraction from the story.
With the Mantid taking a new form, the show introduces a well executed horror element. There are moments of suspense and scares serving as a change of pace. It also has utilizes some campy B-film tropes that add to the fun. It also helps that the inner monolog is voiced by a chilling Clancy Brown.
Unfortunately, both storylines play out through narrative conveniences that don’t feel earned. Granted the world of Resident Alien has technology more complex than the real world, but the extra terrestrial tech can’t be some magic bullet that allows anything like time travel. On the other end is the Mantid resolution. It comes out of left field with no build whatsoever. Though it brings with it intrigue, the timely manner comes off as lazy writing.
But there are other aspects of the episode that are enjoyable. For a series adapted from a comic book, it was nice to see the homages and references to the medium as a whole. The use to tell an old native folk tale helps bring it into the modern age. It is also fitting that the hang out for alien club is a local comic book shop. Where else would nerdy kids congregate to discuss such matters. You’re also reminded that Bridget is young like them when they share the same enthusiasm.
Resident Alien also delivers a moving emotional punch. First there is Harry’s struggle with his vulnerability. It’s the most human the character has come off as with his insecurities and fears. Though the standout is the conclusion to General McCallister’s current arc. For as tough and intimidating she has been, she has always been fueled by a love for her father, who was scorned for his beliefs of aliens. The speech and kind words she gives her younger self display how much she has grown and developed in the literal full circle moment. It may not have ended the way she wanted, but she has the ability to let go.
“Ties That Bind” suffers from too many narrative conveniences, but delivers an emotional punch.
New episodes of Resident Alien air Fridays on Syfy and USA.
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