Falling Skies Final Fallout Part Two

Hey, Where Did My Volm Vibe Go?

Readers of this blog may remember my bold prediction on how the third season of Falling Skies would end.  The Volm would be come so disillusioned and dispirited with the suspicions of humanity that they would leave mankind to their own devices and in the hands of the treacherous Espheni.  Good riddance to us all!  

Well, it didn't quite turn out that way.  In fact, what happened was totally predictable and then totally unpredictable and safe.

This is going to be a Volm-centric article so warn me if I tend to stray.

Let's get right to the Volm developments from the Falling Skies season three finale.  All through the season the viewing audience was treated with the suspicions by some of the main characters.  Specifically Colonel Weaver, who was never comfortable with the Volm and also Pope with his special brand of thinly veiled racism.  It was a drumbeat of doubt to build a dramatic tension that led us up to the season finale.

As it turned out they were right!

I actually found this to be a bit anti-climatic.  As we learned, the Volm, led by Papa Volm, father to Cochise, informed Tom Mason and Col. Weaver that the 2nd Mass was to be transplanted to Brazil.  This was spun instantly and a bit mysteriously by Pope (who has turned into the shows "panic button") into a type of internment camp relocation.  Where's Ben when you need him to slap Pope across the face?  This show needs a lot more of that.  Come to think of it, Pope is a lot like Joffrey from Game of Thrones.  Just give him a good slap when he gets out of order.  (Which is all the time.)

Tom was naturally stunned by all of this.  (Why would he question a free trip to Brazil to loll on the balmy beaches of Rio?)  Seriously,  Tom and the 2nd Mass felt betrayed.  They assumed they would be allied with the Volm and fight along side them.  Was not Cochise completely truthful with them?

It seems the Volm didn't have much respect for the human race.  The fighting was to be theirs and theirs alone.  As far as the Volm were concerned humanity was just going to be in the way.

I have no doubt that the Volm had earned their grudge with the Espheni and perhaps this grudge blinded them to any help mankind could be.  You'd think you'd want the help of the indigenous people with your fight.  You know, get the lay of the land etc.  But judging by the way the Volm mothership landed in, I mean, on Boston, no help was needed.

Crunch!

I've always wanted the show to return it's roots in Boston but it looks like that's not going to happen now.

Flat as a pancake!

That was a bit arrogant.  The Volm arrogance continued with the dismissal of the 2nd Mass and to my chagrin, Pope's dire predictions rang true.

The Volm explained to Tom that they never had any complaints with their relocation plans and most races were thankful to put out of harms way.  They intimated that most rescued races were inferior technically or in matter of civilizations and that Tom and his ilk should be a little more appreciative.

This is where I have a major problem.  Not so much with the arrogance, that is to be expected from a superior race, but with The Volm's explanation that no one ever refused their relocation plans and were happy to leave the field of battle.

Haven't they ever heard of these guys?  The Skitters obviously have a vigorous rebel spirit.  So much so that despite their enslavement and indoctrination they still found the will to strike back at their masters.  The Skitters didn't always look like the above picture also.  That's just the effect of the harnesses they had to wear.  As far as we know they could be just as humanoid as Earth's inhabitants or the Volm themselves.

I'm not sure this was an oversight of the writing staff or just plain blind arrogance by the Volm but I have to tell you I think the writing staff forgot all about the Skitters.  And once again, when I say Skitters, I mean the amalgamation of all the conquered races of the Espheni that have been distilled into what we know as the Skitters today. 

The Skitters even suffered  a blow to their leadership when Red Eye went down and he was supplanted by a guy I call "War Paint".  Does that sound like a group of people that would go meekly into the night and do whatever the Volm say?

I think not. 

So what are we left with here?  The Volm with their supreme arrogance or a major goof up by the writing staff?  There is evidence to indict the writing staff for this oversight. 

The Volm had a quick change of heart most of which happened off camera.  Tom gave a heartfelt speech to Papa Volm about the human spirit and no doubt Cochise prevailed upon his father to let the 2nd Mass go on their merry way, weapons and all.  All of which I found a bit unpredictable and a bit safe.  It all happened so fast!  How convenient it was for the 2nd Mass to get their weapons back so they could exact their revenge on Karen. 

Are you telling me all the surviving races that eventually became the Skitters couldn't have done the same thing?  I find that hard to believe especially considering their fighting spirit.  Even War Paint sacrificed himself in order to help the cause.

Sure, maybe the writers want to put humanity in the cross hairs between the Espheni and the Volm.  But it doesn't seem likely that the meager remnants of humanity would have any bearing on a set piece battle between the Volm and Espheni.

You may argue that the Volm are here to stay and their true motive is to settle on Earth and make it their own.  But then why are they hopping from planet to planet in pursuit of the Espheni?  Why not settle on one of those past planet where they've relocated the indigenous folk?

I'd like to see Falling Skies write their way out of this one.

Next up, revenge upon Karen and the future of humanity.

Falling Skies Finale Fallout Part One

The Merry Wives Of Prince Hal.

I thought I'd try something different here and speak to some of the salient points of the Falling Skies season finale, Brazil, instead of trying to cover the entire episode all at once.  This wasn't exactly a Hal-centric episode but it did deal with all the woman in his life and they in turn were central to the plot of the episode.

Let's start with the character of Maggie who is the current paramour of Hal.  I thought she was oddly written in this episode especially considering her closeness to Hal in the last episode when they were trapped beneath the rubble together.  She seemed skittish and paranoid. It's as if the writers wanted to characterize her as Pope saw her when he predicted she would come crawling back to him some day.

Hal sensed there was some thing wrong with Maggie as the two marched towards Boston.  Victory was in the air and Hal mused over what life would be like once things got back to normal.  Maggie instantly challenged him that he wasn't a split level house type of guy and that he would be, essentially, too restless for that type of life.

I thought this rather strange since the "Xibalba" episode characterized her as someone willing to die in his arms with her last breath of air.  She's often stated she'd rather go out fighting but if that was going to be the way the went out, then there was no one she'd rather be with. 

Her discomfort with the "suburban" life was painfully obvious as she marched with Hal.  But instead of confronting the problems as her own she projected them on to Hal.  As if on cue, Pope caught up with them and validated her misgivings over a peaceful future.

I don't blame Hal for being confused.  It wasn't long ago they were going to hang in with each other through thick and thin.  Doesn't Maggie realize that rebuilding in a shattered world can be just as daunting as fighting the war day after day?

It's as if the writers insist on seeing Maggie through Pope's eyes now.  It's almost like they want Pope to be right about something to validate the constant barrage of cynicism and negativity and therefore legitimize his role on the show. You should be able to guess by now that I have no patience for Pope on Falling Skies.  He is a constant irritant with no redeeming value.  Do we really have to see Maggie become so difficult in order to justify his presence?

Hal didn't exactly have a romantic relationship with Lourdes but it was pretty clear she had a crush on him.  Hal was aware of this also.  As season one progressed Lourdes was constantly trying to do things to impress Hal and this theme continued into season two.  Hal tolerated Lourdes' advances and was often teased by Karen or Maggie about it.

That is why Hal had a soft spot for Lourdes as she lay chained and caged in the thrall of the Espheni "insects".  Lourdes managed to utter a few things to Hal in her more lucid and less tortured moments that spoke of their past "relationship".  This touched Hal as he was well aware of her feelings for him.  This proves that that an insect "infected" person can still draw on their past personality and not be totally "gone". 

Seventy five per cent gone but not completely.

You probably noticed, as I did, that Maggie was quite impatient with these proceedings even though she waited outside the tent.  She seemed jealous and possessive over Hal despite the fact that her "competition" was locked in a cage and half crazed with her torment.

Hal was again positioned as a touch stone for a female character.  I'm not convinced Hal has a real purpose on Falling Skies.  I suspect he is being maneuvered as a "romantic lead" in order to develop the more interesting female characters around him.  Something that was hinted at in the "Strange Brew" episode.  Hal was busy chasing skirts as Ben became the confidant to Tom.  (His brother, Ben, is quickly surpassing Hal as a far more compelling character)

Anyway, speaking of the "competition".

Karen at last appears on the screen, the final piece of the triumvirate romantically connected with Hal.  I really enjoyed Karen's snake like charm.  When she met small band of 2nd Mass survivors led by Tom she instantly went to work on Hal.  "Good to see you Hal, I've missed you." she taunted.  I have no doubt this is true if only partially.  They once were lovers and then she became infected by the Espheni harness, then they were lovers again!  Karen could play both sides of the coin as the "before and after" girlfriend which I'm sure was intended to infuriate Hal.  It certainly had an effect on Tom.

Tom, his trap played to exquisite perfection, puts a bullet into Karen as an act of cold revenge.  Here Karen has a moment of lucidity.  I totally bought into her sincerity as she confessed her feelings towards Hal as he knelt over her.  Maybe undergoing extreme physical duress has a way of bringing out the former humanity of those infected with Espheni technology.  She certainly sounded like the old Karen to me just as Lourdes did when she spoke to Hal.

In that moment of brief humanity Maggie loses hers and puts an end to Karen.  So now Maggie is a stone cold killer? Did you see the shocked look on Hal's face?  Maybe he'd be better off putting some space between him and Maggie.  And if I were the newly renewed Lourdes, I would be watching my back.  Maggie seems a bit unhinged.

As I stated at the start of this essay, Hal wasn't exactly the central player of this little drama but everything had a way of revolving around him.  At least through some twisted romantic lens.  I'm sorry to see Karen go, she was deliciously evil.  I guess that will be Maggies role now.  Okay, maybe not evil but way too close to the Pope side of the equation for my liking.  It'll be good to have Lourdes back again.  Her character has matured and Seychelle was able to expand upon her acting spectrum with some really juicy evil stuff.

Does this mean Hal is down to two girls now?  Should Ben be more protective of Denny?  (That is one relationship that is far more interesting).  Maybe the writers will have Hal torn between the Angel that is Lourdes on one shoulder and the Devil that is Maggie on the other.

Next up, the Volm dilemma.  

Falling Skies Hits The Big Screen!

I Went To Watch A TV Show And A Movie Broke Out!!!

Imagine the horror!  Survive the unthinkable! Say goodbye to everything you know! And, oh yeah, grab your popcorn!

Falling Skies to a trip back to Seventies last Sunday night with the episode, "Journey to Xibalba".

This was actually a fairly decent episode.  Jonathan Frakes is no slouch when it comes to building dramatic excitement. To me, this one hour episode had all the flair and nostalgia of a 1970's disaster movie.  Let's start with the incident that sent everything tumbling downward when we experienced a...

Buildings toppled! Glass shattered! Lovers are trapped in a lasting embrace!

Actually, it was the Espheni ant farm also known as Lourdes.  That little sneak planted a bomb that brought down the house.  I think it was her plan to take out as many of the 2nd Mass as she could in hopes that her own limp frame would be placed some where near Cochise.  Guess that worked out pretty well.

Anyway back to the romance!

I think Frakes wanted to put some of our principle players in jeopardy so they could work out their respective difference and conflicts.  An experiment of sorts but on a smaller scale instead of the larger ensemble working together.

Naturally, Hal and Maggie found themselves together.  As it turns out Maggie did resent being left behind when  the Masons went off in search of Anne and Lexie.  She doesn't like being the lone wolf after all.  Hal, for his part, exorcised his demons about everything being his fault.  Now on top of all that he's doomed the one person he loves.  Maggie provides solace for the two of them when she exclaims that she'd rather go out like this instead of alone.  It seems to sooth Hal's guilt ridden heart.

But wait!  What of our leaders!?  Who's in control!? It's almost like were flying on a wing and a prayer.  Could this be a disaster at the....

Who's piloting this thing anyway?  Are they OK!!!????

The two pilots that are supposed to be leading our hardy band of survivors, Tom and Marina, are also trapped together.  Taking out the leadership of Charleston is a good way to topple the resistance.  Lourdes was pretty lucky in this regard.  Like any good disaster flick, one of the pilots is blinded.  Try landing your 747 of plucky outcasts without being able to see.  Fortunately for Marina, Tom has a knack for getting out of tough scrapes.  Did I tell you how Tom got back from Boston?  He managed to right the ship as if it were the....

So if Tom isn't the President anymore can we at least make him a Captain.

I was wondering how Tom was going to make it back to Charleston in a hurry.  It's not like he had the Fringe Monorail that could get from Boston to New York in the blink of an eye.  Sailing will do.  No doubt Tom made it in record time, probably sometime around the morning after. 

Tom's unique survival skills also set up the plot line wherein he can't be trusted again.  Sure is convenient how this guy keeps popping up.  Something that isn't lost on our resident berserker in chief.  It looks like Pope is ready for....

Hold it, hold it, hold it!  That's not a seventies disaster movie.  Nice try Pope, you're not the leader yet.  Can we get back on track here.

So where were we?  Oh yes, shattered glass, crumbling concrete, flames licking about!  It's as if the whole world of Charleston is about to come tumbling down like it was a...

Oh please, no one really dies in these movies.  Not if you're pure and innocent.

Or if you hang around with rats...

Do you suppose Kadar ever saw the movie Willard?

Happily, all's well that ends well.  Lourdes was finally outed and captured as the mole.

I guess you could say her plans went down like the......

Ha, ha, you knew I had to work that one in somehow!

I Dreamed I Saw the Best Falling Skies Episode of the Season.

Was that not the best episode of the season?

I'm not sure it advanced the plot line all that much but it gave us a window into what might of been, and where Tom's true love really lies.

Our favorite lapdog to the Overlords, Karen (I'm sorry Karen, was that harsh?) was up to her old tricks again.  This time she employed some face hugging technology in order to extract information from the captive Tom Mason.

The results were quite revealing.

Let's start with the most surprising reveal into the psyche of Tom Mason.

In this iteration of Tom's "world that could have been" his current love, Anne Glass, is the "other woman".  She's a temptress of sorts.  She knows all about him, and in a way, could lead to the destruction of the family life Tom holds so dearly.  She's intimate, sly, naughty and at the end, a little scary.

Why is this?  Is this the way Tom really sees Anne?  An interloper threatening to wreak havoc on his normal happy life?  We could excuse this paradigm shift as a machination of Karen's torture device.  Perhaps the face-hugger has a way of manipulating what you think and turns what you hold dear into something so unsettling.  That's not the way it played out for the rest of the characters so we'll have to keep an eye on the Tom/Anne relationship once they are reunited.

Speaking of the "Face Hugging Device" it looks a little Alien doesn't it?  Pun intended!  This device is obviously intended to delve into the sub-conscious mind.  In the movie Alien it was the host that impregnated the carrier with the Xenomorph entity. In this show it is the conduit to Karen's machinations.

Right?

I'm not sure of this but Karen does seem to have some influence on it's operation.  Maybe not total control but enough to "Police" it's purpose.  That's why we see her as pictured above. 

It's a tough question.  Is this Tom's mind acting independently or is Karen's device influencing his thought?  The answer to which will be crucial to the future of Tom and Anne's relationship.

Ok, before I get to spinning my wheels on that conundrum let's talk of the Greek Chorus that is Weavers' vagrant.

I loved this.  As the avatar of Tom's conscience, Weaver is constantly warning Tom to wake up.  This goes to show how close the two of them have become.  We've often heard from each of them how indispensable the other has become.  Here, Tom's sub-conscious seems to be acting independently of Karen's device.  Weavers' voice is full throated and ustakeable with it's intent, "Wake up Tom!"

So why is he a vagrant.  Filthy, downtrodden, abandoned by society.  Why should you trust him?  Ah, perhaps this is where the device has some input.  The message is getting through but make the messanger unreliable.  I think it's no coincidence that Karen is the trusted Cop in this scenario.

Devious.

So let's take a look at the rest of our cast and crew.

So Pope is a philosophy professor.  How charitable.  I guess that still makes him the free thinker in Tom's mind.  The agitator and counter culture voice that Tom deems invaluable.  Still a cad though!

What does Tom think of Lourdes?  Well, she's not working in the medical or counseling department.  Instead she seems second tier, a mere student.  One that is willing to sleep with her teacher also.  Tom doesn't seem to have a very high opinion of her.  Is this the Device's way of protecting her role as the mole?  Maybe so.  Pope"s "dream world" role seems about right but Lourdes?  Something doesn't ring true.  Device or dream?

How about Maggie's role?  She seemed a little flirty herself didn't she?  A little, in-your-face, I-know-what you're-thinking-professor type of gal.  Sure she's a confident go getter that predicts an easy A on the exam.  But, damn, that was a little too close girlfriend.  Dial back the charm a tad.  Is this how Tom sees Maggie?  We got a quick look on how Tom sees Hal's dream girlfriend.  Is this a bit of transference to Maggie?  I'm hoping not. 

Hopefully Tom sees Maggie as a true leader and that explains her can-do attitude.  It may come off a little strong but no harm intended.

It was funny how Tom saw Matt as his little "mole".  Tom's subconscious knows to look for the mole but under the influence of Karen's face-hugger his thoughts are sublimated to poor little Matt.  It's no surprise that "Mole Matt" is spying on Hal who was thought to be the original mole.  Nice touch.

Hal's a playboy in Tom's dream world and Ben is the sensitive one.  The boys seem happy and healthy just as Tom would wish them to be.  Hal seems independent but reckless (wear your rain coat son).  Ben is different now that he is harness free in real life.  The same but different, maybe better.  Is that why Tom's subconscious allows Ben to confront Tom in his office?  That's the professor's inner sanctum but Ben fears it not.

Impressive.

Let's look at the rest of the characters in Tom's dream world.

Good for Anthony to be held in such high regard.  He's leading the investigation to uncover the mole and according to Tom's subconscious he's the Dean of the School.

I miss Dai.  I still can't understand why they had to kill him off.  Well, he's back for this episode and he's the angry husband.  This could be some transference over Dai's death.  Tom feels responsible for the loss of Dai so his subconscious has brought him back to scold Tom for his irresponsibility.  Guilt can be an overpowering emotion.  You need to get over this Tom.  (And find more ways to bring back Dai.)

Jeanne Weaver plays a supporting role in Tom's dream world.

Literally.

She's his secretary.  OK, not to demean Jeanne, we could see her a as filter of sorts to protect Tom.  In that she is a gatekeeper to keep Tom from ill will.  It almost worked but Anne got through anyway.  (So if Jeanne is the Gatekeeper then is the Keymaster?)

Here's the toughest one of them all.

I love Jennifer Ferrin.  I first swooned over her for her role on "Life on Mars" (USA version).  I was happy for her when she landed a role on "The Cape".  When "The Following" came knocking I was thrilled to see her again.  Has that been cancelled?

Jennifer Ferrin gives such soulful performances.  Maybe it is her expressive eyes.  As Tom's wife, Rebecca, she still has a hold on Tom's memories.  This was the saddest part of the episode.  Tom finds his old home in Boston, complete with Christmas list left on the Fridge.  Tom wanders up to the bedroom when he hears a noise.  Finding nothing he lays his head on the pillow he once shared with Rebecca.

Her spirit pleads with him to move on, there is nothing here for him anymore.

"You're here".

Too bad they don't give out Emmy's to science fiction characters (right, John Noble?) Tom looked so incredibly sad and I'm sure everyone in the viewing audience felt his pain.

So, best episode of the season?

I still haven't decided which is more responsible for Tom's dream world.  The face hugging device or his subconscious.  I'm leaning towards the subconscious.  The device may have induced the state but the world building was up to Tom. 

It's a long walk back from Boston Tom, you're going to need the rest when you get to Charleston.  Try not to dream so much when you do.

I'm Bugged Over the Mole Problem *Updated!*

Lordy, Lordy, Lordy, Lourdes is the Mole.

It's not often I can be fooled by TV.  But they got me this time.  After weeks of speculation I had come firmly down on the side that Marina Peralta was the mole.  There was no doubt in my mind that Hal was a false flag and all signs pointed to Marina.

Wrong!

I fell for the ol' double false flag.  The ol' "pull the rug from out under you" TV trick.

Sucker!

I am chagrined.  So there are two things that I immediately gleaned from this.  (Aside from, one, being a sucker.)

1. I am so glad Marina isn't the mole after all.  I love Gloria Reubens in her role.  She's been such a great addition to the show.  Her chemistry with Noah Wyle has been unmistakeable.
2. Lourdes?  Seriously?  What is her connection with the Espheni?  Am I so jaded with the series by this time that I missed the interaction with Lourdes and the enemy?  When did she get "infected"?  (See Lourdes infection update below!)

Does this really work as Lourdes being the mole?  She just can't go on shooting everyone that is a threat.  Wouldn't she and the Espheni be better served if she just laid low and stole all their secrets?  Eventually, high profile murder is going to get you caught.  What kind of spy takes those chances?  Security is going to be so locked down now that no one would get even close to Peralta.  Well, except her doctor maybe and with Anne being gone I guess that leaves Lourdes.

Gulp!

We'll have to see how successfully Falling Skies pulls this off.  Are we going to get some back story into Lourdes interacting with the Espheni?  A series of explanatory flashbacks?

Or did she have sex with Hal and he infected her?

Yuck, I hope not!

So, now someone with the complete trust of all is their greatest threat.  Terrific.

I wonder what to make of the scene where Lourdes is knelt in prayer.  Is there a vestige of her former self still alive in there somewhere, the one that embraced Jesus as her savior?  Or was that another false flag just to perpetuate her cover for the benefit of the Charleston survivors and we the viewing audience?

Remember when Hal used to constantly fight with himself over the control of his tortured psyche?  The battle between good Hal and evil Hal?  Why doesn't that happen with Lourdes?  Shouldn't she stumble and out herself much like Hal did?

I'm guessing it's the sheer number of creepy crawly things that are now setting up shop inside Lourdes that is preventing this internal struggle.

She is way gone.

So now she is the savior of mankind right?

Cochise did say that once the Espheni Sky-Net goes up that all their Beings including their converted Skitters et-al will be immune to it's effects.  Humanity will die off within months according to our favorite Volm.  But what about the converted or hybrid humans?

Baby Lexie should be good right?

She's a product of the Espheni.  To a degree so is Ben and Tom.  Both infected.  Anne was infected also we have to assume.  Her baby was a product of her and Tom.  Tom was infected.  Hal was infected at one point and he slept with Maggie.  Are they both safe now?

It may well be that Lourdes intends on infecting everyone in Charleston with her bio-mechanical insects or perhaps even through some genetic level.  Everyone will be saved.  Infected and enslaved, yes, but saved none the less.

If Lourdes is outed as the mole we could also expect her to be captured.  This would afford Roger Kadar the "Rat King" to synthesize a cure either by getting Espheni DNA from Lourdes or taking the bugs from her and replicating and injecting them into the Charleston survivors.  Not a full dose, just enough to protect them from the Overlord Sky-Net.

Not a bad theory.

You may ask yourselves, "What if the Volm weapon is effective won't that save everyone?"

Eh, my other theory is that humanity with their mounting suspicions will drive the Volm away.  It'll turn out the Volm were the good guys all along but it will be too late for humanity and they will be left to their own devices.

C'mon Rat King!



Gif and tumblr photos courtesy of Classy but Sassy and Luihell.  Good stuff, check them out.

*Update!*

I was perusing the internet this morning for an image Lourdes for my Tumblr page when I happened upon this little gem.

It show Lourdes praying by the bedside of the recently returned Tom Mason from the season 2 opener, "Worlds Apart".  This answers my question when did Lourdes ever have the opportunity to be infected by the Espheni Bio-bugs?  I have to assume they came from Tom!  That means she's been infected since then and unbeknownst to Tom he was the carrier.

Twist!


Bedside picture courtesy of wormholeriders.net.

Oh No They Didn't!

They Smile in Your Face, All the Time They Want to Take Your Place, The Back Stabbers!

Did they just hand the keys to the kingdom to the mole in this last episode of Falling Skies?

I'm saying they did.  Back in my June 16th blog entry Karen, Karen, Karen I posited that Gloria Reuben's Marina was a good bet to be the mole.  She asks all the wrong questions and she's always where she shouldn't be.  Or as far as she's concerned, all the right questions and at the right place at the right time.

Well played Marina, well played.

The Falling Skies Facebook page has been listing various characters as suspects but much of the suspicion fell on Hal.  He even proclaimed himself as the mole once the bio-nano-bug was removed. 

Naturally, everyone bought into it, even the ever taunting Pope. 

By the way, earlier in the episode, Ben put Pope's lights out for a brash remark.  So when does this guy get a bullet?  Seriously, is he that important?

After rescuing Tom Mason the previous episode and sitting by his bedside for two days he is now running book on the Mason family survival during the hostage standoff.  He even gets close to Weaver with a gun when Weaver catches him at his grim game.

Is Pope a sociopath or does he just have a poor memory?

Sorry, back to Marina.  So now she is the new president, she has the plans to the Volm device and the entire Mason family is out of the picture.

How convenient.

If that doesn't scream mole what does?  Will she be outed as the mole by the next episode?  I think not.  We seem to be stretching things out a little this season.  My guess she'll be outed by the penultimate episode.

So what is our movie tie in for the week?  A lot of digital ink has been spilled over Hal being HAL, the homicidal computer from 2001 A Space Odyssey.  A natural enough comparison. 

I think rather, The Manchurian Candidate from 1962 is a better candidate.  The character of Shaw played by Laurence Harvey is similar to Hal.  Both were brainwashed to some degree and both are being manipulated by puppet`master women.  For Shaw it was his mother.  For Hal it is his former girlfriend Karen.

There is also a presidential angle to each entry.  Shaw was to assassinate the presidential candidate so his dupe step father could vie for the job.  In this past episode of Falling Skies, Tom, Hal's father is the president.  Remarkably similar. 

There is another amazing similarity between the two vehicles.  As pictured above, Laurence Harvey uses a scoped rifle to exact his nefarious deed.  In a bit of a twist, Falling Skies puts the nominal assassin, Hal, at the wrong end of the rifle.

In this case, Tector has Hal lined up but fortunately for all things Mason he doesn't pull the trigger.

There is a unique solution to the Manchurian Candidate conundrum.  Laurence Harvey's Shaw decides to fight the brainwashing and puts a bullet in his own head.  The mind controlled Hal follows a similar path.  His solution is also to put a bullet to his own head.  However the twist here is that mind controlled Hal doesn't want to be captured.  His aim is just a little off and good Hal eventually returns to the fold.

Too bad Karen, nice try.  Where has she been lately anyway?  Watching Sixties movies for her next plot?  We'll find out next week!