SPOILER ALERT: This article reveals crucial details from “The Real Monsters,” the Season 1 finale of “Alien: Earth,” currently available for streaming on Hulu.
As the dust settles on the inaugural season of “Alien: Earth,” viewers are left with a shocking twist: the children’s uprising has secured control.
In the gripping finale of the FX series—set in the iconic universe established by Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic, “Alien”—the so-called “hybrids” have flipped the power dynamic. These hybrids, possessing the minds of young humans housed in artificially enhanced adult bodies, have taken matters into their own hands. At the forefront is Wendy (Sydney Chandler), who witnesses a brutal confrontation between authority figures Kirsh (Timothy Olyphant) and Morrow (Babou Ceesay). This pivotal moment prompts her to launch a rebellion, securing the help of a Xenomorph under her control to imprison Kirsh, Morrow, Boy Kavalier (Samuel Blenkin), and Dame Sylvia (Essie Davis). In an alarming declaration, Wendy reveals that her intention is to take command of the Neverland research island and beyond, stating simply, “I intend to rule.”
Wendy’s evolution—and her command of a deadly creature—mirrors Daenerys Targaryen’s rise in “Game of Thrones,” reflecting a rich tapestry of television storytelling. However, the narrative is layered with themes central to creator Noah Hawley, whose works delve into the essence of humanity and the implications of rejecting it. Wendy stands at a crossroads, contemplates her identity in this conflict: should she embrace her inherent human qualities or harness her designed superiority? This struggle is echoed by her brother Joe (Alex Lawther), who grapples with whether his sister retains any semblance of the sibling he once knew. This core conflict also extends to Morrow, who is augmented with cybernetic enhancements, in his clashes with Kirsh, a synthetic being who revels in his detachment from humanity.
In an exclusive conversation with Variety ahead of the finale, Hawley unpacked these complexities and teased what lies ahead for the series. As he anticipates the potential for a Season 2, he notes, “When they shoot the starting gun, I’ll be ready to race.”
The season culminates with Wendy clearly coming into her own. I noticed Joe’s fearful gaze during this moment—does this indicate her distancing from her humanity in favor of her hybrid identity?
That tension encapsulates the show’s core question: Is Wendy going to identify as “human” or “other”? Joe embodies humanity’s best traits, while characters like Kirsh and Boy Kavalier push the narrative that there are advantages to transcendence beyond human limitations. As Joe recognizes, there’s an irretrievable loss of the big brother relationship they once shared.
The dilemma of placing children in powerful positions is much about their underdeveloped executive functions and poor grasp of consequences. Wendy’s hubris is apparent as she declares, “Maybe this Xenomorph could be good.” For fans familiar with Xenomorphs, there’s a palpable concern regarding her reckless assumption that she can control it.
How did Wendy’s ability to control the Xenomorph influence your writing process?
This dynamic introduces a formidable ally for Wendy, but it also presents a moral dilemma. When she releases the creature, it wreaks havoc, and she chooses not to witness the aftermath. The ethical implications of her decisions hang heavy: if her power stems from causing harm or death to humans, what ground does she stand on ethically?
In my work, especially in “Fargo” and “Alien,” violence is ever-present yet never gratuitous. It must resonate with a purpose and compel the audience to confront their own desires for violence. Those moments conditioned by the audience to see violence as the ultimate resolution challenge that notion and must be treated critically.
The showdown between Morrow and Kirsh was electrifying yet thematically significant. How did you approach this climactic conflict?
From the moment the elevator scene was conceived, I knew we had to resolve it compellingly. Morrow’s confidence, embodied in his claim that “Man will always win,” swiftly flips as he is overpowered by the synthetic. It’s a classic villain’s hubris; counting them out can prove disastrous. This battle encapsulates a struggle between heroes and villains, prompting the audience to reflect on their loyalty: Who deserves to win? The conflict embodies the theme of authority versus rebellion.
With authority figures like Morrow, Kirsh, Boy Kavalier, and Dame Sylvia caged by season’s end, how will their arcs unfold in a potential Season 2?
History warns against dismissing villains too easily—humiliation can transform defeat into motivation for further danger. Characters who have faced significant blows often emerge more formidable due to their need for retribution.
Courtesy of Patrick Brown/FX
Did Kirsh’s perspective regarding the Prodigy project evolve throughout the season, or did it become clearer how he truly felt from the onset?
Kirsh’s comment about humanity being akin to an onion stems from his belief in superiority over humans—despite being created by them. This creates inner conflict and drives his character, having been tasked with overseeing hybrids yet perceiving them as lesser beings.
The introduction of the peculiar alien eyeball entering Arthur’s (David Rysdahl) body suggests intriguing possibilities for Season 2. Can you elaborate?
When we first encounter this creature, it’s inside a deceased cat, hinting at its reanimating capabilities. If Arthur represents the show’s moral compass, his reanimation complicates the narrative—highlighting horror in the loss of humanity and the subsequent corruption that arises, reminiscent of themes in “Pet Sematary.”
Given that “Alien: Earth” unfolds in a timeline prior to the original 1979 “Alien,” are there intentions to connect with that established timeline in a potential Season 2?
World-building for the initial eight episodes was carefully crafted to align with the essence of the early films. Moving forward, if Season 2 is realized, we’ll need to delve deeper into how both narratives will coexist and interweave. The challenge of bridging these concepts inspires innovation and maintains a coherent storyline.
Are you actively writing for a potential Season 2 at this time?
Currently, it’s largely discussions. Being prepared without overextending is key. As the season concludes and viewership metrics come in, the network will likely decide on renewing for a second season. All parties want to make a timely and informed decision, and I’m ready to spring into action once we get the green light.
On a lighter note, every episode of “Alien: Earth” concludes with a blast of ‘90s metal. What’s the story behind this sonic choice?
The show is designed to evoke that stadium live performance feel. Ending episodes with powerful anthems from bands like Metallica and Jane’s Addiction aims to leave viewers with an emotional impact. This choice resonates with fans of the “Alien” franchise, echoing the spirit of rock and roll in the series.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
