 |
| One of the new and mysterious aliens seen in the Season One finale of FALLING SKIES. Images: TNT |
Expecting a quick and easy subjugation and pillaging of the planet Earth- its environment and inhabitants (specifically children)- those formidable and as yet to be properly named aliens of the popular Steven Spielberg executive produced sci-fi invasion drama FALLING SKIES failed to anticipate the long-term spirited courage, selflessness and overall ingenuity of the gathered human survivor resistance forces that, by the end of the shows first season, had dealt an unexpected and critical blow to the "Skitters" plans- led by the courageous military historian Tom Mason (Noah Wyle). It was a daring attack which made the alien force astonishingly pause to reevaluate their game plan in the face of such unusual and effective retaliation, and soon having them communicating, albeit threateningly with force of arms and human captives to back themselves up, with their human enemies, resulting in an unwilling Tom going into the heart of enemy territory, where his chances of return or rescue seemed unlikely. Where this unusual, game-changing situation will lead, and what further revelations may unexpectedly ensue, will surely be revealed with the return of the series, created by Robert Rodat, for ten more episodes (its two hour opener intriguingly titled Worlds Apart) on the American TNT channel later in the summer, from June 17th 9pm (and no doubt shortly afterwards in the UK on the FX HD channel, too).
 |
| Will Tom Mason (Noah Wyle) find a new chink in the aliens armour? |
 |
| Resistance fighters Captain Weaver (Will Patton) and Hal Mason (Drew Roy) plan new strategies. |
 |
| A pause in the conflict for Hal and plucky, machine gun toting Margaret (Sarah Carter). |
Ultimately, let's face it, there's nothing really remotely new or original about the show-it's definitely a familiar mixture of the grungy and almost hopeless post apocalyptic/action elements and last stand for humanity aspects witnessed in THE TERMINATOR saga, soaked up with the last legs of isolated humanity feeling that's prevalent to THE WALKING DEAD, but FALLING SKIES is enjoyable enough small-scale blockbuster TV fare which I'm glad got a second season. Early episodes in the premiere year were a little underwhelming and, despite a reasonably large budget, looked a little too filmed on the backlot for my tastes, but it soon picked up and found a voice to become quite involving, often with some good CGI and alien scare moments, whilst Noah Wyle became an effective and likable, often quite vulnerable, leading man/father figure hero, surrounded by a good enough supporting cast. For the new year, that supporting team gets some strong new credibility with the welcome inclusion of LOST/HAWAII FIVE O's Terry O'Quinn, who should add some fine acting chomps in his roles as one of Mason's former teachers. In fact, the actor is starting to get pretty good at playing human Yoda type roles these days!
 |
| Captured and alien harnessed teenagers work for the mysterious race in Season One. |
Season Two teaser trailer: Falling Skies Season 2 Trailer - YouTube
Look for more on FALLING SKIES Season Two on KOOL TV in the not too distant future.
Join the shows FACEBOOK site for more updates: Falling Skies
