By Fern Williams
I recently finished binge-watching seasons one and two of “Resident Alien” on Netflix, and I couldn’t resist starting it over because even though it’s a sci-fi series that doesn’t focus on Native Americans, the show is brimming with Native characters and takes place near the Ute Reservation in Colorado.
Based on the Dark Horse comics, SYFY’s “Resident Alien” revolves around a stranded extraterrestrial, Harry (played by Alan Tudyk), who secretly embarks on a mission to eliminate all human beings. The alien assumes the identity of a small-town doctor in Colorado named Harry Vanderspeigle, and integrates himself into human society but soon finds himself grappling with the moral implications of his secret mission to eradicate humanity.
Throughout the series, Harry learns more about human emotions and relationships, which causes him to question his initial intentions. Alongside the town’s nurse, Asta, and the local sheriff, Harry becomes involved in solving a murder mystery, which further complicates his plans.
What captivates me about this series is its unique blend of humor, quirky characters, and heartfelt inclusion of Native characters in a small, multicultural town. (You know it’s a scifi show when you have a small town in the USA filled with lots of cultures and races of people.) It’s refreshing to see a sci-fi series where Indigenous people and people of color are authentically represented.
The lead character, Asta Twelvetrees, played by Sara Tomko, is from the Ute tribe. Her father, Dan Twelvetrees, is played by renowned Native actor Gary Farmer (Haudenosaunee/Iroquois). The series also includes a talented ensemble of Native actors and characters that are integral to the storyline. This isn’t a show focused on Native people, but our presence is felt throughout the series, and represented in a beautiful and respectful way. It’s woven into the fabric of the story, making it accessible and relatable to everyone.
For example, in Season 1, Episode 2, Asta is mourning the loss of somebody she was close to. She brings out a wooden box with red cloth in it and an Eagle feather wrapped inside. A beautiful song entiteld “River” begins to play. The chorus lyrics are: “In the river is our sisters and our brothers / We are camping out for each other / We are stronger when we band together / And we’re standing up for the water / Don’t poison the future away” The song plays softly in the background while Asta’s father cuts her hair in a spiritual and moving moment. If you’re not Native American, you might not understand this scene. But as a Native person who watched the scene unfold, it was beautifully done and made me tear up. I felt a sense of belonging coming from the TV screen, at long last. We have arrived in a way we should have been portrayed all along.
The Native characters in Resident Alien own businesses, rescue people from mountaintops, work in hospitals, and more. They experience life’s ups and downs, losses, fears, failures, disappointments, and hopes, just like everyone else. However, their connection to Native culture adds depth, strength, and meaning to their experiences, and that is portrayed beautifully in some of the scenes.
In addition to its captivating storyline and diverse representation, Resident Alien boasts a talented cast, stunning cinematography, and a blend of humor and heart that keeps viewers engaged. The series tackles thought-provoking themes such as identity, belonging, morality, and the complexities of human emotions, which add depth to the characters and the narrative.
The mix of comedic moments and dramatic twists makes for an entertaining and unpredictable Scifi series that is hilarious yet heartfelt too, which keeps audiences invested in the characters’ fates, including that of the alien.
Resident Alien offers a fresh take on the science fiction genre, combining extraterrestrial intrigue with human stories and Native culture making it a must-watch for fans of both comedy and drama, as well as Native American audiences.
The series first aired in January 2021 and is now in its 3rd and final season (released on April 3). Resident Alien airs on SYFY and is available the next day on Peacock. Seasons 1 and 2 are available now on Peacock and Netflix.
