Alien Nation

"Alien Nation" is a captivating science-fiction television series set in an alternate version of 20th-century America. The series, which aired on FOX from 1989 to 1990, is a complex blend of drama, crime-solving, and science fiction elements, set against a deep socio-political backdrop. The show features actors such as Gary Graham, Eric Pierpoint, Michele Scarabelli, Lauren Woodland, Sean Six, and Terri Treas, who bring the characters to life with their brilliant acting skills.

The world of "Alien Nation" is set starkly apart from our own, with the pivotal event being the crash landing of an alien slave ship in the Mojave Desert circa 1990. The occupants of the ship, a race of extraterrestrial beings who are later referred to as "Newcomers," find themselves stranded on Earth. These Newcomers are physically superior to humans, able to devour raw food, and imbibe sour milk as an alcohol substitute. Their unique biology further sets them apart with two hearts, a vulnerability to saltwater, and the females carrying their mate’s fertilized egg in their womb, which is then transferred to the male who experiences the gestation till birth.

The series primarily focuses on two characters, human detective Matthew Sikes, played by Gary Graham, and his Newcomer partner George Francisco, played by Eric Pierpoint. Set in Los Angeles, the mismatched duo tackles various crimes while also navigating the underlying tension between the human population and the Newcomers who are struggling to assimilate into the human society.

What makes "Alien Nation" stand out is its commitment to exploring social issues alongside traditional crime-solving plots. It delves into themes of prejudice, racism, and cultural differences, with the Newcomers facing discrimination and prejudice similar to numerous immigrant groups in real-world history. This makes the series more than just another sci-fi show, taking it to the realm of social commentary.

Gary Graham stars as Detective Matthew Sikes, a gruff and traditional cop, initially prejudiced against the Newcomers. His character development over time is significant, as he evolves to appreciate and understand his Newcomer partner, shedding his prejudices along the way.

Eric Pierpoint is splendidly believable as the respectful and adaptable George Francisco, the first Newcomer detective on the force who, along with his family, attempts to assimilate into human society. He is the moral compass and cultural ambassador, constantly negotiating between his own people and the humans.

Michele Scarabelli plays Susan Francisco, George's wife, who works diligently to integrate their family into human society. Lauren Woodland stars as Emily Francisco, their teenage daughter who grapples with adolescence and cultural alienation. Sean Six plays Buck Francisco, their rebellious son who struggles to reconcile his heritage with his life amidst humans. Terri Treas plays the role of Cathy Frankel, Sikes's Newcomer neighbor and love interest, potently adding the emotional nuances to the narrative.

"Alien Nation," while tackling action-packed crime cases and exploring inter-species detective partnership, is equally committed to the exploration of its characters. The emotional journey of the Newcomers, their struggle to fit in, human prejudice, personal epiphanies, and evolving relationships add multiple layers to the narrative.

The well-rounded script, tight plotlines, and deep exploration of socio-cultural themes make “Alien Nation” a unique spectacle for sci-fi lovers. The series manages to maintain a fascinating balance between serious discourse and entertainment. Furthermore, it intelligently uses the science fiction genre to expose and examine societal divisions and prejudices.

"Alien Nation" is a resounding piece of sci-fi television, that uses its extraterrestrial premise to examine the complexities of cultural assimilation, societal prejudices, and finding common ground amidst differences. The potent chemistry between the lead characters, the gripping narrative, and the subtle commentary makes it a heralding example of meaningful, thought-provoking television.