In the quiet town of Patience, Colorado, something otherworldly is afoot. “Resident Alien”, the SyFy TV series, has crash-landed into our hearts, blending humor, mystery, and a dash of extraterrestrial charm. Based on the comic book by Peter Hogan and Steve Parkhouse, this show takes us on a wild ride with an alien who’s more confused by human behavior than we are by his glowing blue eyes.
The Premise: Alien Among Us
Dr. Harry Vanderspeigel (played by the incomparable Alan Tudyk) is having a bad day. His spaceship malfunctioned, leaving him stranded on Earth. His original mission? To wipe out humanity. But fate has other plans. Forced to assume the identity of a reclusive doctor, Harry must navigate human life while keeping his true form under wraps. Imagine E.T. meets “Northern Exposure,” with a dash of “The X-Files.”
The Quirky Characters and Their Interactions
- Harry Vanderspeigel:
- An alien who binge-watches cable TV to learn about humanity.
- His fascination with human behavior is both endearing and hilarious.
- From awkward handshakes to deciphering idioms, Harry’s journey is a crash course in Earthling etiquette.
- Asta Twelvetrees:
- The nurse who unwittingly becomes Harry’s guide.
- Their interactions range from heartwarming to downright bizarre.
- Asta’s patience (pun intended) with Harry’s quirks is a highlight.
- Sheriff Mike Thompson:
- The town’s law enforcement officer.
- His skepticism about Harry’s odd behavior provides ongoing humor.
- Picture Mulder and Scully, but with more confusion and fewer aliens.
- Max Hawthorne:
- The mayor’s son who can see Harry’s true form.
- Their unlikely friendship is a mix of curiosity and acceptance.
- Max’s innocence contrasts with Harry’s otherworldly experiences.
Quotes That Capture the Essence
- Harry: “This is their home. I want to meet someone like me so maybe I can feel like I am home.”
- Asta: “Yeah, about that. Um, I spoke to Violinda at the party. She knows Goliath. Or did know him. Um, he’s dead, Harry.”
- Harry: “Goliath was dead as soon as he became more human than me.”
The Visual Style: Snowy Landscapes and Alien Glow
- The show’s scenic small-town setting—snow-covered mountains, cozy cabins, and quaint streets—creates a visual feast.
- Cinematic lighting shifts from warm indoor scenes to moody exteriors.
- Dr. Vanderspeigel’s mismatched wardrobe and glowing blue eyes add to the visual intrigue.
Comedic Moments That Land Like Meteorites
- Harry’s Human Interaction Mishaps:
- Handshakes, sarcasm, and dating—Harry’s confusion is relatable and hilarious.
- When someone says, “Break a leg,” Harry imagines literal leg-breaking.
- Max’s Alien Conspiracy Theories:
- Max’s wild theories about aliens and government cover-ups provide comic relief.
- Harry’s deadpan responses keep us guessing.
- Cooking Adventures Gone Wrong:
- Harry’s attempts at human cuisine result in spaghetti with ketchup and marshmallows.
- Asta’s reaction? Priceless.
Reviews and Viewer Reactions
- Roger Ebert praises the blend of humor and heart.
- Fans tweet, “I can’t decide if I want to be friends with Harry or run away screaming.”
Prospects for Season 3
- Good news! “Resident Alien” has been renewed.
- We eagerly await more alien absurdity, heartfelt moments, and perhaps answers to lingering mysteries.
In a world where escapism is needed, “Resident Alien” offers comfort, laughs, and a reminder that even aliens can find a place to belong. 🛸📺
Sources:
- Roger Ebert: Resident Alien Blends Humor, Heart into Effective Escapism
- NSF Magazine: 21 Best Resident Alien Quotes
- [TV Fanatic: Resident Alien Quotes](https://www
