About Falling Skies The Complete First Season
Falling Skies The Complete First Season review:
When the TNT network announced a Spielberg produced science fiction epic for its summer slate of programming, I was eager to sample the wares. With its massive advertising campaign, the network clearly had high expectations--and initial ratings were strong and instantaneous causing the show to receive an immediate second season order. Season One consists of ten episodes that weave a solid story of survivors in the aftermath of an alien invasion. Channeling a low key energy, as opposed to a pulse pounding tone, the show does a nice job establishing every day folks caught up in extraordinary circumstances. The piece's central theme is that we're all heroes in our own way and we're all stronger for standing together. It is a remarkably earnest presentation that remains mildly downbeat without ever seeming hopeless. This matter-of-fact feel is both one of the strongest elements of the show, but also one of the things that kept me from truly investing in the drama.
In truth, there is nothing particularly revelatory in the plotting of "Falling Skies." While I enjoyed the creature conception of the skitters (one of the alien life forms), admired the ambitious special effects, and was intrigued by some of the concepts (particularly the harnessed children)--I couldn't escape the general feeling that I'd seen it all before in countless similar variations. With a familiar feeling narrative, then, it is left to the screenwriters and the characterizations to make the show really pop. And I'm not sure that a memorable cast of characters has yet to evolve. Noah Wyle does most of the heavy lifting and makes an admirable every man hero. But many of the peripherals don't really stand out as interesting or fully developed individuals. When Steven Weber shows up for a few episodes, he creates real passion. When Henry Czerny pops around, there is a nice sense of menace. None of the regular supporting cast makes as much of an impression as these guest stars.
I'll take that back--we have Colin Cunningham as a unscrupulous villain that might be on the path to reform. His scenes have such urgency, such humor, such unpredictability. And in contrast, the other members of the cast seem a bit dour or unfocused. The show is still in its infancy, and I hope that in the return there is an imperative on distinguishing the individual characters a bit more. Still, if you like this sort of survivor drama, you'll probably enjoy "Falling Skies." As the season progressed to the inevitable big showdown finale, the resolution did feel a bit underwhelming. As it stands, the show had a decent (if not spectacular) debut but needs to heighten the action and human drama in its sophomore year. It has a talented cast, they just need to be allowed to shine. I want to love "Falling Skies," but merely like it. As a viewer, I need an urgency from the writing that makes me feel like I'm in the trenches with heroes that I really care about in a meaningful way. I just haven't gotten there yet....KGHarris, 8/11.
Bonus Features: DVD set is 3 disc, Blu-ray is 2 disc. In addition to the 10 episodes, there will be a sneak look at Season "Animating a Skitter" feature, and commentary tracks. Exclusive to the Blu-ray, there is also "Falling Skies from Pencils to Print: The Comic Book Revealed" plus collectible trading card.
Falling Skies The Complete First Season is for dvd wholesale.
