The Persons In Black make their presence felt, Harry has an identity crisis, and there’s tension between the Hawthornes and the residents of Patience.

After commenting recently on how Harry never really learns to be a better person despite his obligatory weekly learning moments here, for once, we see the effect that passing as human is having on him. We begin with a flash-forward cold-open that, once we get to the end of the episode, completely changes the way we see Harry’s place in our world. It also ramps up the level of threat posed by the as-yet unknown alien race intent on destroying us. It’s a neat way of turning the show on its head as Harry, once tasked with that very job, may be the one individual who can prevent it from happening.

Meanwhile we have more antics with the Alien Baby and his pre-teen protectors. Whenever I’m reviewing something with kids in I try to be kind because acting is hard and kids are learning. Here no such consideration is needed: I genuinely enjoy watching these two. Gracelyn Awad Rinke’s Sahar in particular is one of the best characters in the show and her performance always delights. The series is at its best, and funniest, when these two are interacting with Harry and there’s some good stuff for them this week.

As usual we continue the police investigation which also notches up a gear this week, with Sheriff Thompson at his ignorant if well-intentioned best. As mentioned there’s something of a showdown between Ben and some of the residents as he pitches for a resort complex for the town, which they oppose as it’ll destroy local businesses. Since this is American television it inevitably all gets a bit sentimental but one can at least see their point.

A huge improvement on last time, possibly one of the best episodes in a good while. The script from exec producer Nastaran Dibai (3rd Rock from the Sun/Dear White People) remembers it’s SF while still providing some decent laughs and a bit of drama. By the end it seems like everything has changed. I’ve sadly been cooling on this show for a little while but hopefully this is an indication of what’s to come.

Verdict: Much more like the show at its best, thoroughly entertaining and with a powerful and intriguing twist. 8/10

Andy Smith