Despite being a big fan of science-fiction television fare, I never really gave "Falling Skies" much of a chance upon its initial airing. The main reason? I'm not into post-apocalyptic drama. Upon continuous pressuring from family members telling me how much I would like the show, I finally decided to give it a try. Boy, had I ever been missing some great television.
For a basic plot summary, this first season of "Falling Skies" introduces a group of survivors from the Massachusetts area who are engaged in a war with alien creatures that are trying to colonize planet Earth. The aliens (primarily mechanical robots--Mechs--and spiderlike crawlies---Skitters--) always seem to have the upper hand, and it looks grim for the survivors. Yet, as we get to know this band of resistance fighters, we discover that they have quite a human spirit burning inside them and will do whatever it takes to survive and endure.
Though the post-apocalyptic setting initially turned me off, rest assured that it is only in setting. "Falling Skies" is really a show that focuses on the "human element" of the drama, featuring strong characters and many moral situations that must be faced in the wake of the alien attack. Some of my favorite moments/characters from this first season include:
-Tom Mason (Noah Wyle), who could be consider the somewhat-central character of the show. A former schoolteacher now thrust into very much a military role, it is interesting to see how Tom adapts to this "new society" while still retaining the lessons of the past. Tom's relationship with sons Hal (Drew Roy), Ben (Connor Jessup), and Matt (Maxim Knight) also provide some great drama as he must balance his love for them with their usefulness to the war effort. -Captain Weaver (Will Patton), commander of the military forces. Over the course of this first season, his character easily makes the most dramatic strides. What you think might be a cardboard, one-dimensional character turns out to be the exact opposite! -Pope (Colin Cunningham), a drifter who pledges loyalty to no man but himself. Provides an interesting perspective on how certain individuals could interpret a world catastrophe.
Basically, what it comes down to is that I never should have doubted a show executive produced by Steven Spielberg. "Falling Skies" features come of the greatest science fiction scenarios ever put to screen, while also balancing out that action and unique scenarios with incredible human drama as well. With only ten episodes this season, the action has to (and does) steadily progress in order to get anything accomplished. Even though that seems like a relatively short run-time, a remarkable amount of character development and plot progression occurs from episode one through episode ten.
I compare "Falling Skies" very favorably to the remake of "Battlestar Galactica". Both shows touch on very, very similar themes, but while BSG did it in space, FS is grounded here on Earth. I will hit Season Two off and running as soon as I can!
For a basic plot summary, this first season of "Falling Skies" introduces a group of survivors from the Massachusetts area who are engaged in a war with alien creatures that are trying to colonize planet Earth. The aliens (primarily mechanical robots--Mechs--and spiderlike crawlies---Skitters--) always seem to have the upper hand, and it looks grim for the survivors. Yet, as we get to know this band of resistance fighters, we discover that they have quite a human spirit burning inside them and will do whatever it takes to survive and endure.
Though the post-apocalyptic setting initially turned me off, rest assured that it is only in setting. "Falling Skies" is really a show that focuses on the "human element" of the drama, featuring strong characters and many moral situations that must be faced in the wake of the alien attack. Some of my favorite moments/characters from this first season include:
-Tom Mason (Noah Wyle), who could be consider the somewhat-central character of the show. A former schoolteacher now thrust into very much a military role, it is interesting to see how Tom adapts to this "new society" while still retaining the lessons of the past. Tom's relationship with sons Hal (Drew Roy), Ben (Connor Jessup), and Matt (Maxim Knight) also provide some great drama as he must balance his love for them with their usefulness to the war effort. -Captain Weaver (Will Patton), commander of the military forces. Over the course of this first season, his character easily makes the most dramatic strides. What you think might be a cardboard, one-dimensional character turns out to be the exact opposite! -Pope (Colin Cunningham), a drifter who pledges loyalty to no man but himself. Provides an interesting perspective on how certain individuals could interpret a world catastrophe.
Basically, what it comes down to is that I never should have doubted a show executive produced by Steven Spielberg. "Falling Skies" features come of the greatest science fiction scenarios ever put to screen, while also balancing out that action and unique scenarios with incredible human drama as well. With only ten episodes this season, the action has to (and does) steadily progress in order to get anything accomplished. Even though that seems like a relatively short run-time, a remarkable amount of character development and plot progression occurs from episode one through episode ten.
I compare "Falling Skies" very favorably to the remake of "Battlestar Galactica". Both shows touch on very, very similar themes, but while BSG did it in space, FS is grounded here on Earth. I will hit Season Two off and running as soon as I can!