Resident Alien Season 4, Episode 1 Review: Harry’s Back… Sort Of, and It’s Glorious Chaos

The quirky charm of Resident Alien is alive and well in its Season 4 premiere, and honestly, it might be stronger than ever. After the explosive finale of Season 3 that left Harry imprisoned and a terrifying Mantid alien roaming free on Earth in his form, the series jumps back in with a storyline that doesn’t waste a moment. If you thought Harry had it tough before, being trapped on a secret Grey alien base while an imposter lives his life? That’s a whole new level.

Season 4, Episode 1 does exactly what a good premiere should do—it catches us up, raises new questions, and cranks up the tension. With the real Harry still in space, the imposter Mantid is now pretending to be him back in Patience, and the weird thing is… no one really seems to notice. Not even Asta.

Alan Tudyk’s Performance is a Sci-Fi Comedy Masterclass

Alan Tudyk deserves serious praise for what he pulls off here. Not only is he still playing Harry, but he also plays the alien Mantid pretending to be Harry. There are layers to it, and somehow Tudyk nails every beat. The Mantid doesn’t fully understand how to be human—or how Harry acts—but he mimics just enough to keep people from becoming suspicious. There are small slips, strange behavior, and odd mannerisms that the townsfolk notice, but no one sounds the alarm.

It’s an actor’s challenge: playing a character pretending to be your own character. Tudyk plays both versions distinctly, giving the Mantid his own sinister rhythm while still weaving in just enough “Harry-ness” to sell the illusion to those around him. It’s funny, creepy, and oddly impressive all at once.

The Town of Patience Isn’t Exactly Paying Attention

While the audience knows something’s off, the residents of Patience are distracted by their own issues. Asta, Kate, Ben, Sheriff Mike—all of them are dealing with aftershocks from the events of last season. Asta still struggles with the moral weight of her actions, and Kate and Ben are reeling from something deeply emotional: D’Arcy has taken their baby. It’s a gut-punch of a storyline that adds a serious emotional undercurrent to the show’s usually light tone.

And that’s what really makes this premiere stand out. It doesn’t rely on one big central mystery. Instead, it spreads out the drama, giving nearly every major character a rich, evolving arc. That balance between alien weirdness and real human pain is what makes Resident Alien work.

The Tone Shifts but the Humor Holds On

There’s no denying that this season opener has a more serious tone than previous ones. But that doesn’t mean the humor is gone. It’s still that slightly oddball, off-kilter style the show has always embraced. From Harry’s odd interactions to Sheriff Mike’s dry sarcasm, there are still plenty of laughs tucked in between the more intense moments.

The writing here shows growth. We’re not just dealing with one alien pretending to be a human doctor. Now we’re looking at layers of deception, power struggles, emotional trauma, and multiple alien species colliding. Yet somehow, the episode remains sharply paced and easy to follow.

More Than Just Harry’s Story Now

What’s most exciting about Season 4 is how much space the show gives to its supporting cast. This premiere lets other characters step into the spotlight more than ever before. The world doesn’t just revolve around Harry anymore, and that makes everything feel bigger and more alive.

Max and Sahar continue to provide comic relief, but they also feel more involved in the growing alien mystery. Kate and Ben’s marriage is clearly on edge, and D’Arcy’s choices are setting her on a darker path. Sheriff Mike and Deputy Liv are still doing their thing, but even their dynamic seems to be shifting. The writers are clearly investing in the town itself as a character, not just the backdrop for Harry’s journey.

Big Surprises and a Killer Cliffhanger

One of the most intriguing moments comes at the end of the episode. Harry tries to shift back into his alien form—and fails. That single moment, brief as it is, feels huge. Why can’t he transform? Is it the Grey base’s doing? Has the Mantid done something? That cliffhanger is just enough to leave you asking questions without feeling like you’ve been robbed of an ending.

It also sets the tone for what’s ahead. If Harry can’t access his powers, and his imposter is walking around Earth unchecked, then the danger is real—for him, for Asta, and for the town of Patience.

A Confident Start to an Evolving Series

Resident Alien started as a light-hearted alien-out-of-water tale, but it’s clearly grown into something more layered. This season opener shows a show that knows what it is and isn’t afraid to evolve. The comedy is still there, the weirdness hasn’t left, but now there’s real weight behind the choices the characters are making.

Season 4, Episode 1 doesn’t just kick off the new season—it launches it with purpose. From double identities to deep emotional beats, it sets the table for what could be the most ambitious season yet. And with Tudyk leading the charge, it’s safe to say the viewers are in good hands… even if the town of Patience isn’t.