Colony is the newest drama from USA Network. Set in the near future, the series focuses on the struggle between collaborating with or resisting an outside force that’s occupied Los Angeles. Family, ethics, and politics all come into play as the citizens of this colonized world fight to survive and save humanity.
We’re streaming the first episode, which you can watch before the January 14 premiere right here. But in case you need more convincing, here are 5 reasons for you to start watching.
The Creators Are Experienced at Messing With Your Mind
Carlton Cuse (Lost, Bates Motel, The Strain) and Ryan Condal (Hercules) have made careers from building complex worlds through creative storytelling, sprinkled with WTF moments. Cuse is one of the minds that brought us a polar bear on a tropical island and a mysterious black smoke monster. If his track record gives any indication of what’s to come, the only thing we can be sure of is nothing in Colony will appear as it seems.
Colony takes place in a familiar setting, but if you thought crossing the 405 freeway was hard, the occupied version of the City of Angels is now walled off and divided into three blocks — Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and San Fernando Valley. Neither the characters nor the viewers know what, if anything, exists beyond the wall, or what the greater plan is behind the occupation or the resistance. Expect plenty of twists, mysteries, double agents, and enough fan theories to keep you going until the invaders come home.
Josh Holloway
Another Lost alum, Josh Holloway, is returning to our screens and we can’t be more excited to welcome him back, scruff and all. He’s had parts in a few shows and films (Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Intelligence) since his time on the island, but his rightful place is as a leading man. Holloway plays Will Bowman, a former special agent forced to go underground during the arrival. He’s a family man first and hero second, determined to find his 12-year-old son, who was separated from the family during the invasion. After a failed attempt to locate his son in the Santa Monica block, he is forced to choose sides.
It’s Not an Alien Invasion Show
The show focuses less on the details of the invasion and more on how people are adjusting to a new way of life, a year after its occurrence. At its heart, this is a story of a family trying to survive and stay together in the face of ever-present danger. Some of the biggest villains in Colony will not be invaders or oppressive government enforcers, but everyday citizens who’ve turned on each other. Similar in vein to The Walking Dead, humanity doesn’t necessarily equal morality, and collaboration vs. resistance is not black or white.
The Cast is Full of Familiar Faces
Speaking of The Walking Dead, Sarah Wayne Callies plays Katie Bowman, Will’s wife. She’s a strong and complex female lead, dedicated to protecting her family at all costs. Rounding out the all star cast are Peter Jacobson (House) and Adrian Pasdar (Heroes) who both play powerful politicians; Amanda Righetti (The Mentalist) who plays Maddie Bowman, Katie’s younger sister; and Thora Birch (American Beauty), who plays an engineer with a conscience. So if you’re not a fan of Josh Holloway – but come on, who isn’t – there are plenty of other seasoned actors to watch.
History is New Again
Cuse and Condal were inspired by World War II Paris, where French citizens carried on with their everyday lives despite Nazi occupation of the city. This contrast of trying to maintain normalcy under incredible oppression has been transferred to current day Los Angeles, now under martial law, where cars have been replaced by bicycles and drones patrol the streets. Current events, such as the Western military presence in Afghanistan, also influence storylines, ensuring the show will feel real and strangely familiar.
For everything you’ll ever want to know about Colony, check out the Colony Wikia.