Noah Hawley, the creator of the 2014 FX series Fargo, has created this latest installment in the long running Alien media franchise.
In the year 2120, the USCSS Maginot, a Weyland-Yutani research vessel, returns to Earth after a 65-year mission to collect extraterrestrial specimens. Morrow (Babou Ceesay), the cyborg is aboard the ship as it crashes into Prodigy City, a sprawling metropolis owned by the ambitious Prodigy Corporation.
A search and rescue team is sent and it includes Hermit (Alex Lawther), a medic for Prodigy and the brother of Wendy (Sydney Chandler). Wendy is a young girl whose consciousness has been transferred into a synthetic adult body. This procedure, conducted by Prodigy, is part of a larger, morally ambiguous project to create superhuman soldiers from terminally ill children.
Wendy has been keeping tabs on Hermit using Prodigy's resources and now decides to rush to his rescue alongside a group of hybrid children. Their
journey into the heart of the disaster zone is fraught with danger, not
only from the Xenomorph but also from other grotesque entities unleashed
by the crash.
The aftermath of the crash continues to unfold. The body count rises and the victims include a few elites who are having a lavish party in the building. The
introduction of the Xenomorph, though familiar, is rendered with a
fresh intensity, showcasing the alien's masterful ability to blend in
with the surroundings.
The episode delves deeper into the ethical quandaries surrounding the hybrid children. Wendy's heartfelt reunion with Hermit underscores the emotional depth of the narrative. The siblings' bond, tested by time and circumstances, serves as a powerful testament to the enduring nature of human connection.
The supporting cast is solid for a horror genre production. Timothy Olyphant, arguably the most recognizable name in the cast, is his usual stoic self as Kirsh, Chief Scientist at Prodigy. Samuel Blenkin plays Boy Kavalier, the trillionaire owner of the Prodigy corporation and brings the necessary arrogance to the part. Essie Davis as Dame Sylvia represents the voice of reason and tries to make Boy Kavalier do the right thing.
Alien: Earth is not just a reimagining of a beloved franchise; it is an evolution. Hawley has taken the foundational elements of the Alien universe and expanded them, infusing the narrative with philosophical musings on identity, consciousness, and the ethical implications of technological advancements.
The production design is exemplary, with each setting meticulously crafted to immerse viewers in this dystopian future. The sound design deserves mention, with the eerie silence of space juxtaposed against the cacophony of chaos, amplifying the tension and unease. If the soundtrack reminds you of Fargo's soundtrack, that is because both the series have been scored by Jeff Russo.
In conclusion, Alien: Earth is a bold and ambitious series that honors its roots while charting a new course. It is a testament to the enduring relevance of the Alien franchise and its ability to adapt and resonate with contemporary audiences. As the series progresses, one can only hope that it continues to explore the depths of human nature and the cosmos with the same intensity and introspection as these first two episodes.
Image Source: FX on Hulu
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