Top 10 Episodes of Sci-Fi Dramedy ‘Resident Alien’

LOS ANGELES, CA — ‘Resident Alien,’ the popular sci-fi dramedy, has captivated audiences since its debut in January 2021. With a collection of 34 episodes across three seasons, the show stands out for its unique blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling. This list narrows those down to the top ten episodes that define the series, showcasing its best qualities while highlighting notable character developments.

Alan Tudyk stars as Harry Vanderspeigle, an alien who crash-lands on Earth and must navigate human life while grappling with his own identity crisis. The top episodes demonstrate the evolution of Harry and his relationships with characters like Asta (Sara Tomko) and D’arcy Bloom (Alice Wetterlund). The selection process was rigorous, leading to some beloved episodes being left off the list, mainly due to the emphasis on impactful storytelling.

The first standout episode, “End of the World As We Know It,” provides a pivotal turning point for Harry and further deepens his connection with Asta. While it’s labeled as a bottle episode, it offers a wealth of character development and insights into Harry’s secret mission on Earth. ‘Forcing him to spend so much time with Asta under dangerous circumstances really builds their relationship,’ a source from the show explained.

“Birds of a Feather” showcases several breakthrough moments in Harry’s journey to understanding humanity. The comedic opening montage—depicting Harry’s first-ever dream—sets the tone for an episode that skillfully balances humor with emotional depth. ‘Harry’s experiences with Asta’s family on the Native American reserve were genuinely moving,’ commented a fan.

This leads us to highlight “Alien Dinner Party,” a memorable installment from season two. With the episode primarily set at Harry’s cabin, it captures character dynamics excellently amidst comedic chaos. The storyline not only juxtaposes Harry’s antics with real-life struggles, such as Kate’s unplanned pregnancy, but it also supplements season two’s overarching mystery.

Another crucial component of ‘Resident Alien’ is its pilot episode, which adeptly establishes the foundations of the series. The episode compels viewers during Harry’s thwarted plan to take over Earth, successfully blending mystery, humor, and suspense that resonates throughout the show.

Despite the third season facing challenges due to a reduction in episode count, crucial moments arise in episodes like “Here Comes My Baby” and the finale “Homecoming.” “Here Comes My Baby” presents a thrilling setup for the stakes involved in Harry’s return mission, while “Homecoming” captivatingly wraps up the season’s main conflicts.

“Best of Enemies” interweaves various storylines while presenting a thrilling experience as Harry teams up with other characters to face new threats, showcasing the show’s knack for combining humor with gripping action. The entry adds depth to the character of Peter Bach through flashbacks, enriching the ongoing narrative.

In a nod to fandom, the episode “Welcome Aliens” immerses Harry and Asta in an alien convention, capturing the eccentricities of fandom culture while introducing heartfelt elements, such as Mike’s apology song.

The episode “Love Language” confronts family dynamics, further exploring Harry’s adaptation to human relationships. As the audience witnesses Harry’s reunion with Isabelle, the episode draws startling contrasts between his alien persona and his past life.

Finally, “Heroes of Patience” stands as the series’ pinnacle by showcasing Harry’s conflict as he wrestles with his purpose and ties into gripping subplots involving other characters. ‘The finale’s combination of action and emotional stakes remains unparalleled in the series,’ a long-time viewer remarked.

As ‘Resident Alien’ gears up for season four, it leaves audiences excited for what’s next, after setting a high bar with its most impactful episodes, reinforcing its role as a testament to original storytelling in science fiction.