Aliens. The word denotes a lot of things to a lot of people. Extraterrestrial invaders. This too brings up different sentiments. Capturing the chaos of a fictional event in which highly intelligent off-world aliens threatened humankind with extinction, "Invasion" Season 2 gently carried the flow from its first season but only moderately amped up the chills and thrills this time around.
From the fact that abductee Mitsuki Yamato (played by Shioli Kutsuna) was the only one whose computer code (and later mind) could communicate with the alien species, to the fear and anxiety experienced by the Maliks - mum Anisha and kids Sarah and Luke (played by Golshifteh Farahani, Tara Moayedi, and Azhy Robertson, resp.) - season 2 of "Invasion" was interesting, but could've benefited from better SciFi-Fantasy storytelling.
It didn't hit the mark and displayed a tendency to procrastinate. But on a positive note, season 2 emphasized the reactions of humans more than the actions of aliens. This plot-point set it apart in simple yet significant ways, making it realistic and relatable.
How would the world react in the event of an alien invasion? Though this question has received more than its fair share of answers, depictions, and renditions over the years, "Invasion" S02 presented its own semi-engaging but severely slow-paced portrayal.
The aliens' insectoid design - including the fluid-ish 'portal' entity and the quadrupedal hunter-warriors - had me impressed. It was a no-nonsense and incredibly probable bio-design, which only made the creatures seem more convincing (existentially and functionally). Moreover, their mysterious vibration-communications added to the suspense.
The stranded alien mothership became the focus of efforts to learn what the off-worlders wanted and how best to stop them. The scenes revolving around this were captivating, even scientifically sound.
Some of the performances were good, but besmirched by contrived sequences that often had me thinking, 'But why, though?' Aside from the core characters mentioned earlier, special shout-out to Shane Zaza (as Nikhil Kapoor), Naian González Norvind (as Maya Castillo), Enver Gjokaj (as Clark Evans), Olivia-Mai Barrett (as Ryder Evans), India Brown (as Jamila Huston), Paddy Holland (as Monty Cuttermill), Ruby Siddle (as Penny Cuttermill), Shamier Anderson (as Trevante Cole), Nedra Marie Taylor (as Rose Callaway), Craig Jackson (as Hanley), Moshidi Motshegwa as (President Benya Mabote), and Grant Swanby as (General Mitchell).
There was nothing genuinely 'alien' to write home about where season 2 of "Invasion" was concerned. Despite being a fan of the genre, I couldn't find much to admire in this take on a fated post-apocalyptic alien invasion.
On full display was the sheer fallibility and feelings-driven vulnerability of the human race. I found myself mentally scolding some of the characters for reacting impulsively, but also realized that some people would've responded in similar ways. In this regard, the series proved provocative, though frustratingly so.
If season 3 "Invasion" gets greenlit, there may be room for improvement, if not outright redemption. If, on the other hand, it gets cancelled, I cannot say I didn't see it coming.
S02 dragged in places where it should've sprinted and contained 'just right' Goldilocks moments that made circumstances a tad convenient for some of its characters. Perhaps with added mileage, the show could've reached the stars. But where it landed, "Invasion" season 2 served up some passable entertainment that could've used more je ne sais quoi.
From the fact that abductee Mitsuki Yamato (played by Shioli Kutsuna) was the only one whose computer code (and later mind) could communicate with the alien species, to the fear and anxiety experienced by the Maliks - mum Anisha and kids Sarah and Luke (played by Golshifteh Farahani, Tara Moayedi, and Azhy Robertson, resp.) - season 2 of "Invasion" was interesting, but could've benefited from better SciFi-Fantasy storytelling.
It didn't hit the mark and displayed a tendency to procrastinate. But on a positive note, season 2 emphasized the reactions of humans more than the actions of aliens. This plot-point set it apart in simple yet significant ways, making it realistic and relatable.
How would the world react in the event of an alien invasion? Though this question has received more than its fair share of answers, depictions, and renditions over the years, "Invasion" S02 presented its own semi-engaging but severely slow-paced portrayal.
The aliens' insectoid design - including the fluid-ish 'portal' entity and the quadrupedal hunter-warriors - had me impressed. It was a no-nonsense and incredibly probable bio-design, which only made the creatures seem more convincing (existentially and functionally). Moreover, their mysterious vibration-communications added to the suspense.
The stranded alien mothership became the focus of efforts to learn what the off-worlders wanted and how best to stop them. The scenes revolving around this were captivating, even scientifically sound.
Some of the performances were good, but besmirched by contrived sequences that often had me thinking, 'But why, though?' Aside from the core characters mentioned earlier, special shout-out to Shane Zaza (as Nikhil Kapoor), Naian González Norvind (as Maya Castillo), Enver Gjokaj (as Clark Evans), Olivia-Mai Barrett (as Ryder Evans), India Brown (as Jamila Huston), Paddy Holland (as Monty Cuttermill), Ruby Siddle (as Penny Cuttermill), Shamier Anderson (as Trevante Cole), Nedra Marie Taylor (as Rose Callaway), Craig Jackson (as Hanley), Moshidi Motshegwa as (President Benya Mabote), and Grant Swanby as (General Mitchell).
There was nothing genuinely 'alien' to write home about where season 2 of "Invasion" was concerned. Despite being a fan of the genre, I couldn't find much to admire in this take on a fated post-apocalyptic alien invasion.
On full display was the sheer fallibility and feelings-driven vulnerability of the human race. I found myself mentally scolding some of the characters for reacting impulsively, but also realized that some people would've responded in similar ways. In this regard, the series proved provocative, though frustratingly so.
If season 3 "Invasion" gets greenlit, there may be room for improvement, if not outright redemption. If, on the other hand, it gets cancelled, I cannot say I didn't see it coming.
S02 dragged in places where it should've sprinted and contained 'just right' Goldilocks moments that made circumstances a tad convenient for some of its characters. Perhaps with added mileage, the show could've reached the stars. But where it landed, "Invasion" season 2 served up some passable entertainment that could've used more je ne sais quoi.
