REVIEW: ‘Alien: Earth’ Season 1 Gives Fans Everything And More

After so much excitement leading up to Alien Earth‘s premiere date, creator Noah Hawley gave fans everything and more that one might expect in a series for the Alien universe. Instead of trapping a crew in a ship for an entire season and somehow fleshing out a xenomorph running rampant for eight episodes, we do something entirely different. Alien Earth Season 1 not only allows us to be on land, as well as in space, but it also offers its viewers a look into the events that took place only two years before the events of Alien. 

Although there may be no sign or mention of franchise icon Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), it doesn’t entirely matter, as there are enough engaging characters in Alien Earth to satisfy viewers. Alien Earth Season 1 explores the creation of hybrids, which are individuals with synthetic human consciousness, in addition to the corporate war between Weyland-Yutani and the Prodigy Corporation. There’s also exploration of things we’ve never seen before in the franchise, including being able to communicate with xenomorphs. It’ll make anyone wonder how different the films would’ve been if someone could have. 

The beginning of Alien Earth Season 1 starts with a bang as it introduces us to the characters we’ll be following throughout the eight-episode season. Our primary protagonist is Wendy (Sydney Chandler), the first hybrid ever created and a remarkably strong-willed individual. Meanwhile, our enticing antagonistic figure is a cyborg named Morrow (Babou Ceesay). Rather than having the xenomorph being the main issue, humans are the most significant problem from start to finish. And it throws expectations about the show right out the window, which is actually a good thing. 

The production values are high, and the creature designs are fantastic in Alien Earth Season 1.

For those who might be curious, Alien Earth Season 1 blends the aesthetics of very particular entries in the franchise. Alien, Prometheus, and Alien: Romulus are the noticeable entries, as far as aesthetics go. The production value is high, the creature designs are fantastic for the newly introduced alien species, the xenomorphs are excellent, and the set designs are impressive. There’s undoubtedly no dismissing those aspects of the show. 

In terms of the writing and overall plot of the season, it’s consistent with some episodes being standouts like Alien: Earth Episode 5, “In Space, No One”, for example. The Alien universe is known for its highs and lows in terms of the films, but the series avoids making the same mistakes as lesser-liked entries. Instead, it attempts to craft its own identity, all while still borrowing from the franchise in which it exists. Rather than being a full-blown creature feature madness, Alien Earth Season 1 does a lot of meditating on sci-fi horror concepts, especially regarding the hybrids. What exactly does it mean to have an android body, all while maintaining your human consciousness? 

Alien Earth Season 1 doesn’t just explore Wendy’s experience as a hybrid or her relationship with her human brother, Joseph (Alex Lawther). It explores the experiences of the other hybrids, Morrow’s and his many decades of loyalty to Weyland-Yutani, Boy Kavalier (Samuel Blenkin)’s childish quest to outdo Weyland-Yutani, and the new revelation that Wendy can communicate with the xenomorph. 

Alien Earth Season 1 delivers on the creature feature action.

Just like most Alien entries, there’s typically a woman who drives the story forward. Thankfully, Alien Earth Season 1 allows Wendy to be cool, emotional, and later unpredictable as she comes into her own. Considering her mind is that of a child, despite being in the body of an adult, it’s a mild coming-of-age story in a way. 

Though Alien Earth Season 1 isn’t mild when it comes to the violence, gore, or frightening scenes involving octopus eyeballs possessing people (you’ll have to see it to believe it). The show doesn’t just give people meditative moments; it delivers on its creature feature action. Whether it’s the various xenomorphs we meet tearing people apart, new species causing havoc, or the chest-bursting action that we all adore. We get all of that in all its glory, and “In Space, No One” is essentially a mini Alien film with everything you could possibly want. 

When it comes to the characters, Alien Earth Season 1 presents a diverse range of individuals to either love or dislike. We get to know the hybrids, the CEO of Prodigy Corporations, named Boy Kavalier, Morrow, and a variety of other characters who help shape the season. Everyone’s performance is precisely what it needs to be, and it’s worth noting that the cast is quite diverse, with many of the actors not being American. It allows people to discover new actors and gives people a chance to shine in a known sci-fi horror franchise. 

Noah Hawley understands the Alien franchise, all while trying to infuse the series with something fresh.

It’s clear from the beginning that Hawley understands the Alien franchise, all while trying to infuse something fresh with the hybrids in the season. The xenomorph is such an integral aspect of the films at their very core, but you can’t have a gripping series without dynamic characters. And that’s something Hawley clearly understands in terms of how he writes Wendy and the other notable characters. 

Alien Earth Season 1 may not be a perfect season for everyone, but it’s enjoyable and gives people something to chew on for the most part. People can enjoy the meditative moments, the sci-fi horror antics, the performances, the killer soundtrack, and the fact that plenty of practical effects were used throughout the season. Considering that practical effects aren’t always favored, that’s an important point to note. 

If you’re looking for a sci-fi horror show, are a fan of at least the first Alien, and want to see what happened only a few years before the fateful events on the Nostromo, you’ll likely have a blast watching Alien Earth Season 1.

Alien Earth Season 1 is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+ internationally.