Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Resident Alien season 4, episode 7!Resident Alienstar Stephen Root explains how that surprising death in season 4, episode 7 will cause Harry to change forever. Season 4, episode 7 saw Root join thecast ofResident Alienas Harry’s alien father, Ed, who won’t give back his energy unless he kills a human. Harry ends up killing him after he tries holding Max hostage.
In an interview withScreenRant’s Grant Hermanns,Root explained the importance of Harry’s relationship with his father and Ed’s death. He said the moment was a shock, but indicated the relationship forced Harry to choose between his alien and human side. He also unpacked the mindset of his now-deceased character. Check out what Root had to say below:
Yeah, and I think it’s the crux of the episode is that the alien dad, me, dealing with him as an alien and as a human. “Which one are you going to be? Because they’re two different ethics systems, and I know what I want you to be. I want you to be an alien and stop all this nonsense and kill everybody.” But at this point, he’s more human than alien. So it was a nice dichotomy to work on.
[My death] does [have an emotional gut punch], because you’re still seeing fratricide. [Laughs] And it’s bizarre, it’s the last thing that he would expect. We did a couple of passes with it, but I think what they used was the close-up of us getting together with that poker, it was really well-staged and well-done. Have great stunt people on that show. But for me, it was flailing after being dead. I felt like I was in a ’60s movie going, “[Flails arms and makes gibberish sounds].” But it was fun, it was great and well-written, well-done by the stunt guys. I’ve got a great picture of my alien form with something in it that Alan sent me. [Chuckles] But yeah, what is absolutely incredible is how much you can do through AI and the newest technology. It’s just insane, and they could do it quickly. I mean, this episode, we didn’t shoot it that long ago, and there was a lot of work to be done on it, and they did a great job.
There’s some kind of humanity to the [dark] guys [I’ve played before], but I have to say, I don’t think there is in this character. [Laughs] I think he was probably treated the same way by his alien dad that he treats Alan. It’s sad, but it’s a truism, and we did actually discuss it in the show. It doesn’t come out of nowhere. It has to be a learned thing, and I think he probably had a bad dad, too.
What Root’s Statement Says About Ed’s Death In Resident Alien
Harry Killing His Father Paves The Way For The Rest Of Season 4
Resident Alienseason 4has focused on Harry trying to adjust to life without his alien powers. Having accepted his humanity,he was able to grow a soul,making him less inclined to hurt the people of Earth, especially those he’s close to. It’s why, when presented with the choice, he killed Ed to save Max’s life.
The moment brings Harry full circle, from an alien who wanted to destroy the planet to one that wants to protect the people he loves. Even after getting his alien powers back, he somewhat admits he sees Max as his friend, and the pair share a heartfelt hug. Root’s statement echoes why Ed was important, and the cycle Harry broke.
Ed’s death also resolved the storyline about Harry getting his powers backthat’s been ongoing sinceResident Alienseason 3 ended. It’s unclear what this means for the Housing Council since Ed was supposed to facilitate his powers. But it brings him one step closer to killing the Mantid and saving Earth, having literally killed his past in the process.
Our Take On What Ed’s Death Means For Resident Alien Season 4
Harry’s Decision Was The Only One He Could Make
Harry killing his father to save Max not only shows where his loyalties are at, but also how the series is going to continue exploring his newfound humanity despite getting his alien powers back.It’s clear getting them back didn’t change who he is, meaning he’ll continue to assist in saving the world from its newest threat.
Root’s role in the series may have been short-lived, but his death was an important part ofResident Alien, furthering Harry’s story. Without his ruthless portrayal of Ed, the protagonist’s choice wouldn’t have been as powerful. It’s a perfect lead-in for the final stretch of season 4 as he takes on his next big enemy.
Season 4, Episode 10: “The End Is Here”
August 01, 2025
New episodes ofResident Alienair Fridays at 10 p.m. ET on USA and Syfy.
