Colony

Colony is an American science fiction television series, which was aired on USA network from 2016 to 2018. The show was created by renowned writers and producers, Carlton Cuse and Ryan J. Condal, who are also notable for their works on popular shows like "Lost" and "Hercules". It was a collaborative project from Universal Cable Productions, Legendary Television, along with other production companies and distributors.

The premise of the show is rooted in a dystopian near-future scenario in Los Angeles, where the city is occupied by a mysterious and technologically advanced race of extraterrestrial invaders who are referred to as the "Hosts". These invasions have led to the establishment of a defensive perimeter around the city colloquially known as the 'Colony', transforming it into a kind of closed society.

Colony explores diverse themes of control, subversion, and resistance in the face of the extraterrestrial occupation. The narrative revolves around the life and struggles of the Bowman family. The patriarch, Will Bowman, played by Josh Holloway, is a former FBI agent who is forced to work for the hostile invaders so as to protect his family and search for his missing son. At the same time, his wife, Katie Bowman, portrayed by Sarah Wayne Callies, secretly joins the burgeoning resistance movement against the occupation.

The show adeptly paints a vivid picture of an oppressed society trying to withstand and survive under an authoritarian regime. The city landscape under invasion has been divided into three partitions, namely the Green, Blue, and Red zones, each indicating respective levels of safety and control by the extraterrestrial forces.

Green zones are picturesquely safe and lush with the highest quality of life, housing the elites which include civilians collaborating with 'Hosts' and their families. The Blue Zone residents live under strict rules and curfews, facing surveillance and control but striving for normalcy in their altered lives. Conversely, the Red Zones are lawless, conflict-ridden regions, often inhabited by rebels and those labeled as outcasts to the 'Hosts'. These divisions shed light on the class disparity and societal structures within the colony and the brewing conflict within its confines.

Throughout its three-season run, the narrative of Colony is marked by a sense of suspense, keeping viewers constantly curious about the identity, motives, and the true power of the ‘Hosts’. The concept of the unseen oppressor adds a psychological dimension to the story with subtle nuances, whereby the presence of the ‘Hosts’ is largely indirect and maintained through their human collaborators called the ‘Red Hats’.

The show combines an engaging plot, well-rounded characters, and an effective exploration of thematic elements to keep audiences hooked. It offers a blend of family drama, survival, and political intrigue, intertwining personal motives with greater societal implications.

Josh Holloway, popularly known for his role as "Sawyer" in the series "Lost", gives an impressive performance as the protagonist, Will Bowman. Sarah Wayne Callies, widely recognized from her roles in "The Walking Dead" and "Prison Break", complements Holloway's character with her role as the tenacious Katie Bowman. The versatile performances of other actors in the series, such as Peter Jacobson, Amanda Righetti, and Tory Kittles, further contribute to the show's appeal.

Intriguingly, Colony reflects on the impact of possession and insurgency on the human condition, its effect on familial dynamics, and the power of resistance. While focusing much on what is lost, the narrative also highlights what humanity gains in its quest for freedom and survival.

Through plot twists and turns, Colony delivers a captivating portrayal of a society under occupation, emphasizing the resilience, cooperation, and determination of its characters. The series holds a mirror to contemporary issues, exploring aspects of resistance and collaboration, freedom, and control. It garnered a steady fan base with its combination of suspense, action, and emotive storytelling, contributing to the broader genre of dystopian science fiction television.