Roswell, New Mexico Season 4 Episode 5 Review: You Get What You Give
The extent of the aliens’ powers is addressed on Roswell, New Mexico Season 4 Episode 5, “You Get What You Give,” making for a satisfactory hour in an otherwise lackluster final season.
One of the best parts of this episode is the dynamics it explores, allowing the actors to play off the chemistry between them and make magic.
First, let’s start with Kyle and Isobel. I’ll be embarrassingly honest; their first kiss made me squeal with delight.
Isobel has spent the whole show wondering if she would ever find someone that she could be herself around, and over time, Kyle has proven that he’s the guy for her.
Michael Trevino plays the pining well, and Lily Cowles perfectly nails Isobel’s ease around Kyle. We see this relationship is different for her, and we can feel how grounded she is in Kyle’s presence.
Plus, the song playing in the background reaches the heights of epic alien-human soulmate kisses this show does so well.
Roswell, New Mexico, is making it clear that despite being born on the Oasis, these aliens have a home in the people they love on Earth. This feels like a theme that will continue throughout this final season.
Now, onto another favorite dynamic of mine: Michael and Max.
After seasons of back and forth, it’s rewarding to see them communicating openly about their issues. It’s even more gratifying to hear Michael admit that he regrets when he hides his issues from Alex.
Max and Michael are at a stable place in their romantic lives where they know who they are meant to be with, but now it’s about building that future together. The brothers sharing relationship advice is a very adult approach to their dynamic.
Plus, I am a total sucker for the cosmic soulmate themes and similarities between these two ships.
However, their similarities do not relate to screen time. That is not what I’m here to talk about right now, but you all know what I’m referring to.
Tezca mentions that Liz is part of the bigger plan, which we already know involves Alex. Jones knows how to trigger Max and Michael, even after death.
However, I’m struggling with Max and Liz’s relationship because of the dynamics that drive this episode.
Max’s belief that Liz shouldn’t have to save him all the time is an immature approach to their relationship when dealing with dangerous, unpredictable alien forces.
And Liz shouldn’t back off as they’re dealing with these aliens when she knows Max is hiding something from her. They need to work as a team if they want to beat the dark triad and stay strong as a couple.
While these two learn their lesson, it doesn’t change the fact that they struggle to communicate and mature from their issues, especially when dealing with life-or-death situations constantly.
It’s also frustrating to witness an episode with so much dialogue surrounding their relationship. The levels of melodrama here are exhausting.
As Max’s storyline dominates most of “You Get What You Give,” it’s essential to acknowledge Nathan Dean’s and Riley Voelkel’s epic performances in the mindscape scenes between Max and Tezca.
They bring an expert intensity to their interactions, making it clear that this is not Cam and Max — a dynamic very familiar to the audience.
Riley Voelkel embodies the villain so well, possessing the mannerisms and delivery of a character far from the one we know her as. The darkness and aggression in their battle scenes remind me of The Originals, in which both actors appear on.
With Cam’s exit, I wonder if we’re one step closer to seeing Tezca’s proper form.
Cam is always a great addition to the cast, but this season is bloated with guest stars and not enough of the characters we’ve loved since the start.
“You Get What You Give” makes a strong case for the potential of this storyline moving forward, especially as it ends with Michael’s collapse.
Yet it’s still frustrating to watch the drama unfold knowing that the group is missing a crucial piece, as Liz says something is “right under their feet.” We know, girl!
Michael’s illness needs to lead to a discovery about Alex and his lack of communication with the group. The silence about his whereabouts is infuriating, forcing Michael to be relaxed for “plot purposes” when we know he’ll explode the minute the story needs him.
We know Alex is a vital part of the contingency plan, but it’s unfair to his character to sideline him this much as Roswell, New Mexico, winds down for good.
Stray Thoughts
- I can’t believe I’m still saying this, but where is Rosa Ortecho? Not one mention in five episodes!
- Maria’s grief deserves more focus, but I’m unfortunately not surprised that the plot takes precedence.
- I love that Dallas is learning more about his past, but I’m perplexed about how Theo spent time with him on Earth.
- “Mad World” is always an A+ song choice.
- I’d love it if the cosmic connection with Alex is how Michael restores his powers. He should start with the necklace!
- Max and Cam have some great chemistry there.
- I’m still waiting for a Michael and Isobel scene this season. Eventually, I’ll get one.
- I still think Michael has a crucial role on the Oasis. His growth arc perfectly lines up for him to be the Savior.
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What did you think of this episode of Roswell, New Mexico? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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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!