'Roswell' Has Improved
Nov 9/01 10:00a by Dave Mason

"Roswell" has improved dramatically from last season by giving the fans what they want--simpler, more straightforward stories that emphasize relationships over science fiction. Any TV genre, whether it's sci-fi, sitcoms or Westerns, succeeds best when the stories are driven more by characters than plots. That's proven in Tuesday's 9:00 p.m. EST/PST on UPN) episode, in which Isabel (Katherine Heigl) is going crazy trying to take care of all the last-minute details of her wedding to lawyer Jesse Ramirez (new cast member Adam Rodriguez).

Isabel and Max Evans' adoptive parents have objected to Isabel's wedding to Jesse, who's several years her senior. And Max, Isabel's alien brother (Jason Behr), objects for another reason: He doesn't trust Jesse and is worried he could be an FBI agent or an alien out to get them all.

That sets the stage for an episode with the right mix of love and angst, a combination that always works well on "Roswell." "Roswell" is at its best when it emphasizes its alien characters' human vulnerability over their alien powers. Sure, they were born on another planet and reincarnated as humans in Roswell, New Mexico, but in the long run, we're all more products of our environment than genetics.

Executive producer Jason Katims and the writers are proving that with stories that are much easier to follow than last season's mazelike plots. Fans can now miss an occasional episode without getting totally lost.

And Heigl, Rodriguez and Behr do a great job in Tuesday's story. Heigl does her best job ever of playing Isabel; she has a knack for making emotions compelling and believable.

Behr plays Max with the right low-key style. He's a boiling pot of unexpressed emotions, and he boils over at the right moments. While Tuesday's episode focuses on Isabel's problems, the writers take time to touch further on Max's relationship with Liz Parker, played realistically by Shiri Appleby. Liz is a stronger character this season, thanks to the writing and Appleby's acting.

The third season of "Roswell" is continuing to use the metaphor of aliens to show teenage inalienation. The series, which moved to UPN from The WB this fall, is taking that one step further by showing the gap between the kids and their parents. To misquote "The X-Files," the truth isn't always out there. Sometimes it's down here on Earth, where even all-too-alien kids can find all-too-human love.

Let's all thank them: Teen Hollywood

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