Alien: Earth (2025) Episodes 1 & 2 Review - Xenomorphs hit the Small Screen in fresh take on a familiar franchise

Ever since the mixed reactions to Alien 3 (1992), the Alien franchise has existed in a bizarre limbo state of genre, iconography and chiefly reception. Nothing has ever reached the critical heights of the initial two installments but unlike other franchises which derail into parody or tedium, Alien across films, games and other mediums has largely in my eyes never fully innovated on the established formula of an anti-capitalist critique told via a science-fiction thriller. Instead of following the pattern of reboots or expanded universes like other Hollywood franchises, in recent years Alien has been built off mixing nostalgia with reinvention. The same lore and world-building is shared amongst entries into the canon but there is no overarching narrative or direct ties excluding direct sequels. I think it can be argued that the Alien franchise post-Aliens (1986) has been built upon postmodernism, telling fresh stories with retooled themes but always within the playground of the older iconography.

In turn, this has resulted in recent projects having a paradoxical situation wherein the series is able to expand its lore and themes into abundant contexts allowing for engaging stories that can largely stand by themselves yet also must retain an ever-looming familiarity preventing truly original expression. Personally, I was very fond of the latest film Alien: Romulus (2024) yet to its detriment at times the film felt like it existed in the shadow of the original. Much of the original content was thought-provoking and eerie but due to excessive homage there wasn't the same shock factor as Alien (1979).

Given this postmodern context, the Alien franchise has been in (as well as my general love of the series) I was very interested in seeing what the franchise's first major television adaptation Alien: Earth (2025) would be about and after watching the two episode premiere what are my thoughts?

I'm excited to see the direction the show will take!

Obviously I'm hesitant to make any concrete judgements on the overall themes, story and technical quality outside of these two episodes but as far as current Alien projects go I'm optimistic Alien: Earth will be on the more exciting side. Don't expect anything that will change the landscape of TV like the first two did for film but audiences familiar with the series and seeking out a new science-fiction show will be in for a treat.

Overdone Peter Pan symbolism that rivals the religious subtly of Man of Steel (2013) aside, my favourite aspect of these debut episodes has been the characterisation of the newly introduced hybrids. Not only do they offer a novel dramatic twist to these familiar threats but they continue the ever-present themes of artificial intelligence and human identity that is one of the franchise's greatest strengths.

The character of Boy Kavalier I also suspect will provide great interest later on after his strong debut here offering what I suspect will be a direct commentary on the Silicon Valley CEOs and unregulated capitalism, a problem all too relevant in the current social climate and an interesting side of the Alien world to see. Often we are with the space colonist crews directly in the action so to see the more sinister and dominating antagonistic forces of this dystopian future is exciting.

The other characters are also a joy to see thanks to great performances and interesting material in the screenplays. Wendy and Morrow in particular are the two whose story I am most interested in seeing continue due to their connection to the narrative and clear inner conflicts. The best characters in the Alien universe are the ones who best embody the core themes and take direct action in the story whether or not this leads to their demise.

I think the mise-en-scene and cinematography here is also effective. While not as ambitious feeling as what the theatrical films are able to achieve, I appreciate how accurately they capture the interiors of the old films even if I'm not yet sure how well I think it blends with the new tech and cityscapes introduced. Regardless these new locales provide a logical expansion for the world-building.

Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of the music used in numerous scenes. One of the most key elements to the Alien aesthetic is feeling of isolation and I think having these lyrical songs distracts from this. They make the scenes feel out of place and disrupted my engagement in this world as a believable dystopian future.

So while I expect Alien: Earth will go down as another satisfactory entry into the canon and not much more, I don't think this should put audiences off. These two episodes promise a well made leap to streaming that embody what it is that a recent Alien endeavor should offer. Here's to an even stronger rest of the show.

7/10 (For Both Episodes)