CATCHING UP: Falling Skies (Season One, Episode Nine – “Mutiny”)

First aired August 7th, 2011.

Animated movies are a great way to relieve tension during an alien invasion, but Tom (played by Noah Wyle) and Anne (Moon Bloodgood) can’t enjoy any. They’re too busy worrying about Ben (Connor Jessup) potentially transforming into a Skitter.

That’s the least of their problems. The main conflict of the episode is Captain Weaver (Will Patton) coming apart at the seams. He has apparently had a month long pill addiction that potentially contributed to his meltdown in the previous episode. Dai (Peter Shinkoda) brings back word that the planned attack on the alien structure in Boston should be aborted. The other Resistance groups never reported these orders in. Weaver adamantly plans to continue the assault, even instructing Pope (Colin Cunningham) to make more explosives with dangerously short fuses. Tom tries to reason with him but Weaver locks him up and assumes full command.

This continuation of the story of Weaver’s breakdown was, while unexpected, very welcome. It would have felt too easy if he had resolved all of his inner demons in just one episode. With the attack (and season finale) looming, there was a need for some kind of conflict among the 2^nd Mass. and this was perfect. It was also good to see someone rival Pope for biggest human antagonist, a title he has held firmly all season.

Tom is broken free by Hal (Drew Roy) and Jimmy (Dylan Authors) and they conspire with Anne to reason with Weaver. The result is a Mexican standoff wherein Jimmy uses his bond with Weaver to talk him down. Weaver resolves to tell everyone the facts and let them decide if they want to continue with the attack. The 2^nd Mass. unanimously agrees that they would rather go out fighting and they mount up for the assault.

The idea of the 2^nd Mass. going into a battle they know is likely suicidal is more endearing than if things went according to plan. Last stands are usually more fun and dramatic to watch.

There’s a secondary storyline in which Ben helps Scott (Bruce Gray) discover that certain radio frequencies can hurt the Skitters after they cause Ben pain. It’s mostly just a setup for a tactic that will probably be used in the season finale, and to reaffirm that Rick’s (Daniyah Ysrail) allegiances lie with the Skitters (he refers to everyone as “the humans”). It’ll be interesting to see what happens with Rick going into the final episode, and Ben for that matter. Though he appears to be on the side of the humans, it’s also clear that Ben is suffering from effects from the harness. I’m interested to see where that story goes.

Quotes/Thoughts

This episode is the first time Dai has had any real dialogue or done anything of significance, which is just sad.

“So what’s it like walking around with that sweet Mason brand?” “What’s it like having hair like a girl?”

Scott is Kate’s uncle but we almost never see them together, that doesn’t make any sense. There’s also an aunt in the picture, but she only showed up briefly for about two or three episodes. I guess the end of the world doesn’t bring all families together.

“I figured I had a choice of either sitting around or killing Cooties, and Cooties win every time.”

As a precaution, Weaver should enter a 12 steps program.

If you enjoyed Manny’s review and would like to read other pieces like it, you can find the rest of his work HERE. You can also follow him on Twitter @KN_Manny.

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