Review: Falling Skies, S2, Ep. 206 – “Homecoming”
Air Date: Sunday, July 15, 2012, 9/8c on TNT
Rating:
“We are anything but safe!” – Pope
Hal is already influenced by Karen’s story, which is clouding his judgment
“Homecoming” means just that. Many former members of the 2nd Mass return, including a now de-harnessed Karen (Jessy Schram). But her arrival seems a bit out of the ordinary and I, like Maggie (Sarah S. Carter), don’t fall for her damsel-in-distress act for a minute! Unfortunately, Hal (Drew Roy) seems to have fallen quickly for Karen’s spun tale. Thankfully, Ben plants the seed of doubt immediately, prompting Tom (Noah Wyle) to question how Ben knows Karen is still connected to the aliens.
Observations/Thoughts:
Anne and Tom have their first lovers quarrel.
After bunking at the hospital for a few weeks, it seems everyone is getting a bit too comfortable. I agree with Cpt. Weaver (Will Patton) about the 2nd Mass becoming “too complacent”; however, I agree with Tom that they needed a break from the constant tension of looking over their shoulders for an alien attack. But until the world is rid of the aliens, this is their life.
Meanwhile, Anne (Moon Bloodgood) and Tom finally consummate their relationship. I can’t tell you how adorable it is when she wakes up and looks over her shoulder to find Tom getting dressed like he’s getting ready to head into the office. Except the office is a large room in the hospital where they have their daily meetings to discuss military strategy. I like the slow progression of their relationship; the hesitation to get close to someone after losing a spouse seems very realistic.
Maggie also continues to shy away from an intimate connection with Hal despite their obvious attraction. I don’t particularly care for the way she’s avoiding connecting with him, but I get that she’s been hurt and been through a lot (three brain tumors). Still, I think the writers need to add a bit more heft to her refusal rather than portraying her as coy. If she truly doesn’t want to get close to Hal, then she should be firm and direct.
Cpt. Weaver’s battle with the alien poison (which is literally coursing through his veins) brings intensity to the episode, which I love. I enjoy when emotions are heightened. I mean, aliens have invaded the planet so I want to see more intense moments like this. I guess I should be patient.
Did you notice that Cpt. Weaver has kept there are a few things from Tom? One is his leg infection, and the other concerns the fuel they’re using for the hospital generators. Perhaps Cpt. Weaver is being cautious because he’s worried about Tom having another alien implant inside him?
Ben’s connection to the aliens may jeopardize the 2nd Mass
Ben (Connor Jessup) and Karen’s unique connection because of their harness spikes seems coincidental. After Hal and Maggie find a field of de-harnessed kids, Karen being the only one alive also feels contrived. It’s when Ben stands in front of her while she’s being held in the psych ward that you understand what the harness connection can do. Their spikes begin to glow and they gravitate to each other as if they were long-lost lovers. And Karen’s inquisition of what’s going on with the 2nd Mass, including how they scout for food and where they go, is almost too simplistic. I find it hard to believe Ben would fall for it but, at the same time, he wants to feel a connection to someone who understands what he’s going through. Karen, like Ben, has heightened senses — vision, hearing, and strength — but unlike Ben, her motives for returning are unknown. However, we learn from Pope (Colin Cunningham) and Anthony (Mpho Koaho), who have also returned, that all is not what it seems.
Another odd coincidence is the 2nd Mass finding a large stockpile of fuel – diesel, gasoline, and oil – nearby. Could this fortunate discovery be a plant by the aliens or a gift from the Skitter rebellion? Maybe the humanoid overlords want the 2nd Mass to get to Charleston because it will be easier to annihilate them all in one fell swoop or perhaps to study them more in depth. Either way, it was just too easy for them to come upon much-needed fuel so quickly after Ben and Karen leave.
Falling Skies is getting grittier and more contentious. I know once Weaver is better, they’ll be on the move to Charleston. But with Ben and Karen now gone, will the Skitter rebellion begin or is Karen still working for the humanoid overlords who seek to have Ben under their control?
Tune in to Falling Skies, Sundays at 9/8c, only on TNT.
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Photos ©2012 TNT/Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Judy Manning
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