FALLING SKIES Lands on Its Feet
The last few minutes of season one left most of us asking, “What the heck just happened?” (Some might have used somewhat stronger language…)
And it was a justifiable sentiment, given that the last five minutes of the show came completely out of the bleachers past left field. The creative staff didn’t even know where it came from. Or where it was going. Yes, I know I said “it’s definitely a good last five minutes”, but I figured somebody on the show actually had a plan.
Well, new showrunner Remi Aubuchon had that question to answer, and he seems to have steered the writing into a path out of the corner.
This season, the 2nd Massachusetts is leaner, mobile, and missing a few faces from last season. Tom’s time on the alien ship gets a little bit of explanation that actually makes sense, and his return to the company leaves plenty of questions. Tom even suspects himself, not wanting to pose a threat to Weaver’s operation. And Pope is the most vocal about his suspicions (naturally).
Stories will also focus more on Ben’s development as a fighter and all-around resource for the group. Lourdes gets a boyfriend. Tom and Anne’s relationship will get more development this season, along with Hal’s position in both the family and the 2nd Mass. Since Tom’s departure, Hal’s been surrogate father for Ben and Matt, and that dynamic now shifts with Tom’s return. What is that going to do to the family dynamic between the brothers?
I like that the group’s on the move again. The first couple of episodes have a tension that the last half of season one was missing. Now the group is jumping at shadows, and staying alert to every possible threat – and everything’s a possible threat. Following the unseen “Battle of Fichburg”, where the 2nd Mass lost a lot of people, the group’s been moving like prey staying just one step ahead of the hunters.
The effects look a little stronger, and there aren’t as many of the “Hallmark” moments that drew criticism last season. Although thereare those emotional beats in the story (it’s Spielberg after all…), they’re not as sticky this time around. At least, not so far.
Season two starts off stronger than you’d expect, and if the writers are thinking things through, they should have a decent story to tell this season. Aubuchon says there will be more action in addition to the character moments, and the cast is all on board the “everything’s amped up” press train. From the first two episodes, it seems like that’s not a hollow promise.
