CliqueClack TV
TV SHOWS COLUMNS FEATURES CHATS QUESTIONS

Falling Skies – I’m calling these new guys Toothpicks

Just when you thought it was safe to think you knew what was going on, 'Falling Skies' changes things up. The Skitters aren't in charge, and they're wearing harnesses?

- Season 1, Episode 8 - "What Hides Beneath"


Sometimes, just as you think you have begun to understand the new world you’re living in, everything gets thrown for a loop. The Fighters and Civilians of the 2nd Mass thought that they knew their invaders, but in this episode of Falling Skies, they experienced their share of surprises.

The infamous “Episodes without Karen Count” is finally over. Though, her appearance was barely a cameo. It is enough to know that she is still alive, albeit it harnessed and in the service of the Skitters. It will only be a matter of time before Hal forces a rescue attempt. But what happens then? We’re already watching the story of two harness survivors … would a third really help this story, or would it hinder it? As much of a fan of Jessy Schram as I am, I’m not sure her story is going to last much longer.

I was concerned that Weaver’s story might have actually ended tonight. When he left Hal and Tom back at the crazy lady’s place (Played by Fringe’s Blair Brown), I thought it was a betrayal that might prove he’s finally slipped off the deep end. As he sat there, bottle in hand, telling Tom to save his son, I thought that might have been the end. That he finally has something to hope for is a good change for his character.

What is going on with the aliens? We learned (or didn’t learn, as the case may be) a couple of things tonight:

  • Anne’s autopsy showed that the Skitters are creatures that were harnessed themselves. Two implications: One: obviously is the concern that Ben and Rick are still at risk. Two: it might explain a little why the Skitters are exhibiting paternal behavior towards the harnessed kids.
  • The aliens, or the harnessed kids, may or may not have some mind reading capabilities. Rick’s drawing could have been of any street in Boston, but it is just a little too coincidental for my tastes.
  • Finally, and this is the big one, is the introduction of a new type of alien. Whereas the Skitters look like the bugs from Starship Troopers, and the Mechs look like Cylons, these new guys look more like the aliens from A.I. (I’m going with Toothpicks as a nickname for now, until Mason comes up with something better) Considering the way the Skitters treated them they are obviously a superior caste. Why, though, was the Toothpick with Karen as she was communicating with the turncoat?

Notes & Quotes

  • “Who the hell is this?” – Porter
    “Name’s Pope. You must be Porter, I’d stand and salute, but….” – Pope
    “Isn’t he the ex-con that fired on your unit?” — Porter
    “That was so three weeks ago.” — Pope

  

Photo Credit: TNT

14 Responses to “Falling Skies – I’m calling these new guys Toothpicks”

August 1, 2011 at 3:04 PM

. . . . .

For me, this was a spifficated episode.

I definitely enjoyed the interaction with Pope and the others. He’s such an ass.

I wondered the same thing about Weaver: Was this the end for him, a surprise turn of events? There were lots of indicators it might happen, but everything turned out unicorns and rainbows …

… well …

… as unicorny and rainbowy as can be had on Falling Skies.

I! Was! Thrilled! To see the autopsy of that Skitter and the discovery they are harnessed. Dog dug it. Cripes! The theories … the implications … something to bite into and think about. How cool was that?

I’m not on board with your “Toothpicks” reference. I’ve nicknamed them “Steely Dans” instead for many obvious reasons. (Though they may not be obvious to you or anyone else.) But! The thing that got me going was the one who was outside the door and peered through the keyhole: How did Mason not know it could see clearly through that keyhole? Thought reading? Awareness there wasn’t just one person behind the door? That whole exchange scared the bejeebers out of me … and I was thrilled because of it.

I’m champing at the bit for the wrap-up episode next week.

P.S.: Yay! Blair Brown … !!!

August 1, 2011 at 3:21 PM

I’m a fan of only one Steely Dan song, so the reference is lost on me.

However, major bonus points to you if you can tell me, in one guess, what song that is.

You must put some thought into it. There is a clear reference, if you know me, as to what it is. Search deep into you feelings, Luke. (Or, just try to figure out where I went to college).

August 1, 2011 at 3:33 PM

. . . . .

This has to be the easiest question I’ve answered all day:

Ricky Don’t Lose That Number

I can totally and completely see you replacing John Mahoney as he’s in his car, trying to sing the song in Say Anything

Screw the bonus points: Where’s my prize?

(P.S. If it’s East St. Louis Toodle-Oo or Barrytown, I’m going to shoot myself.)

August 1, 2011 at 3:35 PM

Not even close. I fricking talked about where I went to school. A Google Search would have killed you?

https://bit.ly/qch07e

August 1, 2011 at 3:40 PM

My Old School. Easy. Don’t waste my time. :)

August 1, 2011 at 3:40 PM

. . . . .

For what it’s worth, I knew my answer(s) were wrong as soon as I hit “submit”.

“No. You’re wrong, Michael. But … thanks for playing!”

August 1, 2011 at 3:54 PM

. . . . .

“I fricking talked about where I went to school.”

What? What … ???

I was supposed to be listening to you when you spoke … ??!?

Did I miss that memo … ?!??

August 1, 2011 at 3:43 PM

For what it’s worth (Now THATS a good song), I knew you were wrong the minute you hit submit, too.

August 1, 2011 at 3:33 PM

I really liked this episode.

What were the skitters before they were harnessed? Were they humans? If so, from where? Or, are the skitters just toothpick/steelydans/stick insects that were second class citizens harnessed to become the skitter dogs of the ruling elite. Very interesting.

The scene with the tea reminded me of The Book of Eli and I was really worried for a moment.

August 1, 2011 at 3:37 PM

I need to see Book of Eli again. For a couple of reasons.

I’m guessing the Skitters were another species that the “My Old School’s” assimilated previously.

August 1, 2011 at 3:44 PM

Perhaps. In any case this show is gaining depth. This is what I’ve been waiting for!

August 1, 2011 at 3:42 PM

. . . . .

LOVED Book Of Eli, bsgfan2003

August 1, 2011 at 3:48 PM

Me too, except for the tea scene! *shiver*

August 3, 2011 at 7:54 PM

I just assumed the skitters were humans that had been transformed. Hmm … I didn’t consider them being a different creature. I’m intrigued by the toothpicks.

I’m sad we only have 1 night of Falling Skies left for a while. But, at least we know we will get a second season.

Powered By OneLink