Falling Skies: Evolve Or Die Review

In some ways, “Evolve or Die” reminded me of the early days of the series back in season one when supply runs and attempts to save captured family members was the norm. Falling Skies has reached a turning point where certain characters will have to make decisions about how they’re going to adapt to current circumstances, but the nostalgic return to old patterns of resource hunting and Skitter avoidance was comforting.

That is, until the Espheni spoke!

After the Skitter rebellion leader, Red-Eye, showed us it was possible for the enemy to have dissent in their ranks, a small number of viewers might have wanted to give the Overlord known as “The Monk” the benefit of the doubt. But it’s clear from his long-distance conversation with the prison warden, Scorch, that he is manipulating Lexi and cultivating her powers. Added to the mix is the discovery that The Monk initiated the experiment with Anne’s pregnancy in the first place. But perhaps my favorite part of the Espheni interaction was the clear rivalry between the two Overlords. How ironic that The Monk was taunting Scorch about his failure while being tied up!

Scorch’s failure is much more apparent, though, as his search for the escaped prisoners has proven fruitless, thank goodness. It was no surprise that Tom put the whole group on hold to search for Matt; the 2nd Mass has always had to put up with his personal rescue missions. Likewise, Pope’s disdain for Hal’s inaction and subsequent insubordination was completely expected, but as I mentioned before, it was refreshing to see Pope off hunting for needed supplies again, especially since it appears to have netted him a friend named Sara, played by Oscar winner Mira Sorvino. Hal bounced back, though, and took decisive action in moving the group towards Lexi’s camp before his father’s return. It’s encouraging to have the eldest Mason son continue to take charge, just as he did in the ghetto while his father was in confinement.

The youngest Mason, on the other hand, is finally free of the re-education camp (a frustratingly easy escape, in fact), and hopefully he’ll find his place in the new order as his brothers have. Have we seen the last of the Hitler youth? I imagine not, but for now, I can’t say I’m sorry to see that storyline put on hold for the time being. If there’s one thing Matt’s confrontation with his team leader proves – not to mention Weaver’s shocking discovery about his daughter Jeanne’s transformation – it’s that humans will never stop fighting their oppressors.

Of course, if you believe Lourdes, they SHOULD stop fighting, but I’m hoping that once presented with overwhelming evidence, Lexi’s camp inhabitants will wake up to the false peace their sanctuary represents. I’m sure Lexi herself will be harder to convince, but let’s at least put the idea of this oasis to rest. Kudos to Anthony for trying to remind Lourdes: “C’mon, it’s me!” This is what they do! And someone please let Maggie (a favorite of mine) get back to business!

The mixture of the pleasantly familiar story arcs with the eye-popping revelations in this episode has really started the ball rolling now. Falling Skies had an adjustment period at the start of season four that has been bumpy at times, but now it has found its footing with this enjoyable episode. Let’s hope the ramping up continues!

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