Our resident alien has found a nice family in Patience. They have helped him evolve and grow and understand what it is to be human. Despite this new Harry, he can’t escape his past in “Daddy Issues.”
Although Harry is from a different planet, his relationship with his father is a common one. An old fashion man disappointed with his soft son. You can feel the desperation in Dr. Vanderspeigle as he determines his next move. His arc is a nice balance of the silly and serious. He uses twisted and immature technicalities to find ways to please his father, and looks like the cat that ate the canary when caught by Asta.
More impactful for Resident Alien is his chivalrous side. We witness how much of a bond he has formed with his human friends. As much as he appears selfish and shallow towards those he’s closest to, they can count on him when the time arises. There isn’t even any sense of reluctance, just a hero rising to the occasion. His final words to the person he rescued are an intimate moment to learn his real feelings.
If there is one nitpick with Harry’s subplot is that guest star Stephen Root isn’t used to his best ability. He is a talented character actor with comedic chops. He serves his purpose as an antagonist, but there is the feeling that he could have provided more. It’s not entirely Root’s fault since the writing makes the character very one sided.
The other storylines are equally compelling. Resident Alien builds Asta’s mindset when both her best friend and father freeze her out in a way. Her people pleasing and mama bear mentality creates a feeling of longing. When her ex-husband gets caught up in Harry’s shenanigans, there is a tension as she contemplates the temptation to fill the void with Jimmy. The dialog plays off of the situation and her vulnerabilities, but luckily Asta doesn’t give in.
The most chilling moments come courtesy of Sheriff Mike Thomson and Deputy Liv’s investigation into the Mantid. It’s the expected humor as they try to get their suspect to slip up, with outlandish questions and verbal traps. But after all the fun and games, there is a terrifyingly reserved confrontation. For someone who is so confident and secure with himself, it says a lot when the sheriff gets shook. The amount of fear in his face sends shivers down the spine.
“Daddy Issues” expertly balances the comedy with the more serious key moments to deliver a compelling episode.
New episodes of Resident Alien air Fridays on Syfy and USA.
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