The first six episodes of Alien: Earth left many viewers, including myself, feeling perplexed. The series takes a surprising turn away from the traditional survival horror elements that defined the Xenomorph franchise, delving instead into a psychological narrative centered around transhumanism. While there is no shortage of blood and gore, the lack of suspense in the storyline is palpable.
Created by Noah Hawley, known for his work on TV shows like Legion and Fargo, Alien: Earth struggles to find its footing and establish a clear identity. The decision to explore different themes and genres, while commendable, ultimately backfires in this instance.
As a fan of the Alien movies, I value the slow reveal of the terrifying Xenomorph creature in all its grotesque glory. However, in FX’s series, the mystery surrounding the Xenomorph is dispelled too quickly, robbing the audience of the tension and anticipation that made the original films so captivating. The onscreen carnage, while abundant, lacks the emotional buildup necessary to make it truly impactful.
Visually, Alien: Earth pays homage to the aesthetic of the earlier Alien and Aliens movies, transporting viewers back to the retrofuturistic style of the 70s and 80s. However, the plot veers more towards the narrative direction of Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, where the Xenomorph must share the spotlight with other extraterrestrial beings, androids, cyborgs, and hybrids. This shift dilutes the core terror that has long been synonymous with the franchise.
One of the main issues with Alien: Earth is the focus on the hybrid children, particularly Wendy (played by Sydney Chandler), whose minds are housed within synthetic adult bodies. The juxtaposition of childlike innocence with enhanced physical capabilities creates a disconnect that makes it difficult to take their involvement in the alien conflicts seriously. The series struggles to make these characters compelling enough to sustain the narrative.
While there are moments of intrigue and fascination in certain episodes, particularly “In Space, No Oneβ¦,” where the classic mysterious horror vibes of the original films are revisited, the overall execution falls short of expectations. With two final episodes yet to be seen, there is a glimmer of hope for a turnaround, but it may be too little too late for a show that bears the iconic “Alien” moniker.
Alien: Earth premiered on FX in the US on August 12, 2025, and will be available on Disney+ in the UK on August 13, 2025. For a series that carries the weight of the “Alien” legacy, the emphasis on the hybrid characters feels misplaced, overshadowing the looming dread that defined the franchise. As a fan of the original films, I can only hope that Alien: Earth finds its footing in the final episodes and captures the essence of what made the Xenomorph universe so unforgettable.
