Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we spotlight strong women and nonbinary folks who inspire us. This includes fictional characters in geeky media and creators as well. They are a prime example of empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers for SYFY’s Resident Alien.
Asta Twelvetrees
Fast Facts:
Dan Twelvetrees (Gary Farmer) adopted Asta Twelvetrees (Sara Tomko) when she was a child in Patience, Colorado; we don’t know much about her biological parents. At 16 years old, Asta ran away to Denver for a spell, subsequently giving birth to a daughter with her husband, Jimmy (Ben Cotton). Later, Asta returned to Patience and gave her child up for adoption.
Asta befriended D’Arcy Bloom (Alice Wetterlund) in high school, and the pair remain best friends throughout Resident Alien‘s first season. She works for Dr. Sam Hodges as a nurse at the local health clinic. Asta develops a close father-daughter bond with the doctor.
She suffered abuse at the hands of her husband, and it’s when she leaves Jimmy that she spots Harry Vanderspeigle’s ship crashing-landing into Patience.
RELATED: Catch up on all the extraterrestrial antics with our Resident Alien recaps!
The Resident Alien
At the start of the season, Asta meets Harry (Alan Tudyk) after the latter kills and morphs into the actual Dr. Vanderspeigle. Sam Hodges’ murder thrusts Harry into the role of the town doctor. Asta instantly feels a connection with Harry. Harry drives with her to Jimmy’s place to get the rest of her belongings. Asta officially breaks things off with Jimmy.
Her daughter, Jay (Kaylayla Raine), starts working at the health clinic, but she promptly quits when she learns Asta is her biological mother.
Later, Asta, D’Arcy and Harry fall through a crevasse while on dangerous, snowy terrain. As they fight for survival, Asta uncovers Harry’s extraterrestrial identity. Once the trio returns to solid land, Asta takes Harry to her father Dan’s establishment, “Joe’s Diner,” for treatment.
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Dan amputates Harry’s injured leg with a meat cleaver while the latter remains in his alien form. Asta holds Harry’s hand and comforts him throughout the ordeal. She also cares for Harry the following day while he recovers from the amputation, even though he possesses regenerative abilities.
The End of the World
Then, Asta and Max (Judah Prehn) race to General McCallister’s (Linda Hamilton) military base, wherein Harry retrieves his spaceship and attempts to destroy Earth with a powerful device. Asta reminds him they’re friends; if Harry eradicates humanity, he kills her, too.
Thankfully, Asta’s pleas are enough to prevent Harry from decimating the planet. Instead, he bids farewell to Asta and flies away.
Learning About Goliath and The Greys
After Harry returns to Earth with Max, Asta helps our titular alien as he pivots to a new plan: save the world. Asta and Harry’s mission to protect Earth takes them to New York, where they learn about Goliath, an alien who’s actually an alternate form of Harry. Goliath later warns Harry about The Greys and their objective to wipe out the human race.
During Season 2, Asta meets her biological mother, who’s not a nice person. She’s very dismissive of Asta.
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In the Season 2 finale, D’Arcy discovers Harry’s extraterrestrial identity. Despite this rocky patch in their friendship, Asta and D’Arcy move in together. We see them as roommates at the start of Season 3. At one point, Asta unknowingly goes on a date with Joseph (Enver Gjokaj), a Grey hybrid who’s really there to spy on Harry. After she finds out the truth from Harry, she offers to continue seeing Joseph to gain intel.
The Real Deal:
Asta possesses immense empathy and wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s also sharp as a tack and abundantly bright, constantly keeping others on their toes and keenly observing things people don’t see. In short, Asta makes the perfect nurse.
She takes responsibility for her actions. Of course, it pained her to give Jay up for adoption, but she works tirelessly to remedy the situation and holds herself accountable for her mistakes.
Additionally, Asta’s connected to her Indigenous roots and Resident Alien ensures we learn about the traditions and values she gleaned while growing up on the reservation.
RELATED: The Cast of Resident Alien on the Season 3 Premiere and What’s to Come
Asta’s courage and tenacity are admirable. It’s not easy to confront your abuser. Still, she boldly stands up to Jimmy and puts herself first (A note: I’m not saying you should take on your abuser — if you’re in a dangerous situation where doing that could seriously hurt you, then focus on your escape.).
Asta’s a survivor in every sense of the word, and she holds fast to kindness and love despite what she’s endured. Even though she feels like an outsider, she ensures Harry doesn’t feel alone.
Why She Matters:
Asta’s presence on Resident Alien not only provides much-needed Indigenous representation, but she’s a multifaceted role model from which kids everywhere can derive inspiration and encouragement.
She’s love personified, intelligent, loyal and has a steely inner strength. Not only that, but she works hard to teach Harry what it means to be human. That’s no small feat when you’re helping an alien.
Everyone should have her by their side.
RELATED: Looking for another crush? Check out our Geek Girl Authority Crushes of the Week here!
So, be like Asta Twelvetrees. Be tenacious. Practice kindness, but take no s**t. Forgive yourself for your mistakes and forge ahead. Find your fellow weirdos and treasure them. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your alien bestie to a comic convention. Laughs will surely ensue.
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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