Resident Alien

Resident Alien is an engaging, amicable blend of science fiction, comedy, and mystery wrapped in a small-town drama. Premiered on Syfy Network in 2021, the show comes as a refreshing adaptation of the Dark Horse comic series of the same name by Peter Hogan and Steve Parkhouse. The clever show expertly combines elements of comedy, drama, and intrigue while not shying away from the darker undertones embodied within the narrative. Cleverly written and deftly executed, Resident Alien is centered around the character of an alien, played superbly by Alan Tudyk, who crash lands on earth while on a mission to wipe out humanity. Taking on the appearance of a recently deceased general practitioner, Dr. Harry Vanderspeigle, in a remote Colorado town, the alien reluctantly becomes the town's new doctor while waiting for rescue. As he navigates his way through his new-found life amongst humans, the alien finds himself torn between executing the mission for which he was sent to earth and the burgeoning affection he feels towards the human way of life. He initially struggles to comprehend human behavior, ranging from their doings to their complex emotional landscapes. Simultaneously, he tries his best to maintain subterfuge to avoid discovery by human authorities. The cast of Resident Alien shines, with Alan Tudyk's nuanced performance embodying the social awkwardness and deadpan humor of his character. Tudyk delivers a captivating depiction of the duality of the alien’s odd charm and alien mindset. His bond with the eccentric yet charming townies accentuates his struggle and offers a surprisingly warm sentimentality to the otherwise supernatural narrative. Joining Tudyk is a sturdy ensemble that includes Sara Tomko as Asta Twelvetrees, the empathetic and resilient nurse who works alongside the alien, and Corey Reynolds as Sheriff Mike Thompson, who is not easily fooled and has a larger-than-life personality. Alice Wetterlund plays D'Arcy Bloom, the town's steadfast bartender with an intriguing combination of cynicism and warmth, while Levi Fiehler is the town's well-meaning but slightly overwhelmed Mayor Ben Hawthorne. The interactions between the alien and these characters deepen the humor and complexity in each episode. The scenic backdrop of Colorado provides the perfect setting for the small-town life that unfolds during the series. The beautiful landscape contrasts with the bizarre plot and the subsequent mayhem, all of which are captured passionately with an eye to detail. The brilliant production design and costumes effectively depict the isolation and peculiarity of a small-town setting thereby fostering the quirky undertones of the show. At its core, Resident Alien is far more than just another sci-fi show. It is a story about an outsider trying to fit into society, a theme that resonates with audiences and strikes a chord with those who have ever felt out of place. It highlights how the most unfamiliar or alien situations or beings can grow on us. It resonates with the human ability to adapt, the power of connection, and our capacity for empathy. The narrative cleverly interweaves drama, mystery, and subtle political commentary with generous doses of humor. Given the mix of comedy and drama, Resident Alien takes viewers on a roller coaster of emotions. Each episode unfolds like a classic whodunit, surprising the audience with unexpected twists and turns, while the larger arc of the story keeps them hooked for the entire season. Resident Alien presents a lighthearted commentary on what it means to be human and the intricacies of human interaction, all veiled under the realm of extraterrestrial 'fish-out-of-water' dynamics. The comic delivery is not just confined to the dialogues but is well integrated into the overall directorial style, making the show a delight to watch. Overall, Resident Alien offers a brilliant fusion of comedy, drama, supernatural elements, and scientific experimentation. Its charm lies in its sweet yet quirky outlook on human nature through the eyes of an alien being. Whether one is a fan of science fiction, comedy, drama, or all three, there is something for everyone in this blend of genres that leaves you wanting more after each episode. Its idiosyncratic nature and unusually delightful premise make it a must-watch series.

Resident Alien is a series categorized as a new series. Spanning 3 seasons with a total of 34 episodes, the show debuted on 2021. The series has earned a mostly positive reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at 8.1.