Warning: Spoilers ahead forResident Alienseason 4, episode 6, “Soul Providers.“Resident Alienseason 4 is primarily focusing on a new storyline, but by doing so, the sci-fi dramedy is also explaining some of its longest-running mysteries. Alan Tudyk’s role in theResident Aliencasthas been a little different of late. Rather than essentially playing a dual role, the actor is playing Harry during a time in his life when he lacks his alien energy.
As a result,Harry is stuck in human formand acting more like an Earth native than ever before.Resident Alien’s Grey Alienshave taken a backseat so far in season 4, but they continue to haunt the larger narrative. The stories ofTudyk’sResident Aliencharacterand the Greys' interest in Earth have also just combined in a fascinating way.
The Grey Aliens' Interest In Human Babies Explained
“Soul Providers” reveals why the Greys abduct babies
The Greys are very similar to the aliens who have appeared in real-world folklore for decades.Resident Alienhas paid particular focus to the fictitious race’s infamous obsession with abducting humans, but has really zeroed in on the Greys' interest in the youngest members of Earth’s native species.
Because babies are so pure and have yet to do anything wrong, their souls are worth the most.
Resident Alienseason 4, episode 6, “Soul Providers,” has finally revealed thatthe Greys harvest souls from the babies they abduct. In the show’s canon, humans are the only known species to have souls, making them valuable commodities when it comes to interstellar trade. Because babies are so pure and have yet to do anything wrong, their souls are worth the most.
Despite being quite a dark reveal for a show likeResident Alien,“Soul Providers” also explains a comedically underwhelming use of the soulsharvested by the Greys. The most prominent thing that the souls are used for is anti-wrinkle cream, which makes the entire endeavor seem humorously futile.
Humans Being The Only Race With Souls Explains Why Harry Has Changed So Much Since Resident Alien Began
Harry’s emotions probably come from the soul he’s been growing
As an extension of the reveal about the Greys' interest in babies, “Soul Providers” also comes with the twist that Harry has grown a soul as well, despite not having human origins. The episode suggests that Harry’s recent transformation into a full-blooded human has allowed him to grow a soul, but I think the process has been far longer in the making.
Harry’s species doesn’t have emotions, but Tudyk’s character has slowly developed them as the show has progressed. The longer he spends in human form, the more his emotions solidify. So, it stands to reason thatHarry’s emotions have stemmed from the gradual formation of a soul, rather than one being suddenly thrust upon him in season 4.
Granted, becoming a full human probably sped up the process. Furthermore, Harry’s discovery that he has a soul now comes at the perfect point in the larger story. It ties intoResident Alienseason 4’s other themes and mini-arcs, so it makes sense that the reveal would come now.
Resident Alien’s Soul Twist May Also Have Just Revealed How The Greys Will Be Defeated
Bruce is proof that the Greys can grow souls too
Resident Alienhas already established that the Greys can be bargained with, given the right circumstances. What it hasn’t yet revealed is how the villainous race will be defeated, which will surely happen at some point. The reveal of Harry somehow growing a soul may seem unrelated to how the Greys can be neutralized, but I’m convinced there is a connection.
If Harry can grow a soul, then so can other aliens who typically don’t have them - like the Greys. If the Greys were to figure out how they can grow their own souls, then emotions may not be too far behind, which could soften them and make them realize how evil they’ve been.
One possible piece of evidence for this is Bruce (Jinkx Monsoon), who died earlier in season 4 and was very different from the rest of his race.Bruce seemed very human due to his obsession with Earth culture, and this may have been because he, like Alan Tudyk’sResident Aliencharacter, unknowingly grew a soul.
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