‘Resident Alien’ Recap: ‘Avian Flu’

3/7/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

RESIDENT ALIEN -- "Avian Flu" Episode 304 -- Pictured: (l-r) Alan Tudyk as Harry Vanderspeigle, Edi Patterson as Heather -- (Photo by: James Dittiger/SYFY)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 304 of ‘Resident Alien’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

There are a great many reasons that people tune in to the hit SYFY series, Resident Alien. For some, it’s all about the fact that they finally get to see a faithful and delightful live-action adaptation of a beloved Dark Horse Comics property. For others, it’s about the fact that it features a stellar cast of talented actors that showcase their talents at every turn, and there are plenty of people who tune in for the juicy plot because the writing is indeed top notch. But of the many reasons that people tune in, there are a couple that everyone shares in. Specifically, the fact that we love these characters through and through and how they explore the beauty and the wonder of what it means to be human.

Because that’s something that allows for us to connect with this series on a fundamental level, and it allows for us to find beauty in the bittersweet moments that life sometimes sends our way, and well… this wonderous aspect of the show is top of mind today, simply because it was once again put on display during this week’s episode of the show. Something that oddly, didn’t seem to be focus of ‘Avian Flu’ early on. Simply because the Bird-person adjuster, whose named we learned is Heather, (which rhymes with Feather, as D’Arcy pointed out), returned to collect the paperwork and collect Harry. Effectively bringing pure disaster to the plan to stop the Greys from destroying all of humanity, and that seemed to be what this episode was going to focus upon. But some quick thinking on D’Arcy’s part, involving a banana, kept Heather here and allowed for everyone to breathe and for the story to slow down and explore the human condition through a bevy of storylines.

One of which, involved D’Arcy. Simply because she ran into her ex in this tale and found herself pondering deeply upon their relationship and her feelings for him now, and how… love really works in our world. Simply because D’Arcy came to understand the power of letting someone go when we deeply care for them so they can be happy, and she wasn’t the only one pondering upon the sacrifices we make in the name of love. Since a little time with Jay on the Rez, provided Asta with similar thoughts. The kind that really allowed for her to ponder upon her journey and the choices she’s made and well… this was all powerful stuff to watch play out. Simply because these are moments, we all experience or will experience and that once again allowed for us to connect with this duo like never before and reminded us of how well this story captures the essence of us.

RESIDENT ALIEN -- “Avian Flu” Episode 304 -- Pictured in this screengrab: Linda Hamilton as General Eleanor Wright -- (Photo by: SYFY)

Yet, that wasn’t the only plot thread that explored such concepts, because Harry… fell head over heels in love in this tale. Simply because Heather caught his eye like never before, and that brought about the emotional response that we all lament and adore. The kind where our knees turn to jelly and our hearts go a flutter at the mere thought of that person, or bird-person. Which brought about a different Harry in this tale, who simply could not stop thinking about his Heather-Feather and was of course… worried deeply about having that love reciprocated as anyone does when they just fall for a person, and there was a brief moment… where it seemed that Harry wasn’t going to enjoy endless and undying love. But eventually… he had his day in the sun and well… that too was a powerhouse storyline… one that bookended this episode’s incredible pondering upon the nature and the power of love.

However, while this made for a great respite from the intense worry that last week’s episode produced regarding the Greys and their plan… the ugly stuff was still on the horizon and trouble was still brewing. Mainly because Mike and Liv figured out how to gain access to critical intelligence in the van, the kind that could expose all kinds of truths about Harry and that’s a little scary. Not to mention, the Hawthorne family went through it in this tale. Courtesy of the fact that Kate’s mind is going to some dark places to keep the ugly of the abductions at bay, and of course… General Wright, is ready for action. The kind of action that will play the old game of keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. Courtesy of that stunning reveal of whom she has in captivity in the depths of her little base, someone she is ready to control and unleash in order to stop the Greys.

But while that made for a juicy cliffhanger and a sense of real danger looming in this town, make no mistake about it… this was at its core, a beautiful tale. One that truly celebrated the bittersweet nature of love, and how complex and powerful an emotion and concept it can be. Not to mention, it’s sheer power. As evidenced by how quickly Harry gave into its spells. Which also brought about, some amazing laughs to say the least. In fact, Alan Tudyk deserves a round of applause for properly expressing the sheer madness and chaotic nature of those early days when we fall for that special someone. Because that was simply sublime, and well… now that we’ve reached the end of this magnificent, emotional tale, it should be interesting to see what kinds of interstellar benefits may befall Harry now that he and Heather are indeed together, so that he can step in and save us at last. Until next time.

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