Worlds collide: Aliens and humans work together in ‘Roswell, New Mexico’
When the Pentagon officially released videos showing “unidentified aerial phenomena” in 2020, it rekindled the debate about extraterrestrial life. As the conversation about aliens rages on, a sci-fi drama series that has captured the imaginations of millions of fans with its alien story is returning for Season 3.
Aliens and their human allies struggle to keep their existence a secret in “Roswell, New Mexico,” which kicks off its highly anticipated third season on Monday, July 26, on CW.
The story centers on biologist Liz Ortecho (Jeanine Mason, “So You Think You Can Dance”), her former crush Max (Nathan Parsons,
“General Hospital”), an alien, and troubled alien drifter Michael (Michael Vlamis, “New Girl”). Max’s alien sister, Isobel (Lily Cowles,“braindead”),and Michael’s love interest, a human named Alex (Tyler Blackburn, “Pretty Little Liars”), have also played heavily into the plot lines.
Set in the city famous for being the site of an alleged UFO crash in 1947, the show is based on the “Roswell High” book series by Melinda Metz. This is not the first time Metz’s novels have been adapted for television. “Roswell” aired on The WB and UPN from 1999 to 2002 but failed to strike a chord with audiences.
The new version seems to be faring better than the original. The show’s creator, Carina Adly Mackenzie (“The Originals”), “aged up” the characters when she developed the current series, thus adding another layer of relevance by exploring issues like immigration and sexuality.
Mackenzie, who also served as an executive producer and coshowrunner for “Roswell, New Mexico,” announced via Twitter that she would be leaving the show before Season 3’s debut due to “fundamental differences.” Despite her imminent departure, she had nothing but praise for the series.
“I am so proud of what we built over the last two years, and I believe in the heart and soul of the show: asking tough questions, striving to make the world better, amplifying marginalized voices and fighting the good fight,” Mackenzie wrote.
It appears that legacy is poised to continue in Season 3.