I Laughed Out Loud Throughout, But I Wish The Episode Packed More Punch

This post contains spoilers for Resident Alien Season 4, Episode 2 Resident Alien season 4, episode 2 sees Harry reconnect with his peers while undergoing a terrible crisis, leading to hilarious results. Alan Tudyk stars as Harry in this laugh-out-loud comedy show about an alien whose sole purpose on Earth was to destroy the planet. However, in season 4, the threats are more often external.

After months of imprisonment in a Gray alien prison, Harry returns to Earth and his dear friends. Episode 2 picks up with the reveal that Harry has returned, but he is unable to turn into his true alien form. To get answers, he seeks others out for help. Meanwhile, in Patience, the rest of the primary cast find themselves all on a similar path to discovery and getting answers.

Resident Alien Features Dozens Of Moving Parts, But It All Fits Together

Now entering the fourth season of Resident Alien, the supporting cast has stepped up their game significantly. Initially, Asta and Harry had a unique relationship, but season 4 sees the pair follow their own paths, while the others in the city are going on their own quests for answers. The symmetry with the narrative in episode 2, as all the characters are working towards the same goals unawares, is spectacularly clever and well-executed.

In saying that, this episode does feel like a slight step down from the season 4 premiere, with very little by way of development. There are some hilarious scenes with the characters, and the interactions with individuals like Joseph are very fun, but it doesn’t feel as pivotal to the narrative as episode 1. Despite this, it’s still a strong outing, it just could have moved the needle further in terms of the season as a whole.

D’Arcy also continues to shine this season with one of the more emotionally complex narratives. From being a side character who struggles to fit in to becoming a central figure in the series, her development is impressive and speaks volumes for Alice Wetterlund’s performance. Once again, the way the show follows the different groups of characters feels balanced, allowing everyone a chance to shine.

Resident Alien Season 4, Episode 2 Features A Lot More Setup Than Action

While the pace has generally been quick and efficient with Resident Alien, this episode does not stand out due to the need to build out several narrative plots. From episode 1, it was clear to see the trajectory many of the groups would follow, but episode 2 simply pushes them slightly further along that narrative arc. And the most active and thrilling parts of the episode appear to happen off-screen. Meanwhile, it leans heavily into the humor to ensure the audience doesn’t disengage.

Alan Tudyk is much less present in the episode, which feels like a loss, but it does give space for the supporting cast to take the lead. All things considered, the episode moves quickly, building on the foundation of the first episode, even if it doesn’t feel substantial. As far as comedy is concerned, there are some really great moments, but the larger story stalled during the episode.

Despite this, Resident Alien is a comedy show first. This episode does have some great highs, and it sticks to the comedy roots of the series. It’s just unlikely to stand out in anyone’s mind as the best or most consequential episode.

Resident Alien season 4 airs weekly every Friday at 11pm ET on Syfy and USA Network.

Resident Alien Season 4, Episode 2

7/10

Release Date

January 27, 2021

Network

USA Network

Showrunner

Chris Sheridan

Pros & Cons

• D’Arcy steps into a much larger role with incredible skill.
• Great comedy beats throughout the episode.

• Alan Tudyk is much more absent in this episode.
• The narrative arc seems to have slowed down.