Review: Jeff & Some Aliens “Jeff & Some Colonists”

“Jeff & Some Colonists” might be the greatest episode of Jeff & Some Aliens yet. It’s certainly the most poignant, and socio-political. Plus, “Jeff & Some Colonists” remains as hilarious as ever.

Spoilers Below

The show begins by chronicling the human mating ritual through analyzing Jeff’s (Brett Gelman) relationship with Linda (Natalie Smyka). Jeff’s alien pals three Sammy, Jimmy, and Ted (Alessandro Minoli) are preparing a documentary. The alien trio appears split on whether or not humans are majestic creatures.

Linda begins seeing Jeff again, but explains it’s merely friendly. Jeff’s lack of ambition to “do something big” precludes a romantic relationship from blossoming. There’s an uproariously hilarious moment when Linda complains that Jeff never wants to do anything “big.” Jeff clarifies whether this is “med school big” or “smoke less weed big.” It’s a comedic moment, and there’s truth in the statement. When asked to make a change, we first naturally identify the maximum and minimum boundaries. Compared to Linda’s friends like the smug Chet (Jon Daly), Jeff is less ambitious.

A group of aliens arrives on Earth and Jeff’s plan to “do something big” becomes being the first human to make contact. While initially. the aliens arriving and bestowing their technology on the humans seems wonderful, all isn’t as it seems. There’s a radical shift in extraterrestrials’ treatment of earthlings. What makes “Jeff & Some Colonists” arguably the best Jeff & Some Aliens episode to date is its hilarity mixed with a relevant message. The theme, as you can guess from the title, is colonization. An overarching series theme analyzes cultural differences: how they are perceived and handled.

The plot is one of the more over the top narratives. There’s a subplot with smoothies, a Mars Attacks homage, and a guest starring spot by Christian Slater. Slater is fantastic as a gold-chain-wearing sleazy alien who colonizes earth. My favorite scene is near the end when Chet delivers an empowering speech, then turns around and essentially exhibits similar behavior as he just admonished. It’s this scene that reveals overtly the greater message of the episode.

I’m continually impressed with how Jeff & Some Aliens takes relevant topics like colonization and social media and weighs in with side-splittingly funny commentary. The fantastical elements help balance out the bleak and nihilistic tones that permeate the series. What’s refreshing is how Jeff & Some Aliens leaves a bit to digest once the credits roll. Additionally, voice acting is phenomenal. Regular talent includes Malcolm McDowell and Alicia Sliverstone. Then guests like Slater appear. After his role on “Jeff & Some Colonists,” I certainly hope Slater returns to Jeff & Some Aliens.

The animation really shines in “Jeff & Some Colonists.” There’s a lot of alien tech shown, and though it’s briefly, it fosters a detailed universe. With its combination of artwork, voice acting, and storytelling, “Jeff & Some Colonists” proves why Jeff & Some Aliens remains must-watch television.