"Alien: Earth" delivers chills and excitement while contemplating humanity's developmental stages
The highly anticipated new TV series, "Alien: Earth," has made its debut on FX and is now streaming on Hulu. Created by Noah Hawley, the mind behind the TV versions of "Fargo" and "Legion," this prequel to the original "Alien" film promises to deliver a thrilling and thought-provoking journey.
Set in the year 2120, two years before the events of the 1979 film, the series takes place on Earth after a science vessel named Maginot crash-lands in Thailand, following an attack by deadly alien specimens. The plot follows a young hybrid woman named Wendy, played by Sydney Chandler, and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers who must confront a major threat.
"Alien: Earth" stands out from its cinematic predecessors by exploring the convergence of human consciousness and artificial beings on Earth itself. The series delves into a future where humanity seeks immortality via Cyborgs, Synths, and Hybrids, developed by the corporation Prodigy, led by the high-tech billionaire Boy Kavalier, played by Samuel Blenkin. Kavalier, who quotes extensively from "Peter Pan," is weeks away from unveiling a new product line of these advanced synthetic beings.
The series resonates with echoes of classic films like Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho," Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "Dr. Strangelove." Timothy Olyphant plays a cyborg named Kirsh, and Essie Davis stars as Silvia. David Rysdahl, known for his role on the most recent season of "Fargo," is also featured in the series.
The action and visuals in "Alien: Earth" are first-class, with a clever mixture of computer-generated imagery and practical effects. The series delivers action, scares, and thrills just as effectively as its cinematic predecessors.
Noah Hawley is not just interested in the scary action sequences. He is also intrigued by the evolution of the alien creatures and humanity. Boy Kavalier delivers philosophical monologues about artificial intelligence in the series.
The two-episode premiere sets up a season that ends with a stunning finish, offering both closure and exciting possibilities for the future. If the rest of the series is as compelling as the start, "Alien: Earth" is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of the franchise and sci-fi enthusiasts alike. Tune in weekly on FX to catch the rest of the season.
Technology and space-and-astronomy collide in the new TV series "Alien: Earth," as the corporation Prodigy, led by billionaire Boy Kavalier, works towards unveiling a new product line of advanced synthetic beings. The entertainment value of the series lies not only in its action-packed sequences but also in the thought-provoking exploration of the convergence of human consciousness and artificial beings.
