Resident Alien Season 4’s New Villain Means It’s Even More Important That 1 Character Doesn’t Return

Warning: Spoilers ahead for the Resident Alien season 3 finale.

Resident Alien season 3’s last-minute villain looks to be a major part of the show’s plans, but the new antagonist means another member of the Resident Alien cast will need to remain where she is until the danger has passed. Resident Alien season 4 hasn’t been confirmed, but the Resident Alien season 3 ending made it clear the writers want to continue telling Harry Vanderspeigle’s story. The Grey Aliens have been the main threat for a while, but with their plot foiled for now, the stage is set for a new bad guy to enter the fray.

Despite its reduced episode count, Resident Alien season 3 had one of the most high-octane plots so far. The show’s canon was expanded in unexpected ways, and there were almost too many twists and turns to keep track of. Each main character evolved in a notable way over the eight-episode run, highlighting Resident Alien‘s focus on the growth of the residents of Patience, Colorado. With Harry facing various obstacles throughout Resident Alien season 3, his fate remains uncertain after the finale. However, there’s another new introduction, other than the Mantid, whose path is linked to the show’s next villain.

Heather Needs To Stay Away Until The Mantid Threat Has Ended

Edi Patterson’s character left the show in Resident Alien season 3, episode 6, “Bye Bye Birdie”

Harry and Heather’s whirlwind romance came to an abrupt halt during Resident Alien season 3 when Heather was blackmailed by Joseph to steal Harry’s DNA. The threat to the life of Heather’s family also came with orders to leave Earth behind, meaning she had to feign a convincing breakup with Harry. Even though Joseph has switched sides and turned against the Greys, it’s still not safe for Heather to return in Resident Alien season 4. Firstly, the Greys likely still have Heather’s family in their crosshairs. Secondly, the Mantid threat could be made worse by her presence.

The Mantid’s limited screen time means little is known of his abilities or motivations. Most of the information is delivered during Robert’s warning aboard the Greys’ moon ship in the Resident Alien season 3 finale: “That’s a Mantid, they’re shapeshifters. Don’t talk to them, don’t even get close to them. They get inside your head. ” The Mantid’s shape-changing abilities are on display at the start and the end of the episode, and his psychic powers are established by him knowing D’arcy’s name as well as knowing key details about Harry’s life once the Mantid imprisons Tudyk’s character and takes his shape.

The Mantid Could Exploit Heather’s Position As A Galactic Federation Council Officer

Heather’s portal travel would give the Mantid a huge advantage

Like Harry, the Mantid can transform into another living being. However, it’s unclear if their methods of transformation are identical. Harry needs to come into contact with someone’s DNA. However, he doesn’t tend to stray from his current form as the original Harry Vanderspeigle. The Mantid may share this restriction, or he may be able to transform from sight alone. If so, Heather’s return while the Mantid is at large could result in him taking her form instead of Harry’s, given that the Mantid’s cover is blown at the end of Resident Alien season 3, episode 8, “Homecoming.”

Heather has a key role within the Galactic Federation Council, and as such, is granted certain advantages such as portal travel and other benefits that come with her position. If the Mantid were to be in proximity to Heather, he would be able to shapeshift into her but also use his telepathic abilities to learn what he needs to harvest her memories and suitably impersonate her.

If so, the Mantid would be able to travel freely using Heather’s portals, meaning he would be especially difficult to catch given his new disguise. That being said, Linda Hamilton’s General McCallister ends “Homecoming” by asking Joseph for his portal access, so the playing field could be leveled going into Resident Alien season 4. If so, it’s possible the story could take place away from Earth much more often than is usual for the show.

The Mantid May Be Able To Transform Into Heather Even If She Doesn’t Return

Heather’s DNA will be all over Harry’s cabin

Edi Patterson, who plays Heather in Resident Alien, could conceivably return to the show without Heather ever stepping foot back on Earth. If the Mantid can indeed transform through DNA contact alone, then he could appear as Heather without her being physically present. The end of “Homecoming” shows the Mantid living as Harry, in Harry’s cabin. As demonstrated by Bridget’s shapeshifting spree in Resident Alien season 3, episode 7, “Here Comes My Baby,” Harry’s cabin is littered with leftover DNA from many of his visitors throughout the show.

Heather has been inside Harry’s cabin several times, so her DNA would invariably present. If the Mantid finds it, and he shares Harry’s shapeshifting method, then becoming Heather remains a real possibility, even without her being there. What’s interesting is that the false Heather would likely lack the real memories of her real counterpart, as her mind isn’t nearby for the Mantid to read. So, even if Edi Patterson is announced as part of the Resident Alien season 4 cast, her role may not be quite so obvious.