This Steven Spielberg-produced science fiction television series takes the viewer six months into the aftermath of an alien invasion that not only has wiped out the Earth's power grid and technology, but also the majority of life. The invading "Skitters" are insect-like creatures who kidnap the youth to "harness" and control as slaves. Tom Mason is a Boston University history professor who is an integral part of a group of invasion survivors known as the Second Massachusetts. His confidence and knowledge of historical militia tactics helps him lead in the resistance but his main goal is to protect his growing sons -- and at one point even re-capture his kidnapped son Ben (Connor Jessup). Not much of a sense of humor emanates from Professor Tom but hey, can you blame him? He displays some deep anger towards the cocky aliens (obviously) but he does show key characteristics of bravery when he boards an alien ship to learn more about the uber-aliens controlling the show.