This post contains spoilers for the first two episodes of Alien: Earth, now streaming on Hulu. The Alien franchise has long captivated audiences with its rich lore and complex societal themes, often leaving fans to piece together the bigger picture. With the launch of Alien: Earth, creator Noah Hawley seeks to delve deeper into these themes, transforming the franchise's past hints into a more fleshed-out narrative. This series also takes advantage of the extended format of television to provide a significant amount of thrilling Xenomorph action.
The opening episodes, “Neverland” (written and directed by Hawley) and “Mr. October” (written by Hawley and directed by Dana Gonzales), effectively deliver on the promise of gripping suspense. The storyline kicks off two years prior to the events of the original Alien film, aboard the Weyland-Yutani-owned science vessel, the Maginot. This ship bears striking similarities to the infamous Nostromo, complete with recognizable settings such as the communications room and cryosleep chambers.
As the crew awakens from their cryogenic slumber, we quickly learn that they have been collecting specimens, including a terrifying Xenomorph. Within this environment, we begin to understand the crew dynamics, particularly the unsettling behavior of the synthetic crew member, Tang, who is portrayed as a creepy observer of one of the younger female crew members. This aspect adds an eerie layer to the narrative, setting the stage for the horror to come.
Hawley’s decision to maintain the timeline from the early films positions the Maginot’s 65-year mission just 30 years in our future. This intriguing concept raises questions about technological advancements, such as the existence of cyborgs and vessels capable of deep-space travel. Initially, the sequence introducing the Maginot was slated for a later episode, but Hawley recognized the need to meet Alien fans' expectations. This restructuring not only aligns better with the franchise's established lore but also enhances the context surrounding the ship's eventual crash in New Siam.
In “Neverland,” Hawley introduces key themes surrounding corporate supremacy and the quest for immortality, viewed through the lens of Boy Kavalier, the ambitious founder of Prodigy. Kavalier is depicted as a superhumanly arrogant character who aims to perfect a method for transplanting human minds into virtually indestructible synthetic bodies. His plans include a group of dying children he refers to as the Lost Boys, led by a girl who renames herself Wendy. This narrative raises ethical questions about consciousness and identity, as the show treats Wendy as a direct continuation of her former self, effectively exploring the implications of such transformative technology.
The action transitions to the crash site of the Maginot, where Hermit’s search-and-rescue team, along with Kirsh and the Lost Boys, must navigate the wreckage of the ship and the surrounding structures. The scale of the production is impressive, featuring stunning visuals, although some CGI moments may appear less polished. Horror elements are skillfully integrated, such as the chilling blood bug and a particularly grotesque eyeball monster, enhancing the show's suspenseful atmosphere.
Throughout these episodes, character dynamics are crucial. Hermit is portrayed as a somewhat ordinary figure who surprisingly manages to compartmentalize his encounters with the deadly Xenomorph. His interactions, including a reunion with Wendy, highlight the emotional stakes involved, especially as the Xenomorph disrupts their moment of reconnection. The tension is palpable as Wendy leaps into the fray to save her brother, setting the stage for future conflicts.
In summary, Alien: Earth offers a thrilling start, combining familiar elements from the franchise with new, thought-provoking themes. Noah Hawley’s vision brings depth to the Alien mythology while delivering the suspense and horror that fans expect. As the narrative unfolds, viewers can anticipate a blend of action, philosophical dilemmas, and the ever-present threat of the Xenomorph, making this series a must-watch for both new viewers and longtime fans alike.
