“Falling Skies” is a post-apocalyptic science fiction television series that aired from 2011 to 2015. Created by Robert Rodat and produced by Steven Spielberg, the show was broadcast on TNT. Set in the aftermath of an alien invasion that devastates most of the world, “Falling Skies” follows the lives of survivors who must band together to fight back against the extraterrestrial occupiers.
The story primarily revolves around Tom Mason, a former history professor who becomes the second-in-command of the 2nd Massachusetts Militia Regiment, a group of fighters and civilians working together to resist the alien invaders. Throughout the series, Mason and his compatriots face the challenges of guerrilla warfare against a technologically superior enemy while also dealing with internal conflicts and the struggle to maintain hope. The series delves into themes of survival, family, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Overview
“Falling Skies” is set against the backdrop of a world left in ruins by a catastrophic alien invasion. Within a short span of the initial attack, the majority of the world’s population is decimated, infrastructure collapses, and global power dynamics shift dramatically as humanity faces extinction.
The aliens, known as “Skitters” and “Mechs,” dominate the skies and ground. Skitters are six-legged creatures that control children by attaching biomechanical harnesses to their spines, turning them into obedient slaves. Mechs, on the other hand, are robotic enforcers that ensure the Skitters’ will is executed.
The narrative centers on Tom Mason, a former Boston University history professor who, in the wake of the invasion, finds a new role as a leader within the 2nd Massachusetts Militia Regiment—a group of survivors who refuse to bow to their alien oppressors. Tom’s knowledge of historical insurgencies and guerrilla tactics becomes invaluable in the fight against the extraterrestrials. But the battle is personal for him, too, as one of his sons is captured and harnessed by the aliens.
Throughout its five-season run, the series follows the regiment’s guerrilla warfare against the invaders, their efforts to decipher the aliens’ motives, and the quest to reclaim their world. As the series progresses, more about the aliens’ intentions and their hierarchies is unveiled. Alongside these external battles, internal conflicts within the human resistance, as well as personal stories of loss, love, and resilience, add layers to the narrative.
Cast and Crew
Main Cast:
- Noah Wyle as Tom Mason: A former history professor turned resistance fighter, Tom Mason is the heart of the story, struggling to protect his family and lead the survivors in their fight against the aliens.
- Moon Bloodgood as Anne Glass: A pediatrician before the invasion, Anne becomes the primary medical professional for the 2nd Mass.
- Drew Roy as Hal Mason: Tom’s eldest son, who quickly evolves from a rebellious teenager to a reliable and mature fighter in the resistance.
- Connor Jessup as Ben Mason: Tom’s middle son, who is captured and harnessed by the aliens. His journey, post-liberation from the harness, forms a significant arc in the show.
- Maxim Knight as Matt Mason: Tom’s youngest son, trying to find his place in this post-apocalyptic world while growing up faster than any child should.
- Will Patton as Captain Weaver: The gruff yet caring leader of the 2nd Mass, with a military background and a deep sense of duty towards his makeshift militia family.
- Colin Cunningham as John Pope: Initially a menacing figure and antagonist to Tom, Pope is a former convict who leads a gang of marauders.
- Sarah Carter as Maggie: A tough fighter with a complicated past, she becomes an integral part of the 2nd Mass and Hal’s love interest.
Crew:
- Creator: Robert Rodat – The man behind the concept, Rodat is also known for his screenplay for the film “Saving Private Ryan.”
- Executive Producer: Steven Spielberg – One of the most influential figures in the film industry, Spielberg’s involvement gave the series a significant boost in terms of exposure and credibility.
- Producers: The show had several other producers over its course, including Noah Wyle, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank, and Greg Beeman, among others.
- Directors: Various directors worked on the series, with Greg Beeman and Olatunde Osunsanmi being some of the notable ones, handling multiple episodes.
- Writers: Alongside Robert Rodat, the series had contributions from various writers, with each bringing their unique touch to different episodes and story arcs.
Reception
“Falling Skies” garnered a mix of reactions from critics and audiences throughout its run. Here’s an overview of its reception:
- Ratings: The show debuted to strong ratings, with its premiere being cable television’s biggest series launch of 2011. The consistent viewership made it one of the top shows for TNT during its early seasons.
- Critical Response: Critics acknowledged the series for its attempt to blend family drama with post-apocalyptic action. The presence of Steven Spielberg as an executive producer, along with the performances, especially that of Noah Wyle, drew praise. However, some felt the series often dipped into clichés and lacked the depth present in some other sci-fi series.
- Character Development: While the show was applauded for its focus on character-driven plots, some critics believed that certain character arcs were either rushed or not fleshed out adequately.
- Special Effects: Given its TV budget, “Falling Skies” was generally praised for its special effects, particularly the design of the aliens. However, there were instances where the effects received criticism for lacking polish.
- Audience Reception: Fans of the series were particularly invested in the survival stories and the interpersonal relationships amongst the main characters. Some seasons and plot twists were met with mixed reactions, but overall, the series maintained a dedicated fan base that appreciated its unique blend of human drama and science fiction.
- Awards: “Falling Skies” received several award nominations during its run, highlighting its achievements in visual effects, sound editing, and acting.
Impact on Ufology
Falling Skies,” while a prominent science fiction show, is primarily a work of fiction and entertainment. Its main focus was on post-apocalyptic survival and resistance against an alien occupation rather than diving deep into the study of UFOs and extraterrestrial life as traditionally approached by ufology. However, like many science fiction works, it does have indirect impacts and connections to the broader discourse on ufology:
- Public Interest: Shows like “Falling Skies” can stimulate interest in the concept of extraterrestrial life and the possibility of Earthly encounters. They feed the public’s curiosity about what might be “out there” and how humanity might react if faced with such a reality.
- Representation of Aliens: “Falling Skies” offers a particular portrayal of extraterrestrial beings — as invaders with nefarious intentions. This portrayal aligns with some narratives within ufology that suggest alien species might not always have benevolent intentions.
- Influence on Perception: Science fiction has long played a role in shaping how the public perceives the unknown, including the UFO phenomenon. While “Falling Skies” does not directly address UFO sightings or encounters in the way that shows like “The X-Files” might, its depiction of a world after an alien invasion can subtly influence how viewers think about the potential for real-life contact.
- Discussion Starter: While not a documentary or a show rooted in real-life ufological accounts, series like “Falling Skies” can be springboards for discussions about extraterrestrial life, UFO sightings, and humanity’s response to such phenomena.
- Inspiration for Ufologists: Though the show is rooted in fiction, elements of the story, such as the advanced technology of the aliens or their methods of control, can serve as thought experiments for those interested in ufology, prompting them to consider various scenarios and implications.
FAQ
Conclusion
“Falling Skies” is a captivating blend of post-apocalyptic survival drama and science fiction intrigue. At its core, it delves deep into the human spirit, emphasizing resilience, unity, and the determination to reclaim one’s home against all odds. With the backdrop of an extraterrestrial invasion, the series adeptly utilizes this premise to explore broader themes of family, leadership, and the moral complexities of war.
Helmed by talents like Steven Spielberg and Robert Rodat, and brought to life by a compelling cast led by Noah Wyle, the show managed to create a rich, immersive world that kept viewers invested for its five-season run. The multifaceted portrayal of the alien invaders, from the enigmatic Skitters to the technological Mechs, adds depth and dimension to the typical “us versus them” trope.
While it had its share of critiques, fluctuating in its consistency and occasionally wading into clichéd territories, “Falling Skies” nonetheless stands as a commendable entry in the sci-fi television genre. Beyond the battles and extraterrestrial encounters, it resonates on a personal level, spotlighting human emotions, relationships, and the enduring hope that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, humanity will find a way to persevere and rebuild.