The High Cost of "Greatness". Our Foundering Fathers?

From the get go I wondered if Falling Skies was going to pursue some sort of political allegory in their most recent episode, "The Price of Greatness".  After all, the special guest star, Terry O'Quinn, played former Boston College chair of the History department, Arthur Manchester, (whose name harkens to the mythological King of England and the renowned historian William Manchester who wrote "American Caesar" the story of General Douglas McArthur.)  This would peg him from the liberal Northeast and with his keen sense for history, lend him a unique perspective of founding a new democracy.  His character even wrote a book, "From Darkness: Democracy".

In opposition to this perspective we'd have the military wing that was champing at the bit for a fight and headquartered in the conservative South but felt helpless because they weren't in a position of power.  Quite similar to the conservative Republican party of today that is waiting in the wings for their chance to take over the reigns of power.

Political or social allegory is a common device for the writers of science fiction.  The great champion of which was the original Star Trek and to a degree followed by "The Next Generation".  This was not to be for this episode of Falling Skies.  Perhaps the writers flirted with it tangentially but not to any great degree as evidenced by Manchester's despotic pursuit of power.  It seems the this fictional author had forgotten the lessons of the Revolutionary War. The Continental Congress went to great lengths to share power and worked tirelessly to form a representative government that eventually produced a Bill of Rights and the Articles of Confederation.  For its part, the military, led by George Washington, eschewed politics and completely trusted the Congress despite its difficulty in levying taxes and begging the states/colonies for soldiers that often returned to their farms.  Too bad General Bressler didn't follow the example of Washington, who was a rock star of sorts for his period and upon assuming the Presidency wanted nothing to do with a lifetime monarchy and stepped down after two terms.  Instead Bressler declared martial law.

Two men not worthy of the status of "Founding Fathers" to this new democracy. 

Perhaps this is why Tom Mason was thrust unceremoniously into the role of leadership once Pope declared that Tom had landed them squarely in the middle of a coup.  Surely this isn't something wanted for his friend Manchester (despite not backing him) or himself as he looked positively aghast once Bressler told him his little alliance with the Skitters better work.  (Are the Skitter taking the role of the French?)  I'll credit for General Bressler for that much.  The original Continental army never ran from a fight although they were soundly beaten more than once.   I'm sure poor Tom is all for the proper political process but not at the point of a gun.  There is no doubt he must feel entirely responsible for these events.  There is an old saying, "Some people are destined for greatness, others have it thrust upon them".  Tom had greatness thrust upon him and the price was the democratic process.

Is there added cost?  The Army is spoiling for a fight as is the 2nd Mass but even the Revolutionary War army had its Valley Forge where they were allowed to rest and refit.  Is this new fighting force truly ready and can the Skitters be completely trusted.  I wonder if the Skitters have a religious fervor that might run counter to the Humans ideals.  Maybe the Skitters will remind them about the lesson of "One Nation Under God."

Other observations.

• Best line of the night goes to Pope for wishing his opposite number "to the cornfield" from the classic Twilight Zone episode "It's A Good Life".  Someone's done their homework.
• Always good to see Tom and Anne share a bed.  They are so mature and comfortable with each other despite the chaos around them.
• Hal owning up to his "Teenage silence".  Maggie called him out, Hal had a speech ready, it worked and now they have each others back again.  Hey, that's mature also!
• Anybody else wonder how Tom and the 2nd Mass' reputation preceded them?  It can't be all from the aviator Churchill?  Where is she by the way?
• The Skitter "Red Eye" has followed Tom and his group to Charleston, have the Skitters been followed also?  That would lead to a climatic cliff hanger.  Before Washington had his victory at Yorktown he also had his battle at Brandywine Creek and it was pretty much a disaster.

I hope everyone is ready or the cost could be even greater.