Warning! This article contains spoilers for Resident Alien season 4, episode 7.

Resident Alien season 4, episode 7 picks up after one of the best episodes of the series, and it continues to deliver thoroughly compelling and fun sci-fi comedy beats. Alan Tudyk’s hit series balances incredible emotional beats with absurdist comedy, and narrative mystery and action throughout. The latest episode is no different.

After the big reveal of Harry’s father being the one responsible for choosing when to give Harry back his alien energy, this episode immediately sees the pair’s uncomfortable reunion on Earth. Meanwhile, D’Arcy is actively seeking to make big changes in her life after reaching an all-time low. Harry and his father’s interactions, as well as the gripping final moments, make up the biggest and most exciting moments of the episode.

Harry Gets A Rude Awakening In Resident Alien Season 4, Episode 7

This episode serves to highlight how Harry has grown throughout the run of Resident Alien. Last week, it was revealed that Harry has managed to grow a soul, but now with his father in the picture, it’s even clearer how this formerly murderous alien has embraced a very different way of life. The contrast with his father, played by the incredible Stephen Root, makes this abundantly clear and exceptionally entertaining.

However, despite good moments, this episode has the unfortunate task of coming after last week’s Resident Alien episode, which was one of the strongest of the series. This underscores its mediocrity by comparison. That’s not to say it’s bad. This episode still delivers humor, tension, complex relationships, and drama — it’s just not as good as its predecessor.

Alan Tudyk’s Harry is tremendous, and his scenes with his father maintain the episode’s pace. However, the supporting cast has very little to do in this episode. Until the episode’s final minutes, the energy is low. Additionally, the follow-up with D’Arcy is lacking after the incredibly tense emotions of episode 6.

Asta Is Beginning To Consider Life Beyond Patience

Asta is arguably the second lead in Resident Alien, but the show hasn’t felt like that for some time. That shifts in episode 7. While Asta’s role is still somewhat subdued, her character is being set up for some big changes in the imminent future. Hopefully, this will give Sara Tomko room to shine in a way that is similar to how characters like D’Arcy, Ben, and Kate have stolen the spotlight in season 4.

Resident Alien continues to balance fun and emotion, but the stakes are somewhat lowered. The performances are compelling and keep the energy up, but there is room for more, and previous episodes prove that. Despite this, there are some important moments involving Harry’s father, Ben, Kate, and Max that make me excited for what’s ahead.

Episode 7 may not be a series-best, but it is a solid effort overall, and one that moves the plot along. It’s a little less polished than other episodes, and the comedy beats don’t land quite as hard. The drama here feels less important, but as Resident Alien moves fast towards its season 4 finale, the series remains strong and entertaining.

Resident Alien season 4 airs weekly every Friday at 11pm ET on Syfy and USA Network.

Resident Alien Season 4, Episode 7

7/10

Release Date

January 27, 2021

Network

USA Network, SyFy

Showrunner

Chris Sheridan

Directors

Robert Duncan McNeill, Shannon Kohli, Brennan Shroff, Lea Thompson, Kabir Akhtar, Alan Tudyk, Claudia Yarmy, Jay Chandrasekhar, Jennifer Phang, Warren P. Sonoda

Writers

Nastaran Dibai, Sarah Beckett, Jenna Lamia, Christian Taylor, Emily Eslami, Donald Todd, Cherry Chevapravatdumrong, Njeri Brown, Aaron Wiener, Biniam Bizuneh

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  Sara Tomko

  Asta Twelvetrees

Pros & Cons

• Tension and drama between Harry and his father.
• The big twists at the end of the episode with Harry, Max, Ben, and Kate.

• A come-down after the packed previous episode.