Shiri Appleby as Liz treats us to some subtle, but convincing, acting when the camera catches her reactions as she discovers Max's true status. Appleby is too good. Some fine ensemble acting occurs while our three alien teens watch a reenactment of the crash of their ship during an annual alien hokum celebration, the Crash Festival. The sadness and aloneness they convey with their quiet stares reveals this to be a show that's more than a high concept. Roswell's premise is an appealing foundation for an exploration of traditional teen themes of first love, self-esteem, secrecy, and, of course, alienation.
Most teenagers feel like aliens, so a series about aliens who are teenagers is right on the mark.
Roswell is a stylish show with substance.