Falling Skies: Review

With the demise of science fiction/fantasy TV series like Defying Gravity, Stargate Universe, Caprica, V and The Event, it comes as as a bit of a surprise that Falling Skies got the green light. The series, created by Robert Rodat and co-produced by Steven Spielberg, is set six months after aliens have invaded Earth and exterminated much of the human population, leaving a small group of survivors to form a ragtag resistance party. This premise sounds intriguing, but like V, Falling Skies spends too little time on the science and fiction of the genre. Rather, the series explores how human relationships are challenged in the wake of catastrophe. On its face, this is not a bad angle from which to tell the story. But when there is no tension between the main characters because no one’s really evil or twisted or does anything too outrageous, focusing the story on human conflict spells trouble. Indeed, the series, which saw a 25% ratings drop after its premiere, is bleeding viewers. Perhaps the lack of requisite sci-fi action and the absence of a socially challenging thought provoking morality play explains why.