What I’m Watching: Falling Skies (Season Premiere)

Falling Skies: Season 3, Episodes 1 and 2 “On Thin Ice” and “Collateral Damage” (B)

I debated whether to tune into this show after being sincerely disappointed by it during its first two seasons. I’m glad I did since there were a few terrific plot developments which I think are truly exciting, and, unlike, say, “Revolution,” this show is actually doing a decent job of living up to its potential story-wise even if the writing is reliably miserable. The seemingly infinite explicit references to “the past seven months” were obvious and tiresome, but the fact that there is now an alien, played by none other than Doug Jones, a very talented actor who likes playing creative creatures, is riding side-by-side with Tom in battle is simply fantastic. The presidency suits Tom, and having him be above Weaver also makes sense. I don’t see the logic in killing off Terry O’Quinn’s character, but I suppose it was only a recurring arc from the start. Hal being in a wheelchair is a major thing, especially considering he can actually walk, but only when he’s compelled to do so in the middle of the night when Karen beckons him. I’m far less impressed by Matt blowing up buildings instead of doing his homework and having trouble accepting Ann as his mother, and I’d love to see a whole lot less of Pope. The superhuman baby Ann has given birth to seems like a handful, and the technology used to take off the harnesses is cool. This show could be headed for greatness this season, if only the dialogue would improve and the writers would focus on the sci-fi elements that are most compelling.