Roswell, New Mexico

Pushing political nonsense. Characters slightly slow and kind of stupid. Seriously would be much better if character responded quicker on their feet and if you know the bs political views and agendas out of it

I watched the entire season 1 of Roswell, NM and enjoyed it, but audiences should know there are some significant sexual and political themes that were absent in the original series. The characters are all now adults, but the deep romance between Liz and Max is still a huge part of the series, as is loyalty to family and the strong friendship between Liz and Maria. These human emotions are a pleasure to see played out. However, while Max and Liz are a smoldering non-consummated romance for most of the first season, they do each have sex with other characters. This sexual theme is summarized in one scene where a character says "Being an adult does have perks... recreational sex, for one." In fact, ALL of the characters have sex with one or more people in season 1, with some scenes being kissing and cut away and some scenes being longer, shirtless and more passion-filled. Michael is gay... or bi.... honestly, the show would have been better off NOT reducing this unusual alien to a familiar sexual label ... and his gay sex scenes feel passionate and hot, even though nothing is shown except shirtless men. The sexual scenes and themes in the show may be surprising, graphic or uncomfortable for some viewers. My 11 year old was in the room while I was watching many episodes, and I felt a little awkward. As for political themes, one great reason for this remake is to explore what being alien - extra terrestrial or not - means in a New Mexico town with the real political backdrop of 2019. This political allegory is interesting, but sometimes heavy handed. For instance, the racist characters are so over-the-top as to be ridiculous, and it's not a coincidence that the main racist wears an American flag shirt in most of his scenes. There is a funny but implausible gun purchase scene at the end - the son of two sheriffs is shy about touching a gun? Get real. - and this scene seems to be there obviously to make a political point even though show plays both sides of the fence by showing even its protaganists as enjoying guns and skilled with them. A few more things merit mention for parents - first, this show likes graphic blood, vomit and lots of alcohol. The blood use is cartoon-ish and does not feel real, but does feel excessive. No one gets punched without a fake blood pack spurting from their mouth or streaming down their face, and there is a fist fight in almost every episode. Almost every time the aliens use their powers, they get weakened and throw up, which again, is shown multiple times in all its trickly white glory. (Apparently, alien vomit is white instead of putrid). As the season progresses, there is a lot of casual drinking and drunknenness, usually played as light and comedic. Finally, this show mentions the word trauma often in the second half of the season, especially memory loss, confusion, and being triggered. There are plot reasons for this, but I think it's also designed to relate to the real life experiences of sexual assault survivors. The character talking about it the most is Max, the ultimate non-pushy romantic hero who literally does not even put his jacket on Liz's shoulders on a cold night without asking her permission. Again, I think that is designed deliberately to show a man respecting boundaries and the consequences of when other men do not. I like Roswell, New Mexico, but both the characters and themes are more adult than the original series. Best for ages 13 or 14 and up.