Abducting the TV: Alien Shows

"Invasion" Doesn't Fly
By Andrea Salisbury, 09.22.05
Hurricane Eve is a storm we haven’t got wind of yet, that was until the premiere of “Invasion.” In the wake of the disaster the story zooms in on a park ranger, doctor and conspiracy theorist.

In the alien thriller, Florida City was hit with a devastating hurricane. Most survived without a scratch. Few people were found miles from home naked and disorientated. One unemployed, alcoholic conspiracy theorist suspects aliens, after finding mutilated corpse.

Sounds corny and predicable? Well it is. “Invasion” has all the elements of a bad sci-fi movie right down to the little girl that can pick out an alien from a group of people. With all there is to choose from on Wednesday nights, “Invasion” will soon be abducted from the airwaves.
Invasion, ABC at 10 p.m. on Tuesday

"Threshold" Can't Hold Attention
By Pat Denson, 09.22.05

Dr. Molly Caffrey, (Carla Gugino), makes a living drafting contingency plans, known as “Threshold,” to combat end-of-the-world scenarios including extra-terrestrials. The double-episode premiere begins with a Navy crew in the Atlantic decimated by a UFO resembling a giant Christmas ornament.

Caffrey and her team are summoned by U.S. National Security to investigate.
Her team includes biologist Dr. Nigel Fenway, (Brent Spiner), physicist Lucas Pegg, (Rob Benedict), federal agent Dave Cavennaugh, (Brain Van Holt), and mathematician-linguist Arthur Ramsey (Arthur Ramsey).

“Threshold” is an interesting mix of terror and sci-fi, but the dialogue is often cheesy. At one point National Security Adviser J.T. Baylock to Caffrey, “You’ve just become the most important person on the planet.” Later Caffrey tells her colleagues, “We’ve got to stare into the face of the unknown and make damn sure we don’t blink.” I also found the use of excessive blood and body parts unable to hold my attention for the entire double-episode.
Threshold, CBS at 9 p.m. on Fridays.

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