A crash-landed alien sent to destroy humanity discovers the complexities of human emotion instead.
In short: When an extraterrestrial agent lands in Patience, Colorado, his mission is simple: wipe out the human race. But after assuming the identity of a local doctor, he begins to experience involuntary human emotions. This science fiction comedy-drama explores his struggle between his original directive and a newfound, unexpected compassion for humanity.
The series centers on the titular alien, known as Harry Vanderspeigle, who possesses advanced intelligence, shapeshifting abilities, and superhuman physical traits. Sent to Earth to eliminate mankind—a task he initially believes would benefit the planet—he finds his resolve wavering as he learns to navigate human social cues, language, and behavior. His education is unconventional, largely derived from watching reruns of the procedural drama Law & Order.
The narrative is built on a foundation of moral conflict and identity. Harry’s true form is an androgynous, Octopodiform-like being, though he spends most of the series masquerading as the human doctor he killed upon arrival. His secret is precarious; he is constantly challenged by Max Hawthorne, the mayor’s young son, who is the only resident capable of seeing through Harry’s human disguise. As the story unfolds, Harry’s perspective shifts from cold detachment to a protective stance, eventually leading him to defend Earth against other extraterrestrial threats.
Spanning four seasons from January 2021 to August 2025, the show weaves together a diverse cast of characters in the small town of Patience. From the sheriff, Mike Thompson, to Asta Twelvetrees, who becomes one of the first to discover Harry's secret, the series examines how an outsider’s presence forces the townspeople to confront their own personal histories and insecurities. By the second-season finale, the scope of Harry's existence is hinted to be vast, with implications that he has lived for millions of years, having witnessed the era of live dinosaurs.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Resident Alien (TV series)
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