This 2016 Alien Invasion Thriller Is One of the Best Sci-Fi Shows You Might’ve Missed

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As a gamer with a penchant for sci-fi series that deliver a punch, I can wholeheartedly vouch for USA Network’s underrated gem, Colony. Having witnessed the fleeting existence of many promising shows, it’s refreshing to see a series like this, which remains as relevant today as when it first premiered in 2016.

With its gripping narrative set against an alien invasion backdrop, Colony is a must-watch for fans who have a soft spot for Josh Holloway’s enigmatic Sawyer from Lost or Sarah Wayne Callies’ unyielding Lori Grimes from The Walking Dead. The series masterfully blends elements of sci-fi with grounded drama, making it an engaging watch even for those who aren’t die-hard fans of the genre.

The show’s intricate plot and well-developed characters are further enhanced by its stellar cast, including Peter Jacobson, Tory Kittles, Adrian Pasdar, and the late, great Carl Weathers. The fact that the producers managed to attract such talented actors from well-regarded dramas and theater speaks volumes about the quality of Colony.

What sets Colony apart, however, is its ability to tackle real-world issues in a compelling and thought-provoking manner. Drawing inspiration from actual historical events, it delves into themes like collaboration, resistance, and survival under foreign occupation, making for a gripping and emotionally charged viewing experience.

Lastly, I’d like to mention that SYFY WIRE’s official Colony podcast is an excellent companion piece for the series. It offers in-depth insights into the show’s themes and metaphors, as well as behind-the-scenes stories from the cast and crew.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a sci-fi drama that will keep you hooked, Colony is the series to watch. Just remember, when it comes to finding great shows, sometimes they’re hiding in plain sight – behind those big alien walls!

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but lament over the untimely endings of some extraordinary sci-fi series. Despite garnering rave reviews throughout their tenure, they often find themselves overshadowed by an ocean of competing shows, leading to their premature cancellation – such as USA Network’s Colony, a brilliant sci-fi drama masterminded by Carlton Cuse (of Lost) and Ryan Condal (from House of the Dragon)).

Now that all three seasons of Colony are available on Peacock, the series continues to resonate with relevance, much like when it initially debuted in January 2016. The storyline presents a chilling possibility: an alien invasion where Earth is overtaken and humanity is subjugated, with Collaborator humans assisting these extraterrestrial rulers under a military regime called the Transitional Authority.

The mysterious extraterrestrials, referred to as “Hosts,” maintain a cloak of secrecy regarding their ultimate intentions. However, the human survivors of their initial aggressive takeover have banded together, pooling their resources, to establish an unofficial network of Resistance outposts. Their primary objectives are to locate missing family members, safeguard what remains of humanity, and most crucially, to retaliate against these aliens.

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Cuse and Condal, being enthusiasts of history, developed a series that reflects real-life events in Paris during World War II when it was under Nazi occupation. Although they are fans of science fiction narratives, their primary aim was to delve into human behavior when their entire lifestyle is altered and endangered forever. Some individuals swiftly allied with the enemy for protection and power, while others resorted to underground resistance, employing guerrilla warfare tactics to inflict as much discomfort as possible on the occupier.

Though “Colony” may not have received the visual attention with eye-catching effects during its television broadcast over three seasons, the advent of streaming platforms has breathed new life into this series. With numerous compelling reasons, it stands as a top choice among the finest original science fiction dramas of the past decade.

Genre veterans Josh Holloway and Sarah Wayne Callies lead Colony cast

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If you enjoyed characters like Sawyer from Lost or Lori Grimes on The Walking Dead, then Colony might be perfect for you. In this series, Josh Holloway and Sarah Wayne Callies star as Will and Katie Bowman, a married couple, while navigating their roles as parents in post-alien occupation Los Angeles. Their children, teen Bram (Alex Neustaedter) and young Gracie (Isabella Crovetti), are also trying to adapt to this new way of life.

Unfortunately, the Bowman family continues to search for their lost third child, Charlie (Jacob Buster), who went missing during a field trip when the alien invasion took place and became trapped behind the massive wall constructed by the aliens in Santa Monica. As the days pass, the family members grow more frantic and resort to what they believe are the most effective strategies to locate and rescue Charlie, all while avoiding detection by human collaborators who are working with the aliens.

Despite not being a fan of shows heavily focused on science fiction, “Colony” still manages to captivate with its realistic drama, delving into the consequences of foreign occupations. Drawing inspiration from historical events of occupation, it confronts pertinent issues such as individuals betraying one another for power, the debatable nature of resistance movements that foster hope, and ordinary heroes who rise from adversity.

One of the advantages of the series Colony was that its creators, Cuse and Condal, selected actors from critically acclaimed dramas and stage performances to inhabit this dystopian future. Key members of the cast included Peter Jacobson, known for his role in The Goldfinch, who portrayed the traitor Proxy Snyder; Tory Kittles, recognized from The Equalizer, played resistance fighter Eric Broussard; Adrian Pasdar, famous for his work on Heroes, took on the role of another human who switched to Collaborator, Nolan Burgess; and the late, esteemed Carl Weathers played Beau, a former partner of Will, whom he had worked with as a cop.

Additionally, Kathy Baker, Bethany Joy Lenz, Graham McTavish, Laura Innes, and Wayne Brady were among the stars who graced Colony with special appearances or recurring roles.

SYFY WIRE’s Official Colony podcast covers every episode with the cast and crew

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In summary, SYFY WIRE was responsible for creating the official podcast for the entire run of Colony, which spanned three seasons. Each episode contained a blend of insights from co-creators/showrunners Cuse and Condal, as well as co-showrunner Wes Tooke, who walked fans through the key themes, significant character developments, and set pieces of each episode. Additionally, the podcast had special guests from the cast and crew, offering intriguing behind-the-scenes glimpses into the production process, complete with tantalizing anecdotes.

As a long-time fan of science fiction and someone who has always been fascinated by stories that delve deep into themes and metaphors, I highly recommend checking out “Colony: The Official Podcast.” Having watched the show on Peacock and now listening to the podcast, I can say it provides an enriching experience that adds another layer to the narrative. For those who are eager to explore the complexities of the series, this podcast is a must-listen. It’s available across all popular podcast platforms, making it easily accessible for anyone interested. Dive into the world of “Colony” and gain a deeper understanding of its intricate themes and symbols by tuning in to “Colony: The Official Podcast.

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2024-12-31 22:31