Resident Alien Season 3 featured a hilarious moment that the show would greatly benefit from revisiting in the upcoming Season 4. As the leading star of the Resident Alien cast since its inception in 2021, Alan Tudyk’s character, Harry Vanderspeigle, has consistently delivered laughter, thanks to Tudyk’s brilliant performance coupled with his character’s unconventional social interactions. Both elements came together spectacularly in this season, allowing Tudyk to shine brighter than ever from a comedic standpoint.
Despite the show having its fair share of dark and dramatic storylines, like the ongoing abductions by Resident Alien’s Grey Aliens, a significant number of scenes focus on humor, and Tudyk is often at the center of these comedic moments. Early in Season 3, the show positioned Harry in a scenario that initially seemed ordinary but quickly transformed into one of the funniest sequences so far.
The standout comedic highlight occurs in Episode 2, titled “The Upper Hand,” featuring Harry’s whimsical exchange with Joseph, played by Enver Gjokaj. Their dialogue evolves into a hilarious speculative back-and-forth, where they envision a fantastical scenario that leads them to theatrically toss each other around Harry’s cabin in an imagined struggle for dominance. Instead of a clear winner emerging from this humorous duel, Harry becomes increasingly concerned about potential damage to his cabin, prompting the introduction of an overly talkative and monotonous repairman who becomes a recurring character in the scene.
This remarkable exchange is both new and fresh for the series, evoking comparisons to the comedic styles of shows like Scrubs or possibly even a Family Guy cutaway gag. Interestingly, showrunner Chris Sheridan has notable ties to Family Guy, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the Harry and Joseph interaction was inspired by the animated series. As their frustration levels rise alongside their boredom with the repairman’s ramblings, it is almost impossible not to find the scene uproariously funny. It is a sudden and fleeting moment that captivates the audience effortlessly.
After the show’s switch from Syfy to USA Network post-Season 3, it was successfully saved from cancellation. Although there is currently scant information regarding what Season 4 will bring, it is reasonable to predict that the show will maintain its balance between drama and comedy. With this in mind, there is ample opportunity for more humorous exchanges akin to Harry and Joseph’s imaginative dialogue in “The Upper Hand.” While overusing such gags could diminish their impact, it would be a missed opportunity for Resident Alien Season 4 to not include one or two similar comedic delights.
Overall, bringing back Alan Tudyk’s funniest scene from Season 3 would not only evoke fond memories but also elevate the comedy that fans have come to expect from this unique series.
