Falling Skies – I’m calling these new guys Toothpicks

Sometimes, just as you think you have begun to understand the new world you’re living in, everything gets thrown for a loop. The Fighters and Civilians of the 2^nd Mass thought that they knew their invaders, but in this episode of Falling Skies, they experienced their share of surprises.

The infamous “Episodes without Karen Count” is finally over. Though, her appearance was barely a cameo. It is enough to know that she is still alive, albeit it harnessed and in the service of the Skitters. It will only be a matter of time before Hal forces a rescue attempt. But what happens then? We’re already watching the story of two harness survivors … would a third really help this story, or would it hinder it? As much of a fan of Jessy Schram as I am, I’m not sure her story is going to last much longer.

I was concerned that Weaver’s story might have actually ended tonight. When he left Hal and Tom back at the crazy lady’s place (Played by Fringe’s Blair Brown), I thought it was a betrayal that might prove he’s finally slipped off the deep end. As he sat there, bottle in hand, telling Tom to save his son, I thought that might have been the end. That he finally has something to hope for is a good change for his character.

What is going on with the aliens? We learned (or didn’t learn, as the case may be) a couple of things tonight:

• Anne’s autopsy showed that the Skitters are creatures that were harnessed themselves. Two implications: One: obviously is the concern that Ben and Rick are still at risk. Two: it might explain a little why the Skitters are exhibiting paternal behavior towards the harnessed kids.
• The aliens, or the harnessed kids, may or may not have some mind reading capabilities. Rick’s drawing could have been of any street in Boston, but it is just a little too coincidental for my tastes.
• Finally, and this is the big one, is the introduction of a new type of alien. Whereas the Skitters look like the bugs from Starship Troopers, and the Mechs look like Cylons, these new guys look more like the aliens from A.I. (I’m going with Toothpicks as a nickname for now, until Mason comes up with something better) Considering the way the Skitters treated them they are obviously a superior caste. Why, though, was the Toothpick with Karen as she was communicating with the turncoat?

Notes & Quotes

• “Who the hell is this?” – Porter
  “Name’s Pope. You must be Porter, I’d stand and salute, but….” – Pope
  “Isn’t he the ex-con that fired on your unit?” — Porter
  “That was so three weeks ago.” — Pope

Clacked by Ivey West
on Aug 01, 2011 @ 11:07 EST5EDT