Falling Skies – Boulevard of broken dreams

One of the reasons that I’ve been such a big fan of Falling Skies in its first season and a half was the separated, nomadic nature of the 2^nd Mass. Intentional or not, there are quite a few similarities between their plight and the challenges faced by another rag-tag group of human survivors. The arrival at Charleston threatens to change that dynamic while the members of this rag-tag “fleet” think back on what they’ve lost, who they were and most importantly, who they have become.

This episode was full of characters reflecting on what they have lost instead of who they have become. For some, it should be an easier realization than others. That Hal “needed some time to comprehend” who Maggie was before the war was more than a bit ludicrous. The eldest Mason son has experienced more than his fair share since the invasion – as everyone has – but his relationship with Maggie has been defined by both accepting the other for who they are. The first words out of his mouth when Maggie shared her past should have been about the person that she is today, and not who she was.

I’m not sure Falling Skies has ever shared a moment more heartbreaking than Tom’s breakdown in front of Anne. Matt’s making out a will was a more horrific moment than finding Charlestown burned, losing Karen or Ben leaving the 2^nd Mass. Since we’ve met Tom Mason, he has strived to keep his youngest son’s innocence intact; this season has seen it start to dissolve. What started out with Matt going out on patrol has slowly lead its way to the moment where Matt hands his father a will. Even his conversation with the young harnessed girl showed just how lonely the boy is. There are not many members of the 2^nd Mass with their innocence intact, making Matt’s story so much worse to see unfold. 

Another area that Falling Skies has shined is its development of secondary characters. I especially enjoyed the story arc that Weaver and Tector shared this week. Will Patton is such a talented actor and absolutely shines in these one on one moments. There aren’t many unbroken members of the 2^nd Mass; everyone has stories like Tector’s, but the post-alien-invasion world is one of new starts, and his conversation with Weaver finally provided the breakthrough moment for him to begin his. Lordes, too, is slowly recovering from her trauma, which is considerably more recent.

Falling Skies is rooted in several archetypal stories: a father protecting his sons, the resistance war against a greater foe … but one of the most resounding stories is the many characters moving past their previous lives and embracing their new ones.

Looking ahead to next week, though, I have my reservations on where the story might be going. The sealed-off, traveling 2^nd Mass has always defined this show. As the crew arrives in Charleston and looks ahead at what a new civilization might look like, will the show struggle at developing a new narrative — I’m looking at you Jericho Season Two — or redefine the what the show is all about. If there’s a science fiction show on the air today that’s earned the benefit of the doubt from me, it is Falling Skies, so we’ll see where the story goes.

Notes & Quotes

• I could actually chart out the parallels between the 2^nd Mass’ journey – and arrival – to Charleston and the trek to Earth(s) that the characters on Battlestar Galactica made, but I’ll spare you a trip into the 7^th circle of nerdiness.
• Who puts Pope on scout team with Hal and Maggie? What logic does that make?
• “There was a time when you felt differently.” – Pope
  “No, there was a time when I lied about it.” – Maggie
  “At least you’re consistent.” – Pope
• “I don’t know where Hell is, but I don’t think I’m ever going to see Ben again … and my nine-year-old just made out his will.” – Tom
• “I don’t know what to say to them …” – Weaver
  “I respectfully suggest you make something up … sir.” – Tector

Clacked by Ivey West
on Aug 06, 2012 @ 02:15 EST5EDT