Resident Alien returns this evening picking up where we last left off during the midseason finale. The dramatic effects will have long lasting repercussions that “Autopsy” sets the stage for. It looks like the Patience crew will have more drama in their future.
The death of the Galvan/Powell Group operative has different effects on Harry and Asta. The former’s reaction plays to the comedic side as he gains a sense of invincibility. On the other hand, the latter is having a tough time coming to terms with killing a person. It is clearly a traumatic experience and her guilt is preventing the cover up. It places the pair’s relationship in an intriguing position. Harry’s well-intentioned gesture leads to more complications in Asta’s personal life. Poor timing when things were beginning to turn around for her.
Another person who survived a gunshot is Lieutenant Logan. His story takes an unexpected turn in Resident Alien because he is now reteaming with General McCallister. It’s an uneasy alliance considering how ruthless his former boss can be and it will only last as long as the general finds it useful. Though the alien silver ball becomes an item of interest and there are more questions regarding its effects on the human physiology. In addition, Logan’s assailant might further tie into the other alien threat on Earth.
There is a mixed reaction to the aforementioned shooting cover up of the Galvan/Powell Group guy. How quickly and calmly D’arcy takes control of the situation is impressive and reinforces her dedication and loyalty to her friends. That’s why it’s nice later in the episode that she successfully reconnects with a former love interest.
However, Mayor Hawthorne continues to be the least likeable character on Resident Alien. His weak attempt to pass off the murder investigation to Jessup shows what kind of simple-minded snake in the grass person he can be. It’s naïve to think that one dead body will tarnish the reputation of the neighboring rival town. However, it also throws a monkey wrench into our heroes’ plans.
At least Sheriff Mike Thompson and Deputy Liv aren’t so easily deterred. Hopefully their investigation will shed more light on the Galvan/Powell Group and their shady dealings. It took a season and a half to figure out who really killed Dr. Hodges but we still would like to know why. One good thing to come from the mayor’s meddling is the introduction of Lena Torres, Jessup’s detective. She seems to be a worthy adversary to Mike and Liv and it will be peculiar to observe a little proxy war of the two towns through their law enforcement officers.
These are all appealing narrative threads to explore moving forward but it feels a lot was packed into “Autopsy.” I didn’t even mention how Liv is paving the way for Terry O’Quinn’s Peter Bach, the alien tracker, to return (although we know he comes back from the trailer). It works to have all this set up in the first episode back but Resident Alien would benefit of slowing things down and allowing each subplot to breathe and develop.
The latter half of the second season lays the ground work for some interesting directions for the show to go involving inner personal conflicts, murder cover ups, and an unlikely alliance.
New episodes of Resident Alien air Wednesday nights on Syfy.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login