Character Analysis
Dr. Okun is a weird dude—but he's been studying aliens in secret for several years, so that's probably to be expected.
He's so focused on his science that he's actually elated when the aliens come to earth, since their proximity seems to jumpstart the technology on an alien spaceship that has been sitting dormant for decades. The President is less than impressed with his excitement, however:
OKUN: […] Since these guys started showing up, all the little gizmos inside turned on. The last twenty-four hours have been really exciting!
PRESIDENT WHITMORE: Exciting? People are dying out there. I don't think "exciting" is the word I'd choose to describe it.
Fair enough, Prez—but Okun's basically a mad scientist who's devoted his life to helping the government understand aliens, so maybe we should cut him a little slack?