Roswell Season 1 - TV Series Review

Post

Subscribe

The first season of Roswell, which originally aired in 1999, is a compelling mix of science fiction, teen drama, and romance. Set in the small town of Roswell, New Mexico—a place known for its connection to UFO folklore—the show delves into themes of alien identity, secrecy, and humanity’s capacity for connection. Created by Jason Katims and based on the Roswell High book series by Melinda Metz, Season 1 sets the stage for a narrative that blends the extra-terrestrial with the emotional turmoil of adolescence.

Season 1 introduces us to a trio of teenage aliens - Max Evans (Jason Behr), Isabel Evans (Katherine Heigl), and Michael Guerin (Brendan Fehr) - who are trying to live under the radar while grappling with their extra-terrestrial origins. The season begins with a dramatic inciting event: Max saves Liz Parker (Shiri Appleby), a human, from a near-fatal gunshot in the diner where she works. This act reveals his alien nature to Liz, sparking a chain of events that draws her, and eventually her friends Maria DeLuca (Majandra Delfino) and Alex Whitman (Colin Hanks), into the aliens’ secretive world.

The overarching plot centres around the aliens’ search for answers about their origins and the dangers they face from both human and alien threats. Alongside this, the show explores the burgeoning romance between Max and Liz, Michael’s struggle with his difficult upbringing, and Isabel’s attempts to maintain a semblance of normalcy.

The show’s central theme is the aliens’ struggle with identity. Max, Isabel, and Michael are fundamentally different from the humans around them, yet they long for connection and belonging. This dichotomy is most evident in Max, who is torn between his duty to protect his kind and his desire to be with Liz. His character embodies the classic trope of the reluctant hero—responsible, self-sacrificing, and deeply moral.

Michael’s arc adds a layer of complexity to this theme. Unlike Max and Isabel, who have a stable family environment with the Evans', Michael is in a neglectful foster situation. His distrust of authority and his constant push to uncover their origins highlight his feeling of alienation, not just as an alien but as a teenager in a harsh environment.

Isabel, on the other hand, often masks her vulnerabilities with a confident exterior. Her desire to blend in and maintain control contrasts with her underlying fear of discovery and rejection. Her internal conflict is subtly explored through her relationships, particularly with her human friends and her brother, Max.

The romantic tension between Max and Liz is the beating heart of the show. Their relationship is fraught with obstacles, not least of which is the danger Max’s alien status poses to Liz. The chemistry between the actors elevates their scenes, making their connection feel both intense and fragile.

Liz’s arc is particularly compelling as she transitions from an ordinary high school student to someone deeply entrenched in a world of secrets and danger. Her willingness to risk her safety for Max underscores the season’s exploration of love as a force that transcends fear and prejudice.

The secondary romances, such as the budding relationship between Michael and Maria, offer a more volatile dynamic. Michael’s guarded nature clashes with Maria’s outspoken personality, creating moments of humour and genuine emotional depth. Their relationship serves as a counterpoint to Max and Liz’s more idealized romance, grounding the show in a rawer emotional reality.



The aliens’ need to keep their identities hidden drives much of the tension in Season 1. The arrival of Sheriff Jim Valenti (William Sadler) as a sceptical and determined authority figure adds a layer of suspense. Valenti suspects the truth about Max and his friends, leading to a cat-and-mouse game that keeps the stakes high.

Trust becomes a recurring motif, not only between humans and aliens but also within the alien group itself. Michael’s independent streak often causes friction with Max, who prioritizes caution. These dynamics highlight the challenges of teamwork under pressure and the strain that secrecy places on relationships.

A significant subplot in Season 1 revolves around the aliens’ quest to understand their past. Clues about their origins are revealed gradually, such as their connection to the 1947 Roswell crash and the mysterious symbols that appear throughout the season. This storyline serves as both a narrative hook and a metaphor for the universal search for identity and purpose.

Standout Episodes

Pilot: The first episode sets the tone for the series, introducing the characters and the central conflict with a mix of suspense and romance. Max’s decision to save Liz is a defining moment that establishes his character and the stakes of the story.

285 South: This road trip episode deepens the relationships between the characters, particularly Michael and Maria, while advancing the plot about the aliens’ origins.

Heat Wave: This episode explores the characters’ desires and vulnerabilities, culminating in significant developments in both the Max-Liz and Michael-Maria relationships.

Blind Date: A lighter episode that offers comedic moments while delving into Liz’s feelings for Max and the complications of their relationship.

Destiny (Season Finale): The season concludes with a dramatic revelation about the aliens’ purpose and a cliffhanger that sets up the stakes for Season 2. The episode delivers emotional payoffs while leaving enough mystery to keep viewers hooked.

The show excels in creating multi-dimensional characters. Each of the main characters has a distinct personality and arc, making their struggles feel relatable despite the sci-fi premise. Roswell skilfully combines elements of teen drama, romance, and science fiction. This blend allows it to appeal to a broad audience while maintaining a unique identity.

The ensemble cast delivers strong performances, with Jason Behr and Shiri Appleby standing out for their portrayal of Max and Liz. The chemistry between the actors adds authenticity to their relationships. The themes of love, identity, and belonging give the show a universal appeal, grounding the sci-fi elements in human emotion. The gradual unveiling of the aliens’ backstory keeps viewers engaged, balancing episodic plots with the overarching narrative.

Some episodes in the middle of the season feel slower, with the narrative momentum stalling as the show focuses on character interactions rather than advancing the plot. Sheriff Valenti’s role as an antagonist is inconsistent early in the season. While his character becomes more nuanced later, his initial portrayal lacks depth. As a late-90s show, the visual effects occasionally feel dated, which can detract from the immersion in the sci-fi elements. While the show innovates in many ways, it occasionally leans on familiar teen drama clichés, such as love triangles and high school rivalries.

Roswell debuted during a period when shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Dawson’s Creek were redefining teen television. Its mix of sci-fi and romance set it apart, influencing later genre hybrids like Smallville and The Vampire Diaries. The show also resonated with fans for its earnest exploration of themes like identity and connection, cultivating a loyal fanbase that led to its reboot as Roswell, New Mexico in 2019.

Season 1 of Roswell is a standout example of how genre storytelling can explore universal themes. Its blend of heartfelt character drama, romantic tension, and sci-fi intrigue creates a rich, engaging narrative. While not without its flaws, the season’s emotional depth and compelling mysteries make it a memorable entry in the world of teen television.

%wneverywhere
#drama
#film_tv_reviews
#tv_series
#fantasy
#romance
#sci-fi
#mystery
#drama
#thriller