If you are interested in reading my previous season reviews of First Wave, please check out the links below.

Season 1

Season 2

Synopsis:

Framed for murder and on the run, a former thief struggles to expose the vanguard of an alien invasion with the help of a conspiracy theorist and newly discovered prophecies of Nostradamus.

POTENTIAL SPOILER: If you have not seen the entire series, you may be entering the “spoiler” zone. 

Before I review this, let me say that First Wave, in my humble opinion, is one of the best science fiction shows ever created, and it is an absolute shame that it only ran for three seasons. Thankfully, they were long seasons (22 episodes in each one unlike the 10 episode seasons nowadays).  A part of me is proud to state that I have completed watching the series, but another part of me is sad. This has been quite a compelling journey of watching these shows (which  I promise I would never have conceived of watching had it not been for my friendship with the main star–and what I would have missed!).

On another note, the most unfortunate thing about this series is how difficult it is to obtain a copy. There are no official copies of First Wave available now (unless you are willing to pay a fortune, and then it’s only season one), but there are unofficial copies out there available for purchase that are good quality and relatively inexpensive. If you are interested in finding out more about that, please contact me and I will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Since this is the third and final season of this series, I can say with certainty that the actors portraying the characters who have been there essentially  from the beginning (Cade Foster, Crazy Eddie, and Joshua) have fully embraced their respective roles. I feel as though the camaraderie and interplay between these characters are at its finest during this final season. It made the viewing immeasurably pleasant as I didn’t have to discover who they were and what their outlook and duty was within the show. Interestingly enough, I think it safe to say this was the season when the show branched out into more experimental storylines. I would even go as far to say that some of these episodes would only appeal to the “true science fiction aficionados.”  Don’t get me wrong–I’m not saying the stories weren’t brilliant–they were. But if you have not followed the series from the beginning or you are not a “science fiction geek,” as some would say, you may struggle to appreciate this particular season. Since I have reveled in the luxury of viewing the show from its inception, I am able to completely engross myself in these stories whether unusual or not.  With great relief, I can report that the  profanity and bedroom scenes are not nearly as prevalent (makes it easier to share with my daughter who loves the series), but the violence is much more troubling and sometimes almost terrifying. So sensitive viewers are still advised to use caution and wisdom as they attempt to determine whether this show is an appropriate viewing choice.

Rob LaBelle (Crazy Eddie), Roger R. Cross (Joshua), Sebastian Spence (Cade Foster), Traci Lords (Jordan Radcliffe)

Almost from the beginning of this season, viewers will notice a new character added to the mix. Because it seemed that Cade needed a love interest (it had been two years since his wife was killed), Traci Lords was added to the cast as Jordan Radcliffe, the head of the “Raven Nation.” By way of introduction,  her character had a harrowing experience with the aliens (reminiscent of Cade’s experience), and she is also fighting the aliens in her own way. Since Cade was assumed dead, dynamics have changed for Cade as well. When he and Crazy Eddie join her cause, it takes some time for him and Jordan to get used to each other as they both have a different philosophy on how to defeat the aliens.  As we know, trust is never built overnight anyway.

So let me be straightforward here. When this character appeared, at first, I was dead set against her. In fact, I was unimpressed with the actress, and it seemed like she and Cade had no chemistry. In fact, I remember thinking, “Oh no, how on earth can I tell Sebastian I don’t like this character?”  I was sincerely worried that I would have to declare that I didn’t like Jordan nor the actress that played her. I went as far as to contact other First Wave  fans to see if I was the only one who thought this way. I was reassured by several of them that in time, I would find that I liked Jordan.

Grateful am I that I kept an open mind. A few episodes into season three, I was able to see what an asset Traci was the series. She and Sebastian seemed to bring something a little different and exhilarating to their respective roles as well as the dynamics of the series. And there was no doubt that there was chemistry between these two characters. Safe to say, whenever a new character comes into an established series, it often takes some time to “get used” to them. I think it fair to speculate and say that it takes the actor a little while to get comfortable in his/her role. Most actors cannot just jump into a role and be instantly in synch with the rest of the cast. I am ecstatic to say that I fully embraced this character (and my heart just broke for Cade as I wondered what might be in store for the two of them as the season went on), and I am of the opinion Traci Lords was a smart addition to this show. Sometimes I fretted that the writers took the sci-fi aspect a bit too far where she was concerned (and the last episode really did tie up loose ends a bit too tidily), but I would never question the talent that Traci demonstrated in her respective role. She is an actress that is not easily forgotten as she has quite a singular and charismatic persona about her. Needless to say, I wish with all my heart that we had gotten to know Jordan (and the lovely Traci Lords who brought her to life) for more than one season, but alas, one cannot always get what one desires or even deems beneficial.

As the highly complex Joshua, I’m so glad Roger R. Cross returned for this season. You just cannot help but love Joshua and hope that he really is working to stop the alien invasion.  He’s a perplexing character to decipher at times because we know his character is Gua, but his loyalties seem to lie elsewhere. I was elated to see him literally joining forces with Cade and Eddie (and Jordan) this season. Roger just plays him so expertly–I don’t think there’s much more I need to say. Roger comprehends this character with such intellectual, emotional, and physical dexterity that one never questions his sincerity and credibility. The way in which his character interacts with Cade and Eddie is sheer delectation on the screen. Relieved am I to ultimately see this character becoming whom I always believed him to be.

Is there really anyone else who could play the remarkably one-of-a-kind Crazy Eddie better than Rob LaBelle? Well of course not!  As the ideal foil to Cade Foster, Crazy Eddie is exactly what is needed in this intense sometimes thrilling sci-fi tale.  Over the various episodes, I always take great delight in the interplay between Eddie and Cade. Oftentimes, it requires the viewer to pay attention as sometimes the humor these two provide is understated. While Rob plays this role more soberly in this season, we can always count on him to provide the comic relief when the intensity level surpasses the roof.   No matter what else may happen during a particular episode, his character’s devotion to Cade is unquestioned and unparalleled. Rob brings that something special to this role, and I simply adore the fact that he and Sebastian play off each other like they do. Rarely have I seen two characters interact so seamlessly and effortlessly as they do.

Of course, for me, Sebastian Spence is the reason I initially began watching this show. In fact, had it not been for him, I can guarantee the world of science fiction and First Wave would have been a door forever sealed shut–at least for me.  Furthermore, if it were not for the strength of his acting, I would never have entered into this unusual world nor made any connections within it. Sure, I watched this show initially because Sebastian is my friend, but I have emerged 66 episodes later as a true fan of the show. As for Sebastian, there is no doubt that he is the driving force of the show (though he might be too humble to admit that himself).  He has poured himself into this role in a way so few actors do with any role. Nothing against the other actors in the show–don’t get me wrong.  They are true professionals in their own right, and they have gone on to be successful in their respective careers. His interactions with all the actors in the show are genuine, and it is clear that he has remained unpretentious and never seeks the limelight (as he certainly could). Because of the strength of his performance, he is able to motivate the other actors in the series to be their best (and they, in turn, do the same for him). I always feel that is what people should do in general–inspire others to be their best–and when an actor can manifest himself just like that on the screen, it is such a phenomenal sight to behold. While other actors are capable of this feat as well, it is a rare thing to see in the entertainment world, so I’m honored to witness this occurrence, and even more so because Sebastian is an integral part of it.

As I watched this third season, I couldn’t help but compare it to the past two seasons. Season three does have more outlandish story lines sometimes as I have mentioned, and the special effects and suspense are indeed heightened. While season three may not always be my favorite of the seasons (I have a real affinity for the first two seasons as I saw the progression of Cade Foster’s journey), I cannot deny that it is evident Sebastian himself has continued to hone his acting skills.  He is as immersed (if not more so) in this truly heartfelt and complex character of Cade Foster. The journey to which the viewers have been privy is something we don’t always see on the screen. All too often, as a show goes on, the character does not grow nor deepen nor develop.  We are so used to static characters that provide the same entertainment we expect or never face new challenges. Not so with Cade. Sebastian has that unique quality to be able to search within himself and bring something new every episode to his character. Sometimes it is very subtle, but there are other times what we see may surprise us.  And no matter what, the audience just becomes more devoted to the Cade every time we see him.

Now I’m not going to deny the fact that Sebastian also is quite a pleasing specimen to observe as Cade Foster. As the chemistry develops between Cade and Jordan, what woman would not want to be in her place when there are those tender but fleeting scenes between the two of them? In every detail from his heart to his physique, he is the absolute epitome of this role.  No one could play it the way he does.

As I watched the final episode, I found my emotions beginning to well up within me as I knew Cade Foster was ending his journey.  In those final scenes, I was fighting back the tears (wouldn’t be surprised is Sebastian himself was as he realized this may be the end). I saw that the door was open in case another season was called for, but at least a sweet conclusion came about.  There is no doubt in my mind that the part of Cade Foster could only have been played by Sebastian Spence, like a role which he was born to play. While he did some unbelievable acting before and even some unquestionably amazing acting since this role, there is no doubt that this will always be a defining role that is near and dear to his heart and one in which he particularly shines.  His precision to detail and his unique connection to this role has made it a cultural icon that will continue to be lauded for the ages to come.

For more information:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0160277/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

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