10 Episodes
Short on time? Here's the essentials:
The season follows the 2nd Mass, a group of human survivors fighting an alien invasion by the Espheni. Led by Tom Mason, a former historian, and Anne Glass, a doctor, they seek to liberate Earth. Tom, initially influenced by aliens to embrace rage, eventually unites the survivors for a final push.
The core conflict revolves around the 2nd Mass's desperate struggle against the Espheni's brutal occupation and their terrifying creations, including hybrids. Key turning points include the discovery of a Skitter breeding facility, leading to the tragic death of Sara, and Pope's subsequent betrayal and kidnapping of Hal Mason. The season culminates in a desperate assault on the alien queen. The queen's death causes all Espheni on Earth to explode, ending the invasion.
Season 5 of Falling Skies covers episodes 1-10. Here's everything that happened:
Season 5, Episode 1: Find Your Warrior - Tom Mason returns from space, influenced by a mysterious alien race to embrace rage and fight the Espheni. The 2nd Mass, led by Anne, has been holding out, but Tom's new, brutal approach galvanizes them. Denny is killed by Skitters, and Tom executes an Espheni Overlord, signaling a shift towards ruthless warfare. The episode concludes with the humans launching a more aggressive offensive against the weakened alien forces.
Season 5, Episode 2: Hunger Pains - A surprise skitter attack devastates the 2nd Mass's food supply, forcing Maggie, Ben, Pope, and Sara on a perilous mission for sustenance. They encounter a traumatized family and must make difficult choices for survival. Meanwhile, Tom and Anne uncover a disturbing Espheni creation: a hybrid of alien and human elements. The episode concludes with the discovery of this terrifying Espheni-human hybrid and the ongoing struggle for food, highlighting the dire circumstances.
Season 5, Episode 3: Hatchlings - The 2nd Mass discovers a Skitter breeding facility, leading to a mission to destroy it. During the operation, Sara is tragically killed, succumbing to Espheni fog and alien creatures. Meanwhile, Maggie and Hal confront an Overlord and a mutated Brian, resulting in Brian accidentally killing his sister Caitlin before taking his own life. The episode concludes with Pope vowing revenge on Tom for prioritizing the mission over saving Sara.
Season 5, Episode 4: Pope Breaks Bad - A desperate Pope, fueled by grief over Sara's death, turns against Tom Mason, rallying disillusioned members of the 2nd Mass to his cause. Meanwhile, Cochise faces his own mortality as his lifespan concludes, leading to a difficult medical procedure. The episode culminates with Pope kidnapping Hal Mason, setting the stage for a direct confrontation with Tom, and Ryan being consumed by flesh-eating bugs during a supply run.
Season 5, Episode 5: Non-Essential Personnel - Tom Mason attempts to rescue Hal from a vengeful Pope, who tortures Hal and considers some survivors expendable. Meanwhile, Weaver is taken hostage by a desperate gunman. The episode concludes with Tom being abducted by an Espheni Hornet after a confrontation with Pope, and Hal escaping with Isabella.
Season 5, Episode 6: Respite - Injured Tom Mason finds refuge with a family deliberately avoiding the war, offering a glimpse of normalcy. Hal and Isabella's bond deepens during their search for Tom. Meanwhile, the 2nd Mass discovers a crucial Espheni device, and Maggie makes a life-altering decision regarding her alien spikes. The episode concludes with Tom rejoining the 2nd Mass, his resolve strengthened, and the discovery of an Espheni communication hub, a potential key to victory.
Season 5, Episode 7: Everybody Has Their Reasons - The 2nd Mass discovers a functional military base, but their welcome turns hostile when Captain Katie Marshall, an old acquaintance of Weaver's, becomes suspicious of them due to their past encounters with the Espheni. Ben is captured and has one of his alien spikes forcibly removed, and most of the 2nd Mass is arrested. It's revealed that Marshall is an Espheni doppelganger, compromised by an alien wound, who was tasked with identifying human collaborators. The episode concludes with Weaver sending Matt for reinforcements while the Masons are imprisoned.
Season 5, Episode 8: Stalag 14th Virginia - Weaver discovers Captain Marshall is an Espheni imposter, leading to her death at his hands. Tom, Hal, and Ben face execution but are saved by a rebellion within the camp. Lieutenant Shelton is killed while attempting to stop Marshall's tyranny. The episode concludes with the Second Mass gaining new allies and weapons.
Season 5, Episode 9: Reunion - Tom acquires a potent weapon against the Espheni, while Ben risks his life for enemy plans. Pope launches a final, albeit underwhelming, attack. Lexi is revealed to be an Espheni spy and is killed by Ben using the new weapon. The episode concludes with the arrival of a massive Espheni armada.
Season 5, Episode 10: Reborn - Humanity's final stand culminates in a desperate assault on the alien queen. Tom Mason infiltrates the enemy's stronghold, ultimately sacrificing himself by injecting the Espheni-killing virus into his own bloodstream, which then transfers to the queen. The queen's death causes all Espheni on Earth to explode, effectively ending the invasion. In the aftermath, Anne is miraculously revived, and John Pope dies from his wounds. The series concludes with Tom addressing the assembled survivors, signifying a new beginning for humanity.
