The lyrics to Resident Alien‘s theme song quickly give away two massive storylines for Alan Tudyk’s Harry Vanderspeigle, and while the clues may seem cryptic at first, they become surprisingly clear after actually watching the show. Tudyk has led the Resident Alien cast since the show began in 2021, and with Resident Alien season 4’s confirmation, the sci-fi dramedy will keep the actor in the role for at least one more run of episodes. Although Resident Alien season 3’s ending raises many exciting questions, the show’s theme song may even predict Harry’s immediate future.
An excerpt of Brown Bird’s “Bilgewater” plays over Resident Alien‘s ever-changing title sequence. The song gives the show an ominous feel while maintaining the fun of the story. The band went on hiatus in 2013 after frontman and founder David Lamb received a leukemia diagnosis – an illness that sadly took his life around a year later. “Bilgewater” is the third track on Brown Bird’s 2011 album, Salt For Salt, meaning it was released a decade before it was picked up as Resident Alien‘s theme song. Regardlless, the American folk composition is accompanied by lyrics that somehow foreshadow Harry’s arc.
Brown Bird’s “Bilgewater” Sums Up How Harry Vanderspeigle Ends Up As Patience’s Town Doctor
Harry very much ends up “working in the thick of it”
Tudyk’s character begins Resident Alien season 1 isolated from the rest of Patience, Colorado, hiding away in the cabin of the real Dr. Harry Vanderspeigle – a man the extraterrestrial killed and took the form of. Unfortunately for the show’s title character, Patience is in need of a new doctor after the death of their old one, so Harry is drafted in to fill the void. The opening line of “Bilgewater” perfectly sums up Harry’s earliest storyline in the Resident Alien pilot episode.
”
It don’t matter if the cold wind blows, I’m gonna wind up working in the thick of it.
” – “Bilgewater” by Brown Bird.
Harry’s isolation begins during a frigid Colorado winter, which should make his cabin difficult to reach for those in the town proper. The icy conditions aren’t enough to keep everyone away, and rather than being able to stay away from humans and hide his alien mannerisms, Harry is forced into the heart of a tight-knit community and must masquerade as an Earth native. Given how long before the show the song was written, it’s a little spooky how well “Bilgewater” captures this twist. Of course, the first Resident Alien comic predates “Bilgewater,” but there’s no evidence of an official connection.
Resident Alien’s Theme Song Also Describes Harry’s Indecision About Wiping Out All Humans
Brown Bird predicted Harry’s unique inner-conflict
Harry’s initial mission was to kill all humans in order to stop them from destroying the planet. Although he eventually decided to abandon this goal after becoming too attached to Sara Tomko’s Asta Twelvetrees and others from his new home, Tudyk’s character agonizes over his decision for almost an entire episode, and then some. He is essentially choosing whether to disregard the orders he received from his people, or if he should follow his newfound human emotions and spare everyone instead. Weirdly, “Bilgewater” has this covered too.
”
When everyday’s like a war between the will to go on, and a wish that the world would spiral into the sun
.” – “Bilgewater” by Brown Bird.
Granted, this particular prediction by Brown Bird is a little less forward than the one concerning Harry being forced into the service of Patience’s townsfolk. However, it’s still difficult to ignore the song’s lyrical content and its relevance to Harry’s dilemma about abandoning his mission. Just like “Bilgewater” implies, Harry is at war with himself about whether to end the world or allow it to continue living. Eventually, he opts for the former, but it’s a very close call.
Does Resident Alien’s Theme Song Foreshadow A Season 4 Storyline?
Harry may finally be visited by his people in Resident Alien season 4
Almost every line of “Bilgewater” is filled with a chilling relevance to Resident Alien‘s larger stories and themes. That being said, there is one verse that doesn’t seem to be particularly relevant yet, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it won’t be accurate when the show continues. Resident Alien season 4 is clearly heading in a number of specific directions after the season 3 finale, but Brown Bird may have quietly revealed a worrying story for Harry that would make perfect sense within the saga.
“Will you be ready when the straw boss calls?
He’s got an ever-loving bone to pick with one and all
Don’t let his condescension get you down, just have the strength to know you’re wrong
And when you’re right, the strength to stand your ground.”
– “Bilgewater” by Brown Bird
The song appears to be predicting the arrival of one of Harry’s superiors, meaning he may have to finally face more notable consequences for abandoning his mission to kill all humans. Additionally, “Bilgewater” implies that Harry will need to defend his choice in the face of adversity. While this is all just speculation at present, the accuracy of Brown Bird’s previous foresight means this verse could genuinely hold clues to the storyline of Resident Alien season 4 or even beyond.
A television adaptation of the comic book series, Resident Alien is a sci-fi comedy that stars Alan Tudyk as an alien who crashes on Earth with one mission – destroy humanity to save the planet. When Tudyk’s character takes the identity of a doctor, he arrives at a small town and begins to act the role preparing his plan. As time passes, he develops human emotions against his will – but his plans are further complicated when he meets the son of the mayor – who can see his actual appearance.
- Cast
- Alan Tudyk , Elizabeth Bowen , Judah Prehn , Levi Fiehler , Corey Reynolds , Alice Wetterlund , Sara Tomko
- Release Date
- January 27, 2021
- Seasons
- 4
- Network
- USA Network
- Showrunner
- Chris Sheridan
