When forces from beyond Earth invade Los Angeles, the entire city is enclosed by a massive wall, changing everyone's lives forever. Colony, a sci-fi series from USA Network, presents survival amidst alien occupation through the eyes of the Bowman family: a former FBI agent and his wife who risk everything to find their missing son. This series doesn't focus on gunfights but on politics, betrayal, and difficult decisions in a world where no one can be trusted.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The series opens in a world occupied by 'the Hosts,' aliens hidden behind a veil of smoke. The global government is replaced by a 'Collaborationist Government' led by the all-powerful Proxy Snyder. The Bowman family consists of Will (Josh Holloway), a former FBI agent, and Katie (Sarah Wayne Callies), a teacher. They live in LA Block, one of the quarantined areas, with their three children. When their eldest son, Bram, runs away to join the resistance, Will must work for the puppet government to gain privileges and find his son. Meanwhile, Katie secretly participates in the underground movement. The series follows their decisions as they choose between family and ideology, with the never-seen 'Hosts' as a shadow controlling everything.
Acting and Characters
Josh Holloway as Will Bowman is the heart of the story. He convincingly portrays the inner conflict of a man working for the oppressors to ensure his family's survival. His eyes, filled with pain and determination, make the audience root for him. Sarah Wayne Callies, known for Prison Break and The Walking Dead, does not disappoint. She plays Katie as both strong and gentle. Her decision to work underground despite risking her husband and children creates good tension. Peter Jacobson as Proxy Snyder is a villain we love to hate; he portrays an ordinary man with power who uses it coldly. Tory Kittles as Broussard, the resistance leader, also stands out, especially in later seasons when his character gains more depth. However, child characters like Bram and Grace sometimes appear stiff and unconvincing, especially in emotionally intense scenes.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Director Juan José Campanella (director of The Secret in Their Eyes) and the creative team build a compelling dystopian atmosphere. The use of muted colors and tight shots in the besieged city makes the audience feel claustrophobic and paranoid. The giant wall, appearing occasionally, symbolizes physical and mental confinement. The score by Clinton Shorter (The Expanse, District 9) enhances the mood, especially in tense scenes with synthesizers and light strings. However, the series has a limited budget, resulting in few visual effects for the 'Hosts' and mothership, which may disappoint sci-fi fans expecting impressive CGI. But the focus on family drama compensates to some extent.
Editorial Analysis
What makes Colony different from other sci-fi series is its emphasis on political and moral issues rather than gunfights. The series asks, 'What would you do to protect your family?' and 'Where is the line between collaborator and resister?' Will working for the puppet government while Katie works underground creates interesting conflict, reflecting real situations in occupied countries, such as cooperating with the enemy for survival. The series also explores the concept of 'division' through the 'colony' system, where humans are stratified by loyalty. Although not a fast-paced series, the gradual revelation of information about the 'Hosts' and their motives keeps viewers engaged. However, the series suffers from pacing issues in later seasons, dragging on and ending abruptly due to cancellation, leaving some plot points unresolved.
Verdict
<p>Colony is a sci-fi series that emphasizes family drama and politics over gunfights, suitable for those who enjoy intense content and moral questions. Despite being canceled before completion and having slow pacing at times, strong performances and a chilling dystopian atmosphere make it worth watching. If you are a fan of Josh Holloway or Sarah Wayne Callies, or enjoy series that make you think, this one should not be missed.</p>
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Excellent performances by Josh Holloway and Sarah Wayne Callies
- +Focus on politics and morality rather than action, making it unique
- +Creates a chilling and realistic dystopian atmosphere
- +Characters have depth and good development, especially Proxy Snyder
👎 Cons
- −Slow pacing in some parts, especially Season 2
- −Series canceled before completion, leaving an incomplete ending
- −Limited and unimpressive visual effects for aliens
- −Some child actors' performances are not strong enough
Top Cast
FAQ
Colony has 3 seasons, totaling 36 episodes.
The series ends abruptly due to cancellation, leaving several plot threads unresolved, but it does provide some closure for the Bowman family's main storyline.
No, Colony is an original series created by Ryan Condal and Carlton Cuse.
It is suitable for fans of The 100, Falling Skies, or The Man in the High Castle, which focus on survival and politics in dystopian worlds.
The series rarely reveals the physical form of the 'Hosts'; they are mostly seen as shadows or through controlling technology, which is a highlight that creates mystery.
