Teen aliens Max (Jason Behr), his sister Isabel (Katherine Heigl), and his best friend Michael (Brandon Fehr) go through their final year of high school with their secret protected by their significant others Liz (Shiri Appleby), Jesse (Adam Rodriguez), and Maria (Mejandra Delfino), respectively, and a couple of friends. Events from the past and the government threaten to intrude and interrupt their existence, however, and they must all make choices about the future.

CRITIQUE

During its early years (and to a large extent until today), the WB Network was the place for teen dramas. The list of successful series in this genre on this network would be long. However, only one combined the usual teen angst stuff with a science fiction angle: Roswell. In the town with the same name, so connected as it is with a UFO crash (which I'll let everyone else decide their own opinion about), three teenagers have grown up keeping the secret that they are the aliens from that crash. When one saves the girl he loves from death, they can no longer keep that secret. This premise just can't be beat, as Roswell excellently balances its romance and science fiction elements in its third and final season, aided by wonderful performances.

I will admit I've been a fan of this show since seeing the pilot when the series began. In that episode, Max saved Liz's life, which revealed his secret to her and his feelings for her all at once in an entertaining and effective way. The first season focused on the romance that developed (my favorite), though the danger of discovery for the aliens was always there. The second season shifted to more of the science fiction-mythology aspect of the series, but here in season three, I think the balance is well achieved. Though they are only half alien, the teens do have abilities. They can all manipulate molecules, like heating things up and moving things just by holding out their hand, but they also have individual powers, such as Max's healing touch. His healing of Liz turns out to have unexpected consequences in this season as she begins to manifest some of the alien abilities.

Much of the sci-fi in this season, especially in the beginning, involves Max's attempts to get to his son, the result of a manipulation by Tess (Emilie de Ravin, now on TV’s Lost) who as another half-alien who appeared to cause major trouble in the second season. This storyline is wrapped up well, but I won't spoil a touching viewing experience. I could probably spend several pages detailing the science fiction plots here, and they're usually exciting, but what I like most is how they now relate more conspicuously to the central Max/Liz romance. Also interesting is the fact that the characters who looked like their enemies in season one, Sheriff Valenti (William Sadler, the amazing veteran of projects like The Shawshank Redemption) and his son, Liz's ex Kyle (Nick Weschler), have now become the only others who know about the aliens and protect them.

Above all, the tone of the show is liberally seasoned with humor throughout, and this became evident in episodes such as "I Married an Alien," which has Isabel imagine her life with new husband Jesse as Bewitched-like '60s sitcom in which he knows her true heritage. Or the episode in which Michael gets himself and his co-workers fired over stolen Snapple.

Aside from Sadler, the young cast of the series is actually quite good. Jason Behr with his shades of Tom Cruise (wittily commented on in an episode where Max goes to Hollywood) is not only one of the most handsome men on the planet but he also convincingly conveys the good guy with the world on his shoulders. One of the best scenes of the season is his uninhibited singing with Maria as they return to their mates after a party on New Year's Eve. He also has rare chemistry with Shiri Appleby, who is also good and it’s nice to see a normal-sized brunette get top billing. The tall Katherine Heigl is good as well, and Brendan Fehr is perfectly cast as the sometimes infuriating rebel Michael. These people are a principal part of the appeal of Roswell.

THE VIDEO

The entire series has nice visuals and they come across well in the anamorphic widescreen format provided here.

THE AUDIO

The great theme song is only one of the things among the dialogue and sound effects that is given good presentation with the ubiquitous Dolby Digital 5.1. Surround.

THE EXTRAS

Audio Commentaries: Executive producer/director Jonathan Frakes provides commentary on two episodes. They actually don't amount to much, aside from pointing people out, telling about his past work history with some guest stars, and praising everyone. He also points out some of the good camera work and interesting stuff about locations.

Executive producer/writer Ronald Moore, in contrast, discusses a lot of fascinating stuff about "I Married an Alien" in his track for that episode - things about how they recreated a '60s sitcom feel with lighting and effects and how the characterizations of the sitcom became exaggerated versions of the characters of the series.

Executive producer/writer/ creator Jason Katims gives a sold track on the series finale, revealing about how the shortened season and cancellation affected the story and some of what filming was like.

"Class of 2002" Featurette: This is a behind the scenes on the final season, including the usual interviews and clips. This is a good example of these types of featurettes because it is longer than some others and focuses on the interviews more than clips.

Shiri Appleby's DVD Tour of Japan: This is a brief featurette showing Appleby promoting the Season 1 DVD set in Japan. The featurette is from that country, so there is a lot of jarring editing and the titles are all in Japanese. Also, Appleby wears a wild hairdo at one point!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Roswell builds on an excellent premise to create an entertaining balance of romantic and science fiction elements in its third and final season, making it appeal to both genders and lots of ages. The actors are a highlight as well, so I would recommend renting to everyone, and buying the set to fans, those who like science fiction and love romance.