Resident Alien’s Biggest Casting Challenge Remains Unacknowledged, but Season 4 Could Resolve It

The Resident Alien cast’s undeniable chemistry has contributed significantly to the show’s charm, yet some cast members are inadvertently posing challenges for its ongoing narrative. Fortunately, there is a viable solution in the forthcoming Resident Alien season 4 that could mitigate these casting concerns. The issue particularly involves two pivotal characters who have been integral to the storyline since the series premiered in 2021.

Season 3 left viewers at a nail-biting cliffhanger, which the show will resolve now that it has transitioned from Syfy to the USA Network. Fans are eager to reunite with Alan Tudyk’s Harry Vanderspeigle and the peculiar residents of Patience, Colorado. However, the show faces a compelling issue that has troubled various other productions as well.

The Challenge of Growing Up Too Quickly in Resident Alien

Age Discrepancy of Max & Sahar

Actors Judah Prehn and Gracelyn Awad Rinke, who portray Max Hawthorne and Sahar Karimi, have captivated audiences since the onset of the series. However, their rapid maturation contrasts sharply with the timelines presented within the show. This is particularly noticeable given that adult cast members don’t experience the same physical changes over short filming breaks as these young talents do.

In season 2, the show attempted to account for Max’s sudden growth spurts, suggesting he faced early signs of puberty after stealing Harry’s alien artifact. Conversely, Sahar’s aging has gone largely unexplained. A recent Instagram update from Resident Alien showcased both young actors, highlighting their notable growth during the hiatus before season 4. This discrepancy could pose narrative complications, yet a clever solution exists.

The Solution for Season 4: A Strategic Time Jump

Utilizing Harry’s Predicament

Sahar embracing Bridget in Resident Alien Season 3 Episode 7 — Image via SyFy

At the climax of season 3, Harry finds himself imprisoned aboard the imposing spaceship of the Grey Aliens. Meanwhile, a shapeshifting entity has taken on Harry’s form back on Earth. As Max and Sahar uncover this deception, they face the threat of being held captive to maintain the ruse. To allow adequate time for the impostor to assimilate into the community, a time jump is essential for Resident Alien season 4.

This strategic time skip could allow the newcomer to convincingly integrate into Patience, particularly as he interacts with key characters like Max and Sahar. While the duration of this deception remains ambiguous, even a few months—or up to a year—could plausibly bridge the physical changes in the young actors, effectively reconciling the age differences upon their return.

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