TVLine's Performer Of The Week: Alan Tudyk

THE PERFORMER | Alan Tudyk

THE SHOW | Resident Alien

THE EPISODE | "The End Is Here" (Aug. 8, 2025)

THE PERFORMANCE | In Friday's series finale, Harry Vanderspeigle was more in touch with his humanity than ever before, allowing Tudyk to flex his massive talent one last time. The actor delivered everything you'd want from the last hurrah: impeccable comedic timing, outstanding vocal deliveries and a double scoop of heart. 

Tudyk had us rolling right from the top — especially after convincing another alien that an extraterrestrial substance was actually called "the ballsack" on Earth. But later, after imbibing with Dr. Ethan at The 59, Tudyk's disposition softened as he explained the concept of love to his fellow E.T. Harry quickly realized he couldn't kill this potential new villain after all because in doing so, he'd be killing the humanity already growing inside him. The funnyman then pivoted from this poignant moment to some fantastic physical comedy, as Harry joined his friends on the dance floor to bust a move to some Nicki Minaj.  

Tudyk continued delivering the goods as his character and Asta prepared for their big goodbye. As the latter issued one last lesson to her friend ("You were in our lives and there's nothing that can change that"), the actor's big smile and lighthearted jokes had us teary-eyed as Harry realized that helping others was the most important thing one could ever do. With zany antics and goofy dances behind him, Harry waved goodbye to his friends — Max included! — and left Earth for good. And when we saw his reflection in the glass of his spaceship, it was his human form staring back at him, wrapping up one hell of an arc for our titular "resident alien."  

We can't think of another actor who could've possibly navigated such a deeply layered, yet still incredibly absurd character. Thanks to being in Tudyk's competent hands, Harry contained multitudes. He was hilarious, heartfelt, empathetic and a good friend. And we sure will miss him. 

Scroll down to see who got Honorable Mention shout-outs this week...

Friday's Dexter: Resurrection dug deeper into the life of Blessing Kamara, setting up Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine for a fine showcase that rummaged up a surplus of emotions. After Blessing's mother died, the actor exhibited deep loss and sadness at her funeral celebration. But the veneer of his Zen-like demeanor finally dissolved, causing the character to snap in anger at his son-in-law, an exchange that allowed him to showcase the many stages of grief. The best scene, however, came when Blessing detailed his horrific past life as a child soldier in Africa. Mwine delivered his monologue with an unsteady voice and devastation in his eyes as he recounted the gory details to Dexter with humility and regret. Our love for Blessing — and the actor who plays him — has us crossing all our fingers and toes that this kindhearted man can survive life inside Dexter's dangerous new inner circle. — N.C.

As And Just Like That... draws to a close, guest stars are showing up to pay their respects, and Jackie Hoffman had a tiny but mighty role this week as a local baker Carrie entrusted with her annual Thanksgiving pie order. Hoffman, who's made us laugh before on Only Murders in the Building and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, brought the perfect amount of New York sass to the role, happily taking Carrie's order while bluntly rejecting all other pie requests. When another customer dared to complain, Hoffman's baker snarled that Carrie has been a loyal customer for years, ordering pies even at the height of COVID, while "you're two croissants a week at best." That withering assessment is the kind of comedy we'll miss when And Just Like That signs off, and we're grateful that Hoffman stopped by to offer her own hilarious farewell. — Dave Nemetz

Oscar might not have explicitly confirmed his sexuality on Sunday's episode of The Gilded Age, but everyone in the Van Rhijn living room knew exactly what his emotional outburst in the wake of John Adams' death really meant, whether they chose to acknowledge it or not. And while all of the actors in that scene — including Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon and Louisa Jacobson — were acting within an inch of their lives, it was Blake Ritson's devastating performance as a lover in mourning that will haunt us long after this season is over. It was one thing to keep their relationship a secret when they were both alive, but with John now gone from this mortal coil, the expectation to appear unmoved by such a tremendous loss was too much for Oscar to bear. The hopelessness in Ritson's voice as Oscar struggled to find the "right" words said more than those words ever could. Ritson's follow-up scene with Jacobson was also particularly touching, especially the image of Oscar collapsing in Marian's arms, finally unburdened by the weight of his greatest secret, if only with one person. — Andy Swift

Which performance(s) knocked your socks off this week? Tell us in the comments!