Ep 5. Non-Essential Personnel

The fifth episode of the fifth season of Falling Skies is titled Non-Essential Personnel. The episode follows the aftermath of the Espheni attack on Charleston and its impact on the 2nd Mass. The survivors are forced to come to terms with the loss of their loved ones and adjust to their new reality.

Tom Mason, played by Noah Wyle, tries to rally his troops and boost their morale. He is faced with the daunting task of finding new recruits and making sure his team is prepared for any future attacks. Meanwhile, the 2nd Mass struggles to get back on its feet after losing so many people in the attack.

Anne Glass, played by Moon Bloodgood, is faced with an interesting dilemma. She has to choose between staying with the 2nd Mass or joining a new group of doctors who are working to find a cure for the Espheni’s bioweapon. Anne has to weigh her options carefully and make a difficult decision.

Hal Mason, played by Drew Roy, struggles to accept the fact that he has been implanted with a Skitter’s harness. He is desperate to find a way to get rid of it, but the 2nd Mass doesn’t have the necessary resources or expertise to help him. Hal is forced to seek help from an unlikely source.

The episode also introduces a new character, Rachel, played by Mira Sorvino. Rachel is a survivor of an Espheni concentration camp and has valuable information that could help the 2nd Mass in their fight against the aliens. However, she is skeptical of the group and their intentions. It’s up to Tom and his team to gain her trust and convince her to share what she knows.

As the episode progresses, tensions rise between members of the 2nd Mass. Some are struggling to come to terms with their loss and others are disillusioned with the war effort. Tom has to navigate these internal struggles while also preparing for another possible attack by the Espheni.

Non-Essential Personnel is a thrilling episode that showcases the emotional toll that war can take on individuals. It highlights the sacrifices that these characters have made and their unwavering determination to keep fighting. As the series heads towards its conclusion, the stakes are higher than ever and the 2nd Mass will have to pull together if they hope to defeat the Espheni once and for all.