Resident Alien

Max’s ability flips the classic sci-fi trope on its head: the children aren’t just the first to believe—they are the only ones who know . Max’s determination to expose Harry, and Harry’s begrudging respect for a child who refuses to be gaslit, forms the emotional core of the series. Over time, the alien who came to destroy humanity finds himself protecting this annoying, brave little boy.

You are generally considered a resident alien for tax purposes if you meet the . This is a mathematical formula based on the number of days you have been physically present in the United States over the last three years: Resident Alien

Any individual who has been lawfully granted the privilege of residing permanently in the U.S. as an —aka a Green Card holder—is automatically classified as a Resident Alien until they abandon their status or it is revoked. Max’s ability flips the classic sci-fi trope on

: Being physically present in the U.S. for at least 31 days in the current year and 183 days over a rolling three-year period. Rights and Duties You are generally considered a resident alien for

In a brilliant twist, the show argues that an outside perspective is necessary to appreciate what we take for granted. Harry marvels at music, finds logic in baseball, and is utterly baffled by the concept of “small talk.” His journey from genocidal operative to reluctant town doctor is hilarious precisely because it is so earnestly felt.