This week, TNT's Falling Skies brings season one to a close with two episodes. The first, "Mutiny," deals mainly with Weaver's (Will Patton) ability to command, and the doubts Tom (Noah Wyle) has about Weaver's mental stability. Of course, those sort themselves out, and "Eight Hours" concerns an offensive against the aliens. Ben (Connor Jessup)
proves essential when he realizes he can help Scott (Bruce Gray) find the aliens' radio frequency, jamming their communications. This gets the invaders' attention, but instead of wiping out the 2nd Mass, they just take Tom, supposedly to better 'understand' their opponents.
Falling Skies is one of those shows with moments of greatness, but often falls flat in its attempt to achieve the grand scale. Over all it is a pretty decent series, but not one of the all time greats. This is beautifully illustrated in "Mutiny" with the Weaver problem. Here we have a commander who is taking pills and making bad decisions. Tom determines Weaver must be removed, obviously. But then, in a confrontation, for some reason, Tom doesn't make Weaver explain himself. He just wants Weaver to let them get behind him. What? Weaver mentions he's off the pills, and other than a shaking hand, that's the last we hear of it. Weaver gives everyone the facts, and his plans continue.
Admittedly, Weaver's plan is one that the 2nd Mass is desperate enough to attempt. Tom's insistence that they know what they are up against is a sound one. But there isn't enough resolution or explanation. From the point where Tom and the others are ready to relieve Weaver of command, to everyone getting along again comes too easily, and without enough realism. In truth, Weaver should be removed at that point. Tom can take over and present the same situation Weaver does, or even allow Weaver to do it as a mouthpiece, but Weaver is done. Surely Tom has lost faith in the commander. What does Weaver possibly do to gain that trust back? Interestingly, Patton is so good, these missteps are quickly forgotten about in the second hour.
Article comments
1 - Falling Skies
I really liked the finale but can;t believe it's going to be a year before we can see the 2nd season. Isn't the best thing to do is have some kind of momentum going into the second season??
2 - Jerome Wetzel
It is. And series try to do that in a variety of ways. Falling Skies had an online comic this summer. They may try that again next year. And I'm sure there'll be on air promotion.