Friday, July 29, 2011

Falling Skies

See FOOTNOTE  for copyright information.

Noah Wyle stars in an enthralling new TNT series called Falling Skies, which airs on Sundays at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time.  It follows a band of Americans left alive after a decimating alien invasion.   Entertainment Weekly magazine described the premiere episode as “…mercifully straightforward:  The only mission is survival.” 

We love it!  At the heart of Falling Skies is, well…HEART.  Ordinary people have been thrust into extraordinary circumstances and are struggling to live from one day to the next.  Everyone must make choices, often very difficult choices.  Some cling to their principles and are willing to do what is right no matter the personal cost.  Some choose to do what will benefit them today regardless of the consequences to others.  In many ways, that’s not unlike our polarized country today.

This is a show the whole family can enjoy together, though the realistic “skitter” aliens may be a bit too frightening for the very young.  There’s action, there are tender moments, and a lot of twists and surprises.  Rated TV-14, the episodes have so far been refreshingly free of sexual immorality and offensive crude humor.  Mild profanity has been used on occasions, usually when the characters are in grave peril.

The episode “Grace” ends as everyone shares a meager meal and reflects on why they are still blessed.  One by one they join hands as the character, Lourdes  (played by Seychelle Gabriel) begins to pray, “Heavenly Father, for everything you’ve given us and especially for our connection with each other, may we be truly thankful.  In the name of the Father, the Son and of theHoly Spirit, Amen.”  Soft “Amens” spontaneously echo around the lantern-lit dining hall of the abandoned school where they have taken refuge, then the end credits roll.

Falling Skies has offered some excellent lessons should we ever find ourselves in a similar situation.  No, I’m not suggesting an alien invasion might actually occur, but given the current weakened condition of our nation, a terrorist attack, an invasion by a foreign power or a complete economic collapse is not implausible and could plunge us into a situation similar to Falling Skies.

We feel TNT, the producers, directors, actors and crew have done a GOOD DEED by creating this show.  In addition to entertainment, it serves a higher purpose.  It causes us to ponder the unthinkable that might actually occur.

Click FALLING SKIES Video to watch full episodes you may have missed.

Be sure to check out Producer/Director Greg Beeman's blog titled "Beaming Beeman".  You'll find some very interesting posts about Falling Skies and cool behind the scenes pics.

08-15-2011 Note:  Falling Skies wrapped up its emotional first season on 08-07-2011 with Tom Mason (Noah Wyle) heading off to battle the aliens all alone -- oh, how we love  a lone, suffering hero!  According to Greg Beeman's blog, work has already begun on Season 2, scheduled to air next summer.  We're looking forward to it!  Hope Season 1 will soon be released on DVD.

FOOTNOTE:  This Falling Skies image is a screenshot of a copyrighted TV program.  It is believed that this use of this image for identification and critical commentary qualifies as fair use under the United States copyright law.

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