Roswell, New Mexico Review: Fly (Season 4 Episode 2)
After setting up an intriguing mystery in its premiere, Roswell, New Mexico Season 4 Episode 2, “Fly,” leaves us with a wild twist that proves how serious the new aliens are about their plans for Earth.
If anyone has listened to the effortlessly romantic words coming out of Alex Manes’s mouth since we landed in Season 4, then you know something terrible is coming for him.
Now finally cohabitating with his boyfriend and talking about how he cannot live without Michael, it is perfectly ironic for Michael to face life without Alex.
“Fly” expertly explores the couple adjusting to their blended lives, proving how badly they want their white picket fence future together, even if it holds aliens.
Their growth in these scenes is exceptional, and their ability to work through fears together shows how committed Michael and Alex are to navigating life as a unit.
However, nothing ever comes easy for these two, and with Tezca’s plans for Alex, it looks like they’re in for a painful ride back to each other.
Jones had a plan when he made his call in Roswell, New Mexico Season 3. He knew the one person to use against his son. But, as Michael says in one of the show’s most cosmic moments, they’ll always find their way back to one another. No matter where they are in the world — even if Alex is sucked into the ground!
After all of the pain, trauma, and heartbreak these two have endured finding their way back to one another, they can do it again.
Michael’s callback to Season 1’s iconic “the pieces want to be together” metaphor with the alien glass necklace he made Alex is one of the most beautiful, vulnerable moments this couple has had. It symbolizes their promise and loyalty to each other as they accept different obligations.
Alex also uses this metaphor when he talks about always wanting to be near his alien. And it’s true; these pieces want to be together more than anything. They are as cosmically intertwined, so it’s only fitting that an obstacle is thrown in their way.
Michael Vlamis and Tyler Blackburn’s connection on-screen is otherworldly, and it has been since Roswell, New Mexico Season 1 Episode 1, “Pilot.” They deliver each layer of this romance with their whole soul, never phoning it in.
Since Roswell, New Mexico has explored how Michael reacts to Alex being in danger, going off the rails feral until he knows his love is safe, I expect something even more dramatic and romantic for Season 4.
They weren’t even a couple then! They are basically husbands now.
If it were up to me, this storyline would conclude with Michael reviving Alex with an alien handprint. Michael has the same powers as Jones, so he is fully capable of healing people. His weakness has always been, and will always be, Alex.
Outside of the wild twist for Alex, “Fly” delivers on essential developments for the rest of the ensemble as they react to the recent alien event.
Although Max and Liz face separate tasks on “Fly,” they are as united as ever. Their domesticity and teamwork are heartwarming as they come home to each other every night.
It will be interesting to see Liz attempt to balance her love for science and her relationship with Max as she inevitably joins Shivani’s team. Liz’s desire for success has led her down conflicted paths before, and she doesn’t want the picket fence life some of the other characters crave, but she’s grown so much since then.
Nevertheless, “Fly” proves that Roswell, New Mexico‘s legacy will include it’s carefully crafted and executed alien-human romances. These aliens flew across the galaxy to find their other halves, and it’s a testament to the power of love.
It is heartwarming to see Dallas seamlessly fit in with his pod squad family. His charm and kindness work on everyone, so it’s no surprise Cam is immediately interested. So girl, get in line!
However, Max’s hunt for the aliens on “Fly” doesn’t go without issue. While very few of us expect Anatsa and Isobel to ride off into the sunset together, Max needs to cool off his aggression towards Anatsa.
Another issue here is how Isobel handles Anatsa’s pursuit of answers. \
While it’s understandable that she is not ready to open up about the alien side of herself, mind control is never the answer. There is a consent violation here that makes the future of their relationship full of deceit and manipulation, which leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
After the drama of Roswell, New Mexico Season 1, you would think that these characters would finally learn. Especially Isobel, who spent most of her marriage with Noah in an abusive cycle with an alien she didn’t know was manipulating her.
These are two completely different scenarios, but Isobel should know better than to react this way. And Max needs to be more respectful when speaking with his sister’s girlfriend, who is simply doing her job.
Although these are missteps, “Fly” makes a strong case for the mystery of Season 4 while tugging at our heartstrings until the very last moment.
And please don’t keep Alex hidden in the ground for the next five episodes. It is Roswell, New Mexico‘s final run, and we barely see him when he’s above ground!
Stray Thoughts
- I’m so happy that Pancake Papi is around more this season.
- Every single person living in Roswell ships Malex. A town with taste!
- Bonnie and Clyde are an exciting duo, and I’m shocked they receive scenes outside the main characters’ perspectives so soon.
- Isobel is catching feelings for Kyle, isn’t she?
- Of course, Max is a bad actor. He is no Jones!
- I wish Kyle and Alex could have worked together more before Alex went away. Their bromance is needed, and Kyle deserves more friendship moments with the group.
- Something showed up on the console when Alex went into the ground. Is this the key?
- Two episodes in a row without an Isobel and Michael moment feels like a crime.
- I guess Rosa is still at art school.
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Roswell, New Mexico airs Mondays at 8/7c on The CW.
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Julia Paino
Julia is a TV and pop culture enthusiast who gets too emotionally invested in her favorite characters. She loves making people laugh and is always down for a Taylor Swift sing-along. She is firmly on Team Stefan and has been since 2009. Follow her on Twitter @juliampaino!