The CW's newest series “Roswell, New Mexico” is adapted from the book series “Roswell High” by Melinda Metz. The “Roswell” books are also the basis for the popular series that aired for three seasons from 1999 to 2002, starring Shiri Appleby, Jason Behr, Brendan Fehr, and Katherine Heigl. The former cast is completely on board with the new series with Appleby on board as a director and who will be directing episode 9. Appleby even shares with Syfy Wire she found the new series flattering because it gave her the feeling of the original “Roswell” as having a legacy.
The new series stars Jeanine Mason, Nathan Dean Parsons, Lily Cowles, Michael Vlamis, Michael Trevino, Tyler Blackburn, Heather Hemmens, Karan Oberoi, and Trevor St. John. Unlike the original series and the books, “Roswell, New Mexico” ages up the characters by ten years and puts them past the high school stage. The new "Roswell" finds Liz Ortecho (Mason) returning home for the anniversary of her sister's death where she comes face to face with Max Evans (Parsons). Ever since the series was in talks for a reboot, fans have been anticipating what the new "Roswell" will be like. "Roswell" will tackle political issues which are seen from the first scene but also incorporates plenty of romance, complicated sibling dynamics, a murder mystery, and aliens with many other surprises on the way.
Showrunner Carina Adly MacKenzie shares with EW a weird change made in the new “Roswell." The original “Roswell” series has the aliens drinking hot sauce to boost their powers, but the new series changes this aspect to the aliens drinking nail polish remover. This is introduced early on in the pilot when Max collapses in the ally and Isobel shows up to help with nail polish remover for him to drink.
MacKenzie explains how they don't have rights to the original series, only to the book series, so they aren't able to use hot sauce.
Politics are a central part of the new series
Carina Adly MacKenzie teases to Syfy Wire her goal with the new series is to challenge what is seen on TV in regards to politics, specifically how politics are seen on the CW.
Despite the aliens, "Roswell" is grounded in a way that feels real. She continues the statement by pointing out how sometimes what's real is sometimes ugly. The showrunner shares how the series tackles current issues and doesn't feel 'so political' as what is incorporated, are among the things that come up in general conversation. The series focuses on people who are disenfranchised and people who feel threatened in their daily lives.
The showrunner believes politics are in the DNA of what Americans are and wishes to express this through “Roswell” which is seen in the opening of the pilot which directly hits upon current political issues. Carina Adly MacKenzie explains to Syfy Wire how she's using her personal experience being raised as a Muslim to explore this alien story as a metaphor for Islamophobia, etc.
and her goal is to talk about these situations in the most sensitive way possible. MacKenzie continues with how they try to balance the alien metaphor with the real level of what's happening in the world.
Another aspect of the series important to the showrunner is the relationship between Michael (Michael Vlamis) and Alex (Tyler Blackburn), who MacKenzie assures the Hollywood Reporter, won't fall into certain tropes. While she doesn't promise a happily ever after for the two, it's still early after all, she does tease their relationship is 'very fraught' and they'll have a long journey. The showrunner continues by explaining how Michael is filling a gap in bisexual representation on TV so the series will also explore Michael's relationship with women.
MacKenzie sees “Roswell” as an opportunity to explore the Michael and Alex relationship in the part of the country that has a small town vibe and a cowboy mentality. This is heavily seen in Alex's choice to pursue becoming a soldier (like his father) because he thought that's what he should be even if it's not who he is. Throughout the first season of "Roswell," the sibling dynamics between Isobel, Max, and Michael are also explored as each of their varying issues will be focused on. This includes Michael's experiences of having gone into foster care and vying against Isobel and Max who were adopted together and raised as siblings.
Liz works to uncover the truth about Rosa's death
Tuesday's episode of “Roswell, New Mexico” will pick up where the pilot left off per the synopsis shared by the CW.
Liz (Jeanine Mason) and her father (Carlos Compean) continue to deal with the 10th anniversary of Rosa's death as the town continues to punish them for what happened. Max (Nathan Dean Parsons) gets into a confrontation with Isobel and Michael (Michael Vlamis) over his feelings for Liz. A twist occurs when Master Sergeant Manes' revelation about aliens in Roswell to Kyle doesn't go as planned. Elsewhere, Liz and Kyle make a discovery involving Rosa's death.
Then in “Tearin' up my Heart,” Liz discovers something upsetting about Max which drives her to run tests to determine the extent of Max's powers which leads Michael and Isobel (Lily Cowles) take on the situation when they fear Liz is getting too close.
To investigate Rosa's last days, Liz teams up with Maria (Heather Hemmens) to take a trip across Roswell to put pieces together. The episode airs on January 29. “Where Have All The Cowboys Gone?” finds Max conflicted between keeping his secret and helping patients after the hospital loses power during a power outage. After learning more about Rosa, Liz turns to Kyle (Michael Trevino) for help. Isobel and Michael team up with a plan to handle Liz while Master Sargent Manes (Trevor St. John) turns to a surprising source for help. The episode airs February 5.
