I love a good science fiction movie or series. Unfortunately, they're hard to find. So many are derivative, clichéd, or ridiculous.
Falling Skies, a post-apocalyptic science fiction TV series, created by Robert Rodat and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, is none of those things.
The DreamWorks Television production series premiered on June 19, 2011 on TNT in the U.S.
After 4 seasons, TNT renewed the show for a 10-episode 5th season to close out the series. The finale episode was broadcast on August 30, 2015. Over its run, the series was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards (Outstanding Special Visual Effects) and 14 Saturn Awards (3 nominations for Best Television Presentation and 1 for Best Syndicated/Cable Television Series).
SHOULD YOU WATCH?
Yes, even if you don't like science fiction.
The premise is gripping, and the characters are charismatic and seem like people you would know.
As the survivors escape Boston, passing many Revolutionary War sites, Wyle, as history professor Mason, relates how the colonials fought the British though outnumbered and untrained.
He manages to rally the 2nd Mass when they're starving and running and can't seem to do much except stay alive.
The series creates a world in which everything we take for granted is gone, but the human race keeps fighting and finding ways to take back not just their country but their planet.
There are some surprises and twists along the way that add to the challenges the survivors face. There is also plenty of violence and gore so I'd be wary of letting younger children watch it.
All in all, despite some conflict elements that went on a little too long for my taste, the series is so much better than much of the offerings today. I give it an A-.
THE CASTWith a cast headlined by Noah Wyle as Tom Mason, a former history professor who becomes second-in-command of the 2nd Massachusetts Militia Regiment, a paramilitary group composed of active duty US military personnel, military veterans, civilians, and others who are fleeing from the Boston area after aliens have invaded.
Along with Wyle, the regular stars of the series are Will Patton as Colonel Dan Weaver, a soldier determined to fight the aliens and protect the people who have banded with him and Moon Bloodgood as a pediatrician who becomes their medical officer.
Drew Roy is Hal, Tom Mason's oldest son; Connor Jessup is Ben, his middle son; Maxim Knight is Matt, his youngest son.
The rest of the regular cast include Jessy Schram as Karen, Seychelle Gabriel as Lourdes, Peter Shinkoda as Dai, Mpho Koaho as Anthony, Sarah Carter as Maddie, Colin Cunningham as Pope, Doug Jones as Cochise, and Scarlett Byrne as Lexi. There are dozens of actors you'll recognize as the series rolls along.
TAKEAWAY TRUTH
The series is definitely bingeable so don't start it late at night or you'll wind up hitting "next episode" until the sun is rising on another day.
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