Representation is one of the biggest topics of discussion in media right now. All underrepresented folks want to see is themselves on-screen or on the page. In particular, they want to see themselves represented accurately. They don't want to see a cartoon stereotype of themselves and want to feel like they are a part of the conversation. This is especially true for Native Americans, one of the most disenfranchised and maligned groups of people in American history.
Historically, when Native Americans appear on film or television, very often they are presented as a stereotype or, even worse, not played by actual Native Americans. Case in point, The Lone Ranger, starring Johnny Depp as Tonto.
However, SyFy's newest series, Resident Alien, hopes to mitigate this, aiming to present a fair and accurate portrayal of modern Native Americans. At New York Comic-Con, CBR sat down with Resident Alien's Sara Tomko, who plays Asta, to discuss how the series will represent Native Americans.
CBR asked Tomko why she initially took the part of Asta, and, in all fairness, taking a part in a genre series like Resident Alien isn't just about representation. It's about playing an awesome character in an exciting new world.
"I read it and my first instinct was, 'This feels like Battlestar Galactia.' Starbuck is my girl! So I was like 'Is this my opportunity to be kinda Starbuck-y?' I mean, it's not in space. It's very different. But when you think about story-wise, if the story's good enough, you can put any genre on it. In IT, it just so happens there's an alien in town, but it really just comes down to this humanity, these people, this small town, murder mystery that's happening. And this relatability to what it is to be human -- or how awkward it can be. That part of the storytelling is what really drew me. So I went 'This could be something extraordinary.'"
She also has a history of working with SyFy, with many of her indie films appearing on the channel, and feels certain the show will excite and wow fans all over.
"I'm excited to see the fans as they reacted today. I feel like they're gonna have that same reaction when the show comes out, and I feel it will elevate SyFy to a whole new level."
This establishes a core fact: Resident Alien is first and foremost a genre show with genre appeal, and this aspect is essential in understanding the importance of its Native imagery.
CBR asked Tomko to tell us a little about how she prepared for the role, which began to reveal the way she sees the character.
"My boyfriend is an incredible man as well as coach, so he and I, the night before, really talked about the spirituality of Asta and what it means for her to be a woman trying to get her power back. We really just did a lot of movement and tried to figure out what was going on in the deeper layers, so that when she is so guarded around people, there is something behind her eyes, constantly trying to figure out what's going on. She's not very trusting of people... She's gotta act like she owns the room, even if she doesn't know what's going on."
We asked Tomko about Asta's spirituality, which then led to us asking her how she felt representing a Native American character.
"I'm so honored. My favorite thing about Asta is that she's a mix, and so am I. It's the first time I've gotten a chance to play a role where I can really truly be all that I am. I have Native heritage, but I'm not a citizen. So I think it's really important, especially now in this day and age with all the conversations we have about ethnicity, to be upfront and forward about who you really are."
Before continuing, it is important to know that Tomko has a history of playing Native American characters. One of her more well-known roles is Tiger Lily on ABC's Once Upon a Time.
Tomko and the head producer, Chris Sheridan, also took extra care crafting the scripts to be as respectful of Native people as possible.
"Chris and I really talked about this for a long time. We wanted to be really respectful to the Native American community. We wanted to showcase what is true and beautiful and right about their community, but also be honest about who I am, and that I am a mix and that I can't check just one box -- and neither can Asta. And that's what makes us feel like an outsider. When I go and vote, I check the 'other' box. I don't know where I fit in, but I feel like there are a lot of people who feel that way."
This sense of alienation, again, perfectly embodies the spirit of a series about an alien living on Earth. The under-representation of biracial folks, especially when these different races carry with them such an intense sense of identity, is vital. Even when they are welcomed into the culture, there is still that sense of being an outsider.
"She's not sure who she is. She's raised by the Native American community, but she's not sure who she is."
Thinking about her personal connection and ability to identify with Asta, CBR asked how Tomko thinks audiences will feel watching the show and how she thought people might be moved by her character.
"I think the reason I got into acting in the first place is I remember being on the couch when I was young watching something and feeling like I was finally understood."
This movie was Labyrinth, whose main character, Sara, shares her name, has brown hair and also has a crush on David Bowie. While this isn't necessarily racial representation, this speaks to the importance of how audiences respond to identifying a character in fantasy fiction.
"I personally hope -- and I hope that by being relatable and changing her character to be more like mine -- is going to show people that it's good for to stand up for who you are. Don't be ashamed of it. And that if you don't know where you fit in, maybe that's okay too. I'm really hoping that we will be having some of these conversations in some of the episodes and show that not having a box to check is not the end of the world. That we're all a mix of something, and that's what makes us great."
Based on the Dark Horse comic series of the same name, SyFy's Resident Alien stars Alan Tudyk, Levi Fiehler, Sara Tomko and Alice Wetterlund. The series has yet to be given a release date.