Monday, August 20, 2012

Enjoying the Chaos of "Falling Skies": A Television Review ("A More Perfect Union")


Director: Greg Beeman.

Writers: Robert Rodat, Remi Aubuchon, Bradley Thompson, and David Weddle.

Executive Producer: Steven Spielberg.

Cast: Noah Wyle, Moon Bloodgood, Will Patton, Drew Roy, Maxim Knight, Connor Jessup, Colin Cunningham, and Sarah Carter.

The finale for Seas. 2 of "Falling Skies" literally ended with a bang. The battle between the 2nd Mass and the alien overlords seems to be shifting in favour of humanity. Meanwhile, a couple of subplots were developed with Anne forcibly admitting her pregnancy. Overall, this final episode seemed to incorporate a lot of story ideas and plot elements, which is different from the previous two episodes: "Death March" and "The Price of Greatness." Only the final scene, meant as a cliffhanger ending, seemed to falter.

In case you missed it, the 2nd Mass is a militia unit fighting off an alien invasion. They are now on the eastcoast in Charleston, South Carolina. Tom Mason (Noah Wyle) has grouped his forces with the American military (1st Continental Army) and with General Bressler (Matt Frewer). Bressler allows Tom and his men to attack an alien outpost, which intelligence suggests houses a powerful weapon. This intelligence comes from the skitters, another alien race. Thus, there are many sides to this story and it really is difficult not to laugh at it all.

The subplots in Epis. 10 seemed to be a little lighter than previous plot developments. Anne (Moon Bloodgood) is growing a little Tom Mason. This minor storyline creates a little tension when Anne and her baby are later threatened by an alien captive. The only other subplot of note involved Jeanne (Laci J. Mailey) wanting to aid her father, Captain Weaver (Will Patton), on his dangerous mission. A little melodrama ensued and soon the 2nd Mass was heading out to its rally point without Jeanne in tow.

It would be interesting to watch a newcomer turn on this episode before any others simply because there is so much happening in this showing. Previous shows have moved along at a slower pace. But here, events, conflicts and decisions finally come to a head. There are a number of conflicted interactions to note: Tector (Ryan Robbins) has to apologize for a previous shooting, Gen. Bressler has a bone to pick with the skitters after revealing that his son was murdered by one, the character Dai (Peter Shinkoda) might be mortally wounded from the attack and a new alien species has been introduced into the show. There is a lot to take in within the show's fourty-two minute framework. Some might believe this show is unfocused. Perhaps, the writers are just trying to build excitement for Seas. 3 as a finale should.

This sci-fi television fan enjoyed the quicker pacing of "A More Perfect Union." The writing here seemed more complex. As well, the dialogue, action and many conflicts kept this show interesting to at least one viewer. Karen (Jessy Schram) also continues to prove she is a villain to be reckoned with. Her alien abilities and sharp mind keep the 2nd Mass in peril. Only the final few frames seemed to fall flat. The introduction of another alien race into the show might muddy the waters further. Hopefully, this species has more to offer than the skitters. This latest alien introduction is likely to be more friend than foe. This would explain the overlord's weapon and to whom it was pointed.

In the end, there was some mystery created in this episode and a few thrills, as well. For a sci-fi alien invasion styled show, this is all anyone can ask. Let us just hope that Seas. 3 stays with this quicker pace compared to previous episodes in Seas. 2.

Overall: 7.5 out of 10 (lots of storylines being developed here, good conflict, believable animosity between Bressler and Weaver/Mason, weak ending, enough action).

More on this series can be found at the "Falling Skies" website:

The Falling Skies Homepage

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