By Episode 5, Resident Alien has really found its rhythm—balancing absurd alien humor, heartfelt character moments, and a dash of small-town mystery. This episode pushes Harry even further into human relationships, especially when it comes to love and connection, something he’s hilariously unprepared to deal with.
The story kicks off with Harry trying to navigate human intimacy after beginning a fling with the mayor’s wife, Kate’s cousin, Darcy. Their relationship is awkward, bizarre, and hysterical because Harry approaches romance the same way he approaches everything else—like a science experiment. Watching him fumble through the idea of dating and attraction gives us some of Alan Tudyk’s funniest physical comedy yet. Every kiss, every touch is overanalyzed and exaggerated in a way that only Harry could pull off.
Meanwhile, Asta continues to be the emotional center of the show. In this episode, her connection with Harry deepens as she starts to rely on him more, even though she knows something about him doesn’t quite add up. The more Asta lets Harry into her world, the more conflicted he becomes about his mission. It’s clear that his relationship with her is making him more “human” by the day, though he refuses to admit it.
On the comedy side, Harry’s ongoing feud with Max escalates yet again. Harry continues scheming ways to make Max’s “death” look like an accident—whether it’s trying to spook him with alien threats or casually daydreaming about eliminating him. The fact that Harry spends so much energy on this kid instead of his actual world-ending mission is part of what makes the rivalry so funny. Max, of course, holds his ground, and it’s becoming clearer that he’s not going to let Harry get away with anything. Their constant standoffs are some of the highlights of the episode.
Things get more complicated when the sheriff, still suspicious about the death of the real Dr. Vanderspeigle, starts circling closer to the truth. Harry has to stay a step ahead, covering his tracks while trying not to blow his cover. It’s the kind of tightrope act that makes you laugh one second and gasp the next, especially when Harry comes dangerously close to being exposed.
By the end of “Love Language,” Harry has unintentionally tied himself even tighter to the town of Paradise—romantically, socially, and emotionally. His insistence that he’s only here to complete his mission is looking shakier than ever, and it’s clear that the relationships he’s forming are pulling him in directions he never anticipated.
Personal Reaction
This episode had me laughing non-stop, but also leaning in more on the emotional side. I can’t get over how funny it is that Harry is still plotting ways to kill Max under the disguise of an “accident.” The rivalry between them is the gift that keeps on giving—it’s dark, but it’s executed so well that it never feels mean-spirited. I find myself looking forward to their scenes the most because they’re always a perfect mix of tension and comedy.
I also love how the show keeps reminding us that Harry is still covering up the murder of the real Dr. Vanderspeigle. The fact that he’s juggling an actual homicide while also trying to act like a normal town doctor is insane to think about, but it’s played in such a funny way that I can’t help but laugh. Episode 3’s DNA “circumcision trick” still has me shaking my head, but in this one, watching him squirm under the sheriff’s suspicions was just as entertaining.
And then there’s the romance subplot—wow. Watching Harry try to interpret human love like it’s some alien code is pure comedy gold. It’s crazy, it’s awkward, and it had me cracking up more than once. But beneath the humor, I love that the show is really starting to test Harry’s resolve. The more he interacts with Asta, Darcy, and the townsfolk, the harder it becomes to believe he’ll ever go through with his mission.
Episode 5 really felt like a turning point where Harry isn’t just “pretending” anymore—he’s starting to care, even if he doesn’t want to admit it. That mix of heart and hilarity is why I’m hooked, and I can’t wait to see how Episode 6 builds on it.