In what was definitely the biggest surprise of the summer of 2011, The Blot found myself obsessed with TNT’s sci-fi drama Falling Skies. Initially I only tuned in because of Noah Wyle. I was a huge ER fan growing up and I’ve enjoyed his series of The Librarian films on TNT. Plus I’m a sci-fi buff so why not give it a shot. What I found was a smarter, more enjoyable show than I ever could have expected. It set the bar so high of what a sci-fi TV show could be, it even put FOX’s Terra Nova (and its huge budget) to shame.
With a large ensemble cast, Falling Skies tells the story of a group of survivors trying to fight against an invading race of aliens who have enslaved the planet earth. While the story was interesting, what really put this show over the top for me was the introduction of the Colin Cunningham’s villainous John Pope. In the same vein as BSG’s Gaius Baltar, Pope is the type of morally ambiguous character you hate to love and love to hate. A must have for any show of this ilk. In fact, Season 1 really gelled when Cunningham’s Pope took on a bigger role in the show. Suffice it to say, the creative team behind Falling Skies recognized that as well and Cunningham has been featured prominently in the promotion of Falling Skies Season 2.
Official Description: Falling Skies opens in the chaotic aftermath of an alien attack that has left most of the world completely incapacitated. In the months since the initial invasion, the few survivors have banded together outside major cities to begin the difficult task of fighting back. The show focuses on the resilience of the survivors and their determination to maintain their humanity when all else has been destroyed. It is a tale of endurance, commitment and courage in which everyday people are called upon to become heroes. They may be outmatched, outnumbered and outgunned, but nothing can beat the human spirit. Most of all, the series is about the ties that bind people together in the most difficult of circumstances.
Join forces with the resistance forces of the 2nd Mass and watch as they fight against the alien Skitters, Mechs and Overlords Sunday nights on TNT. Falling Skies Season 2 premieres tonight, June 17th, on TNT at 9/8c.
