It's very rare that a show on T.V. will really capture my attention. I'll turn on TBS or whatever if I'm looking for a good laugh, but it's been quite a long time since an original and compelling series got me hooked. However, last year on TNT, Falling Skies did exactly that.
Created by Robert Rodat, this sci-fi series starring Noah Wyle, takes place in a post apocalyptic society in which extraterrestrials have launched a full scale invasion of Earth. Leading a human resistance, a history teacher named Tom Mason (Wyle) seeks to liberate the planet from this otherworldly threat. With the help of his three sons and his good friend Captain Weaver (Will Patton), this band of freedom-fighters poses a significant challenge to their alien opponents.
In this new season, the stakes are continually increasing as Tom's middle son Ben (Connor Jessup) remains traumatized from being enslaved by their enemies. There is also tensions among various members of the resistance. Although a loose alliance remains between them and the hot headed vigilante type figure John Pope (Colin Cunningham), Captain Weaver remains unable to trust the gunslinger. Then, in a climactic sequence in part two, a parasite infects Tom and causes him to behave in an uncontrolled manner. Although his allies are able to remove it, the strange substance escapes their clutches, and it is uncertain as to where it will strike next.
What I really liked about this episode, and about the series in general, is the psychological factors it examines regarding human nature. We see how the aliens' greatest weapons are fear and hatred. Beyond the explosive battle sequences and special effects, the show is an accurate depiction of how we ourselves would react in the midst of a hostile environment. Tom's character is the ideal model of leadership, as his courage and strength enable him to invoke a spirit of hope among the resistance members. Now, as the battle is heating up, the fate of humanity will depend on the faith of these survivors. The artistic manner in which this show is presented puts it right up there with Star Trek and Firefly. Hence, with a great script, an all star cast, and brilliantly executed visual effects, Falling Skies is definitely one I'll be watching throughout the summer.
No comments:
Post a Comment