The Syfy original series, Resident Alien, featuring the talented Alan Tudyk, initially showed great promise, delighting fans and sci-fi enthusiasts alike with its quirky premise. However, as the show progressed, it began to lose its way, leading to a decline in popularity and leaving viewers wondering what went wrong.
The Good: A Positive Representation of Native American Culture
One of the strengths of Resident Alien was its portrayal of the Inuit community, offering a refreshing change from the usual Hollywood misrepresentations of Native Americans. The show provided a more humane and holistic view of the first Americans, highlighting their vibrant culture and significant contributions. This representation was a commendable step towards inclusivity and diversity in television.
The Bad: Struggling with Tone and Themes
Resident Alien’s struggle with tone became apparent as it attempted to blend humor with serious themes such as poverty, abortion, divorce, adoption, and drug addiction. The show’s efforts to infuse comedy into dramatic situations often felt forced, leading to an uneven delivery that left viewers uncertain about the intended tone. The constant shift between light-hearted humor and somber moments created a rollercoaster effect, making it challenging for the audience to fully connect with the story.
The Ugly: A Disjointed Plot and Character Development
The central plot of Earth’s impending destruction seemed overshadowed by the show’s attempts at slapstick humor and fish-out-of-water moments. While the initial ratings were high, the series struggled to maintain its momentum as the narrative became muddled with additional family drama, adoption storylines, and drug-related subplots. The introduction of an opposing alien force also appeared to be a missed opportunity, leaving a void in the overall plot and character development.
The Decline: Losing Its Way in Season 2
As season 2 unfolded, Resident Alien’s decline became evident. While the titular character remained funny and captivating, entire scenes played out without Alan Tudyk’s presence or some main characters from the first season. The decision to change the alien’s initial plan (to destroy or enslave humans) at the end of season 1 left some viewers disheartened, impacting the show’s trajectory in the following season. The need for a re-envisioning or a complete reboot has become apparent as the show seems to have lost its clear direction.
In conclusion, Resident Alien started strong with a unique premise and positive representation of Native American culture. However, it struggled to strike the right balance between humor and serious themes, resulting in a disjointed and uncertain tone. As the plot veered away from its initial focus and character development faltered, the series lost its way and failed to maintain its initial charm. A reevaluation or a fresh approach might be necessary to bring Resident Alien back to its former potential.