Differences Between The Movie and The TV Series
- In the movie version, human detective "Matthew Sykes" is played by James Caan. In the TV series, actor Gary Graham plays the role of "Matthew Sikes"
- Detective George Francisco (originally named "Sam Francisco" by the Human Immigration Authorities) the Newcomer detective, is played by Mandy Patinkin in the movie. Eric Pierpoint plays the character in the TV series.
- The TV series has a much lighter tone than the movie, with extensive subtle humor and wordplay. The movie is essentially a noir piece, very gritty and hard-bitten.
- Many aspects of Newcomer culture are explored in the TV series, including; childbirth, religion, family, history, longing for their home planet, etc. In the movie, Newcomer culture is hinted at, but never explored.
- In the movie, Francisco has a wife named Susan (played by Kendall Conrad) and a son (called "George Jr." in the credits, although Mandy Patinkin states that within the film, he was named "Richard" after Richard Nixon) played by Brian Lando. In the TV series, his wife is still named Susan (Michele Scarabelli), but his son is named Buck (Sean Six). He also has a daughter Emily (Lauren Woodland), and gives birth to an additional daughter, Vessna.
- In the movie, Sykes' daughter is married. In the TV series, Sikes' daughter is unmarried and is of college age with a boyfriend.
- Both detectives work for Captain Warner (Francis X. McCarthy) in the movie. In the TV series, it is Captain Bryon Grazer (Ron Fassler).
Read more about this topic: Alien Nation (1989 TV series)
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