Review: Falling Skies, S2, Ep. 204 “Young Bloods”
Air Date: Sunday, July 1, 2012, 9/8c on TNT
Rating:
“Who here is going to understand glowing spikes?” Ben Mason
“Young Bloods” introduces us to more survivors, and we get a revealing look at the alien’s harnessing process. The 2nd Mass prepares to make its way to Charleston, SC after meeting a “Paul Revere” pilot named Avery (Camille Sullivan), who mentions a new established Congress. But will Charleston be the answer for the 2nd Mass or will it divide them?
Matt (Maxim Knight) wants to grow up too fast
The youngest of the Mason boys, Matt (Maxim Knight), tries to grow up too fast when he agrees to be “Skitter bait” for Tec (Ryan Robbins) and Boon (Billy Wickman). One of the many tragedies of this alien occupation is how the younger generation has had to step up and become soldiers. It’s a grim nod to current world injustices as many kids in Africa are forced to become guerillas in ongoing civil wars on the continent. Matt is embarrassed when his father Tom (Noah Wyle) calls out that Tec and Boon made a huge mistake that could have gotten Matt killed. I agree, especially when Tom points out that just one year ago, Boon was nothing more than a cell phone salesman. And Matt just needs to be patient, but it’s easier said than done.
Tom and Anne (Moon Bloodgood) are reconnecting on a more intimate level, bonding over a small treasure Tom found in an abandoned Asian market, a “choco pie.” Wow – that kiss is the kind of kiss you dream about – full of passion and wanting. I was irked that Lourdes (Gabrielle Seychelle) walked in on them just as it was getting steamy! I love the chemistry between Wyle and Bloodgood. It feels natural and makes their relationship that much more captivating to watch.
As I watch this show, I begin to realize small creature comforts we take for granted, like access to junk food, even chewing gum, are luxuries to this group. It’s curious, though, how they are surviving. Even with fewer people in the group, food is obviously becoming scarcer as time goes on without any mass reproduction going on. How many nonperishable items are left in the immediate area after nearly ten months since the alien invasion? Will they fare better in Charleston where there are more than 3,000 people?
L-R: Ben (Connor Jessup) and Hal (Drew Roy)
Hal (Drew Roy) and Ben (Connor Jessup) stumble upon a factory they believe may be an alien facility but while they discuss schematics, their motorbikes are stolen. Is it me, or are Ben’s senses becoming heightened? He can hear the motors from such a great distance and knows the thieves are traveling east. As the two brothers go to retrieve their bikes, they meet a band of survivors, mostly kids and a few teens, holed up in an abandoned warehouse. Among the ragtag group, their leader Diego (Hector Bucio Jr.) and his girlfriend, Jeanie (Laci J. Mailey), who happens to be Cpt. Weaver’s (Will Patton) daughter. Small world, eh?
Thoughts/Observations:
Watching as Tec and Boon blow off the Skitters’ heads, one would think since Skitters are alien, their blood would be a different color. But if it’s true about the harnesses and that it slowly transforms the humans into Skitters, it makes sense that their blood was red. Creepy to think about who those Skitters may have been.
When some of Diego’s crew members are taken prisoner, they are taken to the alien facility where Hal and Ben had been earlier. The harnessing process looks intense, scary, and painful. It’s a testament to these child actors that they can convey their emotions in such a compelling way. I was staring intently as one young boy cries out just before the slug-like harness attaches itself to his spine. That puts a new spin on the phrase ‘spine tingling.’
It’s nice to see a tender moment with Weaver and his daughter. After thinking he’d lost his entire family, to know one of his daughters is still alive must be comforting, even though she decides to forego going to Charleston with her father.
Ben is becoming more reclusive, keeping his connection to the aliens a secret. But Hal notices something at the alien facility and confronts Ben about it. The conversation is intriguing, to say the least.
Hal: “So, how long’s this been going on?”
Ben: “What?”
Hal: “Come on, Ben. In the harnessing facility, I saw your spikes glow.”
Ben: “You’re mistaken.”
Hal: “Really? This how you gonna play this; just lie about it, hope it goes away instead of getting worse?”
Ben: “Yes, that’s exactly what I’m gonna do. Who here is gonna understand glowing spikes. Half of these people still think I killed Jimmy. You can rat me out, if you want, but I am not signing my own death warrant.”
Does Ben really think his brother would sell him out? I know they’ve had their differences, but I don’t think Hal would do that.
***
Last week, Pope (Colin Cunningham) and Anthony (Mpho Koaho) both left the 2nd Mass. When will Pope turn up again to cause havoc on Tom and the 2nd Mass? Can Anthony really keep Pope in check as he promised Weaver he would? This will be an interesting story arc especially since Anthony has forgotten what Pope’s done in the past. Will Anthony let old grievances die or is he biding his time to take Pope out for good?
Tune in to Falling Skies, Sundays at 9/8c, only on TNT.
For more on Falling Skies go to http://www.tnt.tv/series/fallingskies.
Follow Falling Skies on Twitter @FallingSkiesTNT.
LIKE them on Facebook.
[nggallery id=383]
Photos ©2012 TNT/Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Judy Manning
Latest posts by Judy Manning (Posts)
- Review: THE CHANGELING – Apple TV+ New Drama Is Extraordinarily Perplexing - September 8, 2023
- Trailer: THE CHANGELING Starring LaKeith Stanfield Premieres Sep 8 on Apple TV+ - August 8, 2023
- CLEAN SWEEP Series Review – Sundance Now’s Addictive and Dynamic New Drama - June 22, 2023
- CITY ON FIRE Review – Apple TV+ Hypnotic Music Driven Mystery Full of Intrigue - May 12, 2023
Follow Us!