The time has come! One of the shows I’ve been the most excited about in A LONG TIME, is now out on Disney+ (and Hulu in the States), and I couldn’t wait to watch the first two episodes. Now I’m so ready to rave about it that Girdy suggested I get some of that energy out by writing a review.
So, here we are! SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILERS EVERYWHERE
Crash of ages
Watching the fairly epic crash, and getting hints of just what’s happened in the lead up, is a real treat. That’s one hecka big crash, in a highly populated city – Prodigy City, to be exact! Whilst the ship is approaching, we note there’s a xenomorph loose and it ain’t playing games.
Morrow, the ship’s cyborg security officer crash lands the ship when a xenomorph breaks loose. He’s the type that’s fiercely loyal and will do whatever it takes to uphold the ship’s mission and save the cargo – very dubious and dangerous cargo, I might add.
And now he’s in a crashed ship in the middle of a shopping mall, and residential apartments, with security and search and rescue trying to do their jobs. This might not go well for Morrow’s mission.
An undercurrent of dread
From the off, especially with the cut scenes of horror as the ship crashes, you’re aware that sh*t is about to go down. I love how it builds by introducing the characters, and getting acquainted before it goes in heavy on the horror – exceeding expectations.
What’s next? We don’t know. But seeing some of the other aliens, and what they’re able to do (not the cat!), it’s just all a bit horrific. This show doesn’t hold back.
Synth city
The themes of synths and artificial intelligence are unsurprisingly relevant for today’s discussions, but I’m really excited about the hybrid element when introducing children whose consciousnesses are transferred to synth bodies.
Early on we’re introduced to Wendy (Sydney Chandler), a previously dying 12-year-old girl who is now ‘saved’ and is now in a synth body (a dream of my own one day, but unfortunately it’s explained that adults can’t be transformed this way in the show as their minds are “too rigid”). It’s also revealed that Wendy has been given the brain of a supercomputer – unlike the other hybrids.
Wendy chose her name. She said “Wendy” and when questioned, said her new body “looked like a Wendy”. This makes me think that the other children being named after The Lost Boys was her doing – or, if she didn’t name them herself, it’s what inspired them to be given those names.
The whole premise adds a fresh angle to the franchise, and it’s also terrifying watching ‘The Lost Boys’, and their synthetic guide Kirsh, walk into the situation of the crashed ship, not knowing what they’re getting themselves into. Remembering these are still CHILDREN who won’t have the capabilities – such as combat skills or mental fortitude – ready for a fight.
Another standout is Kirsh, played by Timothy Olyphant (who I’m a huge fan of anyway). Olyphant brings a fascinating take on synthetics to the role of Kirsh. He takes his job as sort of leader/guide for the lost boys very seriously, and puts on almost a parental tone in various instances with them. He also has instances of looking concerned/perplexed when he starts working out that things… aren’t quite right here. He’s great to watch and I can’t wait to see where this goes with Kirsh next.
Samuel Blenkin plays “the Boy Genius”, the CEO of Prodigy and the Neverland project. He’s got a silly, nonchalant air about him, wielding a lot of power whilst lying in bed using his feet to grip his tablet. And he wants “whatever’s on that ship” – which can’t be good!
Family ties
Another fantastic addition to the cast is Alex Lawther who plays Joe D. Hermit. He’s human, and brother of Wendy (previously known as Marcy). He’s a medic and finds himself in the centre of the crash, which is how he and Wendy’s paths eventually cross in ep 2 (engineered by Wendy who jumped at the chance to find her brother again).
Lawther is top-tier actor who I’ve enjoyed in many roles now, and as long as the xenomorph hasn’t killed him yet (because who knows) then I see this being another superb multi-layered performance from the actor – we’re in for a treat!
My only quibble? Joe has just seen his colleague and an entire costume party eviscerated by a giant black armoured monster that makes very quick work of killing. He almost got killed himself, and yet – he’s quite calm when he runs into Wendy and Slightly. You’d think he’d have mentioned the killer, but gets distracted by the fact his sister is a now a hybrid synth (kind of understandable, but Christy – tell them!).
Xenomorph gore galore
Let’s not forget the other star of this show; it’s THIS diva; the escaped xenomorph! Seen here going after Joe for the second time (oh, there’s more than one time).
As a massive fan of the Alien franchise, and hearing that this show was going to feature multiple different alien species, I was a little concerned. I NEEDN’T HAVE BEEN. The xenomorph takes front and centre stage, delivering a hecka lotta gore and a much higher body count than I’d expected by episode two.
I’m led to believe the xenomorph is a queen, as we see her eggs near the end of ep two (JOE, GET YOUR FACE AWAY FROM THERE!!! Holy sh*t). And, she has an attitude. Sometimes, she’s going hell for leather and eviscerating everything in sight for maximum gore level – and others, she’s hanging back and evaluating what to do next. Sometimes she’s blending into a contemporary art sculpture. Pure diva.
A promising start to the series
Overall, I’m absolutely delighted with how Alien: Earth has kicked off. The cast is just superb, I’m worried for the children, intrigued by Kirsh, and can’t wait to see where this goes next. Also, as a TOOL fan, episode two ended in the best possible way; a cliffhanger to the sound of Stinkfist!
Seriously, I couldn’t be any happier. Muchos well done to Noah Hawley and the Alien: Earth team! It’s better than I could ever have imagined. Haven’t watched it yet? Get over to Disney+, STAT!
Have you watched Alien: Earth yet – and if so, do you agree with my findings? Or, do you want to fight me over it? Comment below!
