FALLING SKIES: LOVE AND OTHER ACTS OF COURAGE REVIEW

By Sean Smyth

REVOLUTIOOOON!

MINOR SPOILERS TO FOLLOW:

So far this season Falling Skies seems like the main focus is right on the Mason family with the exception of last week's Weaver episode, which I didn't get to review but thought it was very strong and set up some potential plot twists down the way. One in which happens right here in this episode. 

After the cold open of Ben running across the roof, showing he really can't control his actions as well as he thought, he kneels down and joins in a Skitter howler at the setting sun. It is at this moment that you truly see how much the spikes are starting to affect his being. You had a small glimpse in last weeks episode but this one takes it one step further.

Things get started relatively quick after this, as an explosion and small arms fighting in the distance startles the camp and forces them to investigate, while Ben's absence is noticed by Tom and the rest of the Mason's. When Tom and company reach the source they find a battle ground of dead skitters laying about and question whether or not they are beginning to fight one another. Then they find a familiar face. Rick. 

You all remember Rick right? The guy that led the Skitters to the 2nd Mass last season? Yeah well he's back and wants Tom's help. Turns out he know's where Ben is and will take them to him. Only when they do, a little surprise is waiting. Ben and Rick are working together to protect a Skitter! Weaver and Tom want it dead but the boys convince them to take it prisoner instead. 

Either he's pissed or very constipated. 

Meanwhile elsewhere in the city, Hal, Maggie and company are off looking for medical supplies, seeing as how the camp is running low, when a caravan of Mechs appear and they are forced to hide in a car on top of one another. The scene was great, with a beautiful contrast between the tense and suspenseful alien hardware outside and the sweet and tender intimate moment inside the car with Hal and Maggie. It really just makes you want to say "Just Kiss Already!" Although Maggie has to put her foot in her mouth and bring up Karen, who is still harnessed by the big bads. It kinda ruins the mood a bit. 

We also find out an interesting piece of backstory later after evading the Mechs and finding another hospital stocked full of supplies like it was just abandoned days before. Maggie explains to Hal that she had brain tumors and nearly died. This leads to an awkward moment between the two and as true to TV leads to problems.

I'll be your Karen.

Back at camp the Skitter talks to Tom through Rick and explains that their are other's just like it that are trying to overthrow the Overlords. They want to work together with the human and Tom is the only one who can convince them. Because yeah he's trustworthy with all his alien probes coming out of his eye and all.  Needless to say Tom doesn't believe a word. At first, unfortunately  they didn't have much time to talk because of the death squad barreling down on their position so things got a bit heated. 

It was nice to see that the enslaved Skitters do have a heart and have a slew of human emotions.  If this isn't just a rouse. The exchange between Tom and the Skitter and Rick was one of the strongest parts of the episode along with a very dramatic scene from Hal and Maggie that really touches the heart with how predictably played out it is. 

Then there is Weaver's little problem. He got bit my a harness creature at the factory in the previous episode and his leg isn't looking to hot. It's almost like he's been poisoned or is slowly turning into something else and is constantly being treated by our beloved Dr. Glass. He has had one of the more interesting arches this season, accepting Tom back into the fold and finding his daughter has bother softened him and made him a better leader. And it shows in the actions taken by the people around him. 

Love and Other Act's of Courage is just what this entire episode is about. The love of family and friends, and the effects of people in this post apocalyptic world coupled with the courage from multiple characters all tying to achieve a common goal, survive, which is said for the humans and the Skitters. 

The episode is one of the stronger one's thus far this season and deserves what it's earned. 4.5 out of 5 stars. Only because of some really cheesy parts and a storm off I personally didn't get. 

What do you think? Got questions? Comments? Concern? Want to rant about how bad I am? Feel free to post below. And as always thanks for reading. Come back soon.