Michael wants to free himself from his abusive foster father, but will he accept the help of others to do it?
(Original air date: February 16, 2000)
Written by Tom Graphia
Directed by Paul Shapiro
GUEST STARS
Diane Farr -- Amy De Luca
Garret M. Brown -- Mr. Evans
Mary Ellen Trainor -- Mrs. Evans
Robert F. Lyons -- Hank Guerin
Robert Katims -- The Judge
WHAT HAPPENED
At school, Liz tries to tell Maria how wonderful her Valentine's Day kiss from Max was. Maria prescribes "Grief Relief," a bitter herbal remedy that Liz is to take whenever she's distracted by Max.
Just then, Max approaches, but before he and Liz can talk
Isabel interrupts and asks Max to look for Michael, who has been acting especially strange.
When Max finds Michael in the rest room, Michael enters a stall and asks for privacy. Max only pretends to leave, however, and sees Michael re-emerge with a black eye . . . (more detailed
spoilers)
ANALYSIS
"Independence Day" is a pivotal episode, resolving one significant plotline and opening up new questions. We finally get a close look at the elusive fourth alien, although the regular members of our cast do not.
Again, though, the Roswell team deftly avoids turning an episode about a social issue into an after-school special. The issue here is child abuse, and it underscores Hank Guerin's relationship with Michael.
It is clear that Michael needs help in confronting the abuse. But to whom can he turn?
Isabel desperately wants to help, but he keeps her away. Instead, he turns to Maria.
Michael's choice turns on the fact that he doesn't want to admit he needs help. Isabel and Max constantly try to get him to talk to them or act for himself, but Maria takes him in without question, soothes him and even gets her mother to help intervene with the sheriff
A problem like Maria
Roswell's ongoing questions of trust reappear as Amy De Luca questions whether she can trust Maria. Like any sixteen-year-old's, Maria's judgment is the object of keen scrutiny.
Amy chooses to trust Maria, however -- they're able to speak frankly about relationships and sex. Amy even knows and respects how her daughter feels about Michael.
In a moment familiar to single parent households, we also see Maria acting in the role of child-as-parent, asking her mother about her relationship with
Jim Valenti. It's a moment that highlights the show's strength of showing contemporary families in recognizable situations.
What answers, then?
Ultimately, Michael finds he can trust those whom he loves.
When he needs help most, he goes to Maria, then turns back to the Evans family as he recognizes the foolishness of fleeing. He also makes peace with Mr. Evans, who helps him win emancipation.
Michael's confrontation of his problems and choosing to go through a legal process to free himself are all positive developments for him.
A very Roswell conclusion
There's also a striking scene between Hank and Sheriff Valenti. In addition to "resolving" the question of Hank's disappearance, we see Sheriff Valenti's human side -- he's protecting Michael rather than pursuing him.
In another show, this moment would end the episode -- but not in Roswell .
The conversation has been staged by Nacedo, who has settled the question of abuse in a decidedly final way: killing Hank Guerin and disposing of his body. He is now firmly established as a killer, although we are not sure of his motivation.
Does he kill to protect Michael? To sweep away a potential witness? To bring justice, or simply because he likes to kill?
Nacedo's brief appearance only leaves us with more questions, but it's still satisfying. It is a beginning for our search for more information, just as this episode marks the start of a new life for Michael.
WHAT WE LEARN
Sheriff Valenti likes coconut pie.
Mr. Evans is a lawyer.
The fourth alien is indeed a shapeshifter, and may be addicted to some sort of drug.
DANGLING PLOT THREADS
Why did the fourth alien kill Hank Guerin? What are those pills that he's taking? Did he return to Roswell because of Michael and Isabel's signal?
What's he doing in town, and what other faces is he wearing? When will our aliens meet him?
Where will Michael live now that he is emancipated?
REALITY (OR ROSWELL) CHECK
In Monopoly , $975 is indeed the correct rent for four houses on Atlantic Avenue.
TUNE IN TWO WEEKS FROM NOW WHEN . . .
Liz kisses Max and learns secrets about the aliens in "Sexual Healing".
What do you think? Send comments to the
author or editor.
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