Resident Alien: About the Show | Source Material | Alan Tudyk | Linda Hamilton
While toying with the idea of rewatching the “Psych” TV series again for the third (OK maybe fourth) time, I stumbled across “Resident Alien” on Peacock, and was hooked from the get-go.
With its quirky mix of mystery, sarcastic dark humor, small-town charm, and aliens – how can you go wrong?
The Alien in Disguise
Resident Alien’s core premise revolves around a crash-landed extraterrestrial grappling with the moral complexities of his undercover mission. (Spoiler alert – he’s here to destroy all humans.) Set against the backdrop of the serene town of Patience, Colorado, this alien takes on the identity of a local doctor, initiating a cascade of events that are both dark and comical.
The name of the alien is unpronounceable by human standards, so he goes by the name of Harry Vanderspeigle. But if you wanted to try to say his alien name it sounds like Hrr’gll’xth’n’rr’k. (Sure it might be a little more difficult to say than Zaphoid Bebblebrox, but give it a go.)
In this quirky sci-fi dramedy “Resident Alien,” Alan Tudyk takes center stage as town doctor Harry Vanderspeigle. He learns “to be human” by watching “Law and Order” and mimicking the late, great Jerry Orbach. (I was today years old when I learned the Dun-Dun sound that is synonymous with the “Law and Order” franchise – was formed, in part, from 500 Japanese men stamping their feet on a wooden floor during a massive Kabuki event.)
The plot takes a twist and puts Harry’s clandestine mission at riswhen he discovers that a 9-year-old boy named Max (played by Judah Prehn), can see his true alien form. As he navigates the challenges of fitting into human society, Harry finds himself entangled in solving a local murder, prompting a gradual moral awakening about the worthiness of humanity. This delightful series weaves humor and drama that keeps viewers entertained with its unique blend of genres.
Source Material: From Comic Book to TV Screen
“Resident Alien” traces its roots back to a Dark Horse comic series of the same name, the brainchild of Peter Hogan and Steve Parkhouse. The show, developed by “Family Guy” alum Chris Sheridan, pays homage to the original comic while introducing its own unique twists. Adapting a tale that began in 2012, the show reflects the source material’s enduring appeal, comprising around 30 issues across seven volumes.
The Slightly Stilted Yet Charismatic Alien
Alan Tudyk, leads the stellar cast of “Resident Alien”. This versatile and charismatic actor is leaving an indelible mark in the world of entertainment with a myriad of memorable performances. Born on March 16, 1971, in El Paso, Texas, Tudyk’s journey in the entertainment industry has been marked by his ability to seamlessly transition between genres. Whether charming audiences with his comedic timing in “Firefly“ and “Tucker & Dale vs. Evil“ or lending his voice to the iconic animated character Duke Weaselton in “Zootopia,” Tudyk’s talent knows no bounds. His role as the titular extraterrestrial in “Resident Alien” showcases his knack for infusing humor into diverse characters, adding a space invader twist to his already impressive repertoire.
While some critics argue the series has a few too many side stories going on, I contend the multiple storylines are necessary for Harry to fully experience and understand the many depths of human emotions and challenges. The narrative weaves various aspects of the human experience including marriage struggles, small-town issues, office politics, and navigating difficult friendships.
Throughout these scenarios, Asta Twelvetrees is a guiding hand helping Harry to better interpret what his alien brain finds difficult to process. Asta is played by Sara Tomko who you may recognize from her appearances on “Sneaky Pete” and “The Leftovers.”
Holy Flip is that Linda Hamilton?!?
“Resident Alien” brings an electrifying sense of anticipation and excitement to the series introducing powerhouse Linda Hamilton in season one, episode six “Sexy Beast”. Having left an indelible mark on cinematic history with her iconic portrayal of Sarah Connor in the “Terminator” franchise, Hamilton is no stranger to thrilling and action-packed narratives. As General Eleanor Wright, she effortlessly brings her trademark kickass strength to the role, infusing the character with a commanding presence. Hamilton’s extensive and diverse filmography, including roles in “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Dante’s Peak,” underscores the significance of her participation in “Resident Alien.” Her involvement adds not only a touch of screen history but also a sense of anticipation for viewers eager to witness Hamilton’s formidable talents on the small screen.
If you unapologetically laugh out loud at dark comedy and love witty sarcastic comments with a side of quirkiness, “Resident Alien” is a must-watch. Seasons 1-2 are available on DVD and are streaming on Peacock. The show is currently in the midst of its third season, which officially kicked off Feb. 14, 2024. New episodes air on Wednesdays at 10/9c on SYFY, and the next day on Peacock.
(Learn more about that little factoid I learned about the Dun-Dun noise here: https://www.thelist.com/647277/the-truth-behind-the-iconic-law-order-dun-dun-noise/)