Slipping Before the Finish Line
It would be too à propos to compare the last two episodes of the show to a rollercoaster. With a fair share of flaws, the show has remained thoroughly satisfying until this point. Regardless of how the journey has been so far, it all becomes pointless if the show fumbles “at the finish line.” Expect major spoilers ahead; at least watch until episode seven before continuing.
Episode 7: “Emergence”
The second to last episode of any show is always the second most important, as it is usually where things fall into place. The antagonist’s plan is revealed; last-minute backstabs and double crosses are to be expected. The so-called “paradise” that the children were led to believe was protecting them has suddenly faded like a mirage. The meticulous setup and foreshadowing prior to this episode are finally starting to pay off. Having picked up where the last episode left off, chaos is taking hold. Oddly enough, the reactions to the previous episode’s major death scene seem lackluster. Obviously there does not need to be a five-minute uninterrupted crying scene with characters holding hands over the character’s body. Reacting in mild shock, at best, also feels odd. Keep in mind, this is the first major character death, and it barely registers for the other characters. Giving the show the benefit of the doubt, perhaps the characters’ reactions were meant to be this way given their current situation. This theory goes out the window, however, considering one of the other characters is clearly worried about their own family and has a more shocked reaction to the death of a slightly less major character. If the characters don’t care about this character, why should the viewer?
There’s a moment in chess, or any competitive game for that matter, where victory feels within reach and is then abruptly taken away. That’s what the last few minutes of this episode feel like. An unnecessary subverting of expectations, this ending feels like a bad YouTube prank.
Episode 8: “The Real Monsters”
Finally, the end of a journey that has been full of ups and downs. Expectations are high. The show has been building towards a bloodbath, and there are all sorts of new creatures to show off. There is a huge cast of characters that would look great in red. It is such an easy win that it would be more difficult to miss it. Yet somehow, the last episode feels like an odd letdown. For a majority of the season, the show has been teasing an inevitable clash on the Island between two mega corporations and the alien creatures stuck in the middle. In what can only be described as an attempt at subversion, the hybrids end up coming out on top. This alone would not be too much of a big deal if not for the fact the show also fails to kill any of the major characters. This is such a disappointment, especially considering all the prior lead-up. While the show has not been shy about killing in general, the deaths fail to capture any weight. As sadistic as it sounds, seeing a bunch of characters that do not matter die has no real value. Where are the stakes? Episode 6 had not one but two major character deaths (technically one but only in theory), which left fans on the edge of their seats.
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To go from that to a finale that allows a majority of its characters to survive is criminal.
As something that was supposed to feel like a satisfying conclusion, this finale instead felt like a lame plea for a second season. The way in which everything sloppily falls into place can, at best, be described as corny. The ball was genuinely dropped with this one. No spoilers, but the episode is such a cop-out that it feels like a dastardly way of closing the season.
The Big Picture
With a full season finally out, it is now possible to weigh the show out as a whole. Setting aside the show’s unsatisfying conclusion, there are plenty of things that the show did get right. Starting off with the characters, the main cast are absolutely memorable, with each bringing their respective characters to life. There was a genuine chemistry amongst the main cast, and the only real negative thing to be said is the fact that there is not more time allotted to seeing these characters interact with one another in the beginning. The settings were also unique, with each being suited to its given episode. With most of the films in the Alien franchise being set in the cold reaches of space or some distant planet, it is a breath of fresh air for the series to take a step on home territory. The show keeps things fresh by alternating between a seemingly safe island (not that one), a spaceship, and a collapsing skyscraper. This also aids in maintaining the right atmosphere in any given scene. The island is meant to feel safe and open, whereas the spaceship is claustrophobic and cold. The soundtrack is also a welcome addition, with each episode ending on a different song from bands like Tool, Black Sabbath, and even Metallica. Considering the licensing fees to include actual bands in the show, the show clearly had a large budget.
The two weakest links in this show are the pacing and lack of urgency. With regard to pacing, it is not as if the show is entirely out of order, but certain episodes feel like filler. Then right after those fillers, there are episodes that feel like they’re going a hundred miles per hour. As mentioned in a prior review, there is an entire episode dedicated to a flashback, which would work ten times better if it were either placed earlier on in the season or cut up and sprinkled during every other episode. The other glaring issue with the show is a seeming lack of urgency. In the films, it was always clear that every minute was crucial for the characters as they were being hunted one by one. Granted, there is some buildup, but it ends up being wasted for a cheap rug pull.
Are Xenomorphs Like Dogs or Cats?
Without a doubt, Alien: Earth is a mixed bag, to say the least. Despite starting off strong, the show loses its balance multiple times along the way only to end up missing the finish line at the end. It’s clear from the ending that the show is aiming for a second season considering the number of loose ends left untied. Oddly enough, it’s hard to imagine where the show will actually end up going when everything is said and done. As a one-time experience, the show is definitely worth at least one watch-through for both casual viewers and longtime Alien fans. Sadly, in regard to re-watchability, even die-hard fans will have a tough time with this.
https://youtu.be/ZbsiKjVAV28?si=lZwiRQpoAE8EPR4D
Alien: Earth (2025) Official FX Trailer
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| A lover of gore and over the top violence, no movie can make my stomach squirm. The only thing better than a bloody death scene is a well choreographed stunt. Whether it be action or horror, if it has blood in it, then I've likely already seen it. |
