Syfy’s “Resident Alien”: Blending Genres and Celebrating Diversity

Syfy continues to captivate audiences with its genre series, offering a unique blend of television that stands out in the age of streaming giants like Netflix. While shows such as “The Expanse,” “The Magicians,” and “Z Nation” have marked their territory, the network now presents “Resident Alien,” an oddball show that adds a delightful twist to the mix.

In “Resident Alien,” Alan Tudyk takes on the role of an extraterrestrial set on invading Earth and eradicating humanity. However, a crash landing in the small town of Patience, Colorado, leads to an unexpected turn of events. Assuming the identity of the local doctor, Harry Vanderspeigle, our alien protagonist faces the challenges of maintaining his disguise and adapting to human behavior, all while secretly pondering the value of the people he encounters.

Tudyk’s involvement in “Resident Alien” adds to his experience in niche live-action genre shows, as fans remember his roles in “Firefly” and “Doom Patrol.” Additionally, it’s worth acknowledging his captivating performance in the overlooked gem “Powerless,” a workplace sitcom set in the DC Universe.

The cast of “Resident Alien” brings even more depth and diversity to the series. Sara Tomko shines as Asta Twelvetrees, the head nurse of Patience, whose Native American heritage and tragic past provide a unique lens through which she experiences the unfolding events. And alongside her is Gary Farmer, an iconic Indigenous American actor known for his notable roles in films like “Dead Man,” “Smoke Signals,” and the recent hit series “Reservation Dogs.” Farmer breathes life into the character of Dan Twelvetrees, Asta’s adopted father and a Vietnam War veteran who owns the town’s beloved Joe’s Diner.

“Resident Alien” stands out not only for its quirky premise but also for its commitment to showcasing diverse perspectives and representing underrepresented communities on-screen. As the series unravels the complexities of its characters, it invites us to ponder the depths of humanity and the bonds that connect us, even in the most unexpected circumstances.

With its captivating storytelling, talented cast, and a fresh take on genre television, “Resident Alien” proves that Syfy continues to push boundaries and provide audiences with compelling and inclusive entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about “Resident Alien”

1. What is “Resident Alien” about?
“Resident Alien” is a genre series on Syfy that features an extraterrestrial who crash-lands on Earth and assumes the identity of a local doctor. The show follows his attempts to maintain his disguise and adapt to human behavior while secretly contemplating humanity’s value.

2. Who stars in “Resident Alien”?
Alan Tudyk, known for his roles in “Firefly” and “Doom Patrol,” plays the lead role of the alien posing as the doctor. Sara Tomko portrays Asta Twelvetrees, the head nurse with a Native American background and a tragic past. Gary Farmer, renowned for his roles in movies like “Dead Man” and “Smoke Signals,” plays Dan Twelvetrees, Asta’s adopted father and a Vietnam War veteran who owns Joe’s Diner.

3. How does “Resident Alien” contribute to diversity and representation?
“Resident Alien” is notable for its commitment to showcasing diverse perspectives and representing underrepresented communities on-screen. The character of Asta Twelvetrees brings Native American heritage to the series, and Dan Twelvetrees adds an authentic portrayal of a Vietnam War veteran. The show’s exploration of its characters’ complexities invites viewers to ponder the depths of humanity.

4. How does “Resident Alien” stand out in the world of television?
“Resident Alien” stands out due to its quirky premise, talented cast, and commitment to inclusive storytelling. The show offers a fresh take on genre television, pushing boundaries and providing compelling and inclusive entertainment.

Key Terms and Jargon:
– Genre series: A TV series that belongs to a specific genre, such as science fiction, fantasy, or horror.
– Extraterrestrial: Refers to something originating or existing outside the Earth or its atmosphere, often used to describe beings from other planets.
– Niche live-action genre shows: TV shows that focus on a particular genre and have a dedicated fan base but may not have mass appeal.
– DC Universe: Refers to the shared universe of characters and stories from DC Comics.
– Indigenous: Refers to the original inhabitants of a region or country, often used to refer to Native American communities in the United States.

Related Links:
Syfy: Official website of Syfy, the network airing “Resident Alien.”
Alan Tudyk Official Website: Official website of Alan Tudyk, the actor who plays the lead role in “Resident Alien.”
Sara Tomko Official Website: Official website of Sara Tomko, who portrays Asta Twelvetrees in “Resident Alien.”
Gary Farmer IMDb: IMDb page of Gary Farmer, the actor playing Dan Twelvetrees in “Resident Alien.”