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From SCIFIPEDIA
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Roswell, which ran from 1999 to 2002, took its inspiration from the first in a series of ten Roswell High young adult novels by Melinda Metz, which were published from 1998 to 2000. The premise of the novels and the television program is that the Roswell, New Mexico, UFO crash of 1947 was real, and that the aliens emerge from "incubation" years later, looking like ordinary children with extraordinary powers and an unclear destiny. They conceal their existence from humans and appear to be ordinary teenagers.
Spoiler Warning: Plot details and/or information about the ending follow. If you wish to enjoy the work first, stop reading here and return at another time.
History
The television series varied from the books almost from the outset, although some of the characters retained the backgrounds assigned to them in the novels. The original threesome of aliens was played by Jason Behr as Max Evans, Katherine Heigl as Isabel Evans, and Brendan Fehr as Michael Guerin. The first two are brother and sister and were adopted; Michael was raised separately in a series of foster homes. Near the end of the first season, more secret aliens were introduced to the show, differing from those in the book series—most notably Tess Harding, played by Emily de Ravin, who is revealed to be the pre-ordained mate for Max, who is himself described as the exiled ruler of his home world.
Several ordinary humans are entwined in the lives of the aliens, such as Liz Parker, played by Shiri Appleby, who falls in love with Max after he saves her life, and Maria DeLuca (Majandra Delfino), who has a tumultuous relationship with Michael. William Sadler also did admirable work as Sheriff Jim Valenti, who is initially hostile to the aliens when he discovers their existence, but eventually becomes their friend, and loses his job after helping them escape detection. He had a son, Kyle (Nick Wechsler), who was originally dating Liz and tried to find out the trio's secret. But due to a series of circumstances, he became a valued part of the group. Alex (played by Colin Hanks, son of Tom Hanks) provided some peripheral romantic interest for Isabel, but he was killed by Tess during the second season. At the beginning of Season 3, Adam Rodriguez as Jesse Ramirez was introduced; he eventually becomes Isabel's husband before discovering the that she, her brother, Michael, and Tess are extraterrestrials.
In an effort to boost its ratings, the series changed directions several times, varying widely in plot structure and tone—everything from high adventure to teenage angst. A major subplot involved the Skins, who allegedly supported Kivar, a villain who took over Max's throne on the aliens' home world, Antar. The Skins have infiltrated Earth and want to destroy Max and his followers. At one point, Liz is visited by a future version of Max, who tells her that if she doesn't break off her relationship with Max, the consequences will be disastrous, and the Earth would be destroyed by their enemies.
The show was cancelled early enough during the third season to allow writers to bring the series to a close, although some fans considered the ending both compressed and contrived. Roswell fans are still united in an effort for a Roswell movie. which could bring further closure to this innovative story.
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