Honest first impressions of Alien: Earth

It got to be better than the prequels and Raised By Wolves where AI was featured lot. I can't watch it since I don't have the channel where they'll show it, but I hope that it'll be good.

I'm 15 minutes into the second episode, and I have mixed feelings so far, though I am enjoying it.

The show looks beautiful, great cast and the acting is wonderful, but somehow it doesn't feel right. It looks like Alien, but I don't know how to explain it, it's like an off-brand Alien, if that makes any sense. I'm keeping an open mind, hopefully things will improve. 

I really like Kirsh (I knew I would, lol), though I find him slightly cruel. And I loved Noah Hawley's cameo as Wendy's father in the flashback. 

It got to be better than the prequels and Raised By Wolves where AI was featured lot. I can't watch it since I don't have the channel where they'll show it, but I hope that it'll be good.

I loved Raised by Wolves! 😂 It was different but certainly in the same vein as Prometheus which I enjoyed a lot. I was disappointed it got canceled.

I just finished episode 1 as well, heading into episode 2 now. I’m 50/50 so far, will digest more after I finish the second episode. I do like Kirsh as well, though. So far I think he’s my favorite character.

Okay, after finishing episode 2 my excitement for the series is already dwindling. I'm loving the practical sets and visual effects but as I originally feared when the series was announced – I'm worried they're trying to do too much with it. Also - when did actors forget they're robots?! The most convincing characters so far are Morrow and Kirsh, the rest just all blend into each other. And the soundtrack is killing momentum completely. Ironically, I loved Prometheus but everyone praised its visuals and complained about the acting and score and now here I am liking the show's visuals and hating on its acting and score lol... Ugh

***Spoiler free first two episode impressions***

Just finished watching the first two parts. I really tried to like it, I really did. The production value is high, the xenomorph is properly terrifying just like it should be, and I like the inclusion of new dangerous alien life forms. Set props and practical environments are convincing and so is the cgi for the most part. The issue then?

The writing. Again. 

There's no real tension, nothing gets your adrenaline pumping. In part because the series shift scenes back and forth at times between the crashed spaceship followed by a search and rescue team- which I'm sure is supposed to be "tension building", to moments where we follow our protagonists lead by Not Battle Angel Alita (yes she has a katana which means Japanese sword) and her group of synths (androids?) in scenes that doesn't only gear down the revving machine but completely halts the previous scene because the tone is completely different.

Imagine watching a horror film where people enter a spooky abandoned building? The scary ambient music sets the feeling and they proceed down the basement....

You want to see more right? Well let's shift to the the Derek Zoolander Center for Adult Child Androids who Can't Read Good, and hear them pondering about things because that's how you keep the pacing!

So anyway, what do these synths have in common? They are indeed adult size humanoids with minds of children(!) I'm not joking. Regardless of the concept and similarly to the writing, it's not coherent. Sometimes they act with expected childish curiosity and sometimes the script forgets this. Even worse are the decisions made by some characters and moments so bafflingly stupid I couldn't believe what I was watching (which I can't reveal without spoiling too much) Add a lot of unconvincing acting, odd story aspects and we've got what I can only describe as another mess in the alien franchise.

Granted, this is only two episodes in but I doubt it'll change its qualities, or rather lack of.

I hope you enjoyed it more and I promise I won't rain on your parade. These are just my two cents.

I'm in the same camp, Neomorph. I wanted to be blown away by this and the critical hype building for the show really had me convinced this was going to be a knock-out. But beyond the initial cryo wake scene which felt very Alien, everything since felt like incoherence. The VFX and sets are phenomenal though - production value is definitely there. But, the writing and score are where it fall short for me. I'm not a fan of the child-minded Lost Boys - like you said - they're not consistent with their behaviour. Kirsh is great, Morrow is great but I just can't get into the rest.

ALSO - How anticlimactic was Hermit's reaction to realizing his sister - who he thought was dead - is revealed to be embodied in a Hybrid body?! You'd think that would have been groundbreaking and a major shock... But he seemed so indifferent to learning his sister is alive. 

Makes me wonder what 2 episodes the rest of the critics saw before the show debuted which prompted them to tout this on par with James Cameron's ALIENS - cause this certainly weren't the two episodes we've seen so far.

I don't want to sound like a buzzkill either - but I love this franchise and I just don't want it to meet the same fate Star Wars and Marvel have met since Disney's acquisition... 

It's hard to pace ourselves since this is episodic. Hopefully by the end of the season I see the purpose for everything and it comes together in a interesting way by season finale. Unfortunately so far it is very underwhelming. I made sure to see NOTHING except for some promotional stills and the first teaser trailer or two. So I had a clean slate (except for one spoiler about one of the creatures)! Still didn't help this feel fresh or interesting. I also have to fight through how Alien adjacent this feels. Especially since Romulus came out and did what I like (tie it all together even if it was bit much in that regard). Plus I'm not used to the FX TV kind of look we have here and it's tough to get past. I am not a fan so far, but am trying to just take it easy and let it do it's thing and then we'll see 

For sure Chris, it's all a cluttered mess. I did like Morrow as well, he played the cold and calculated W-Y android perfectly. We've seen this concept before but at least it's tried and proven to work given the right script and actor to play the android (Ash, David and reprogrammed Andy with the W-Y protocol chip, the latter being my favorite android btw.)

Also, maybe it would be slightly better if they focused the series or at least these two episodes on fewer characters to flesh them out more, and limiting the environments to one place? Either on the island, or on the ship prior to or after the crash? At least not shifting back and forth so much as it kills any suspense a scene sets up. 

Damn it, with these episodes in mind I'd even be fine without the xenomorph appearing so early, but instead they had to cram so many things (way too many characters and organizations at once) and complex ideas (child minds transfered into adult bodies, an autistic brother, references to Blade Runner existentialism) within two hours when it would surely be more suitable when spread out through several episodes or even seasons.

That being said there are still remaining issues but sometimes less is more and it can offer a better and more coherent experience. There's absolutely nothing wrong with either keeping it straightforward or simple but I feel writers nowadays by themselves or especially together (and too many chef's usually spoil the broth) have so many grand ideas that I'm sure sounds cool or interesting in their heads or even on paper but doesn't flow or come out as nicely or smoothly when actually filming, particularly to the audience. We cannot always understand the vision the storyteller wants to tell us and without sounding too harsh it's their job, similarly to comedians, to convince us and keep us engaged in the end. 

As for Disney, well Star Wars, Marvel and even their classic beautiful and beloved cartoons have been tarnished by themselves and it's mind-blowing how they still haven't changed track. 

I have so many questions. One at a time: How come the xenomorph leaked all over the man in the spaceship and the teenager and their faces weren't burned with acid? Thank you for the answers. I appreciate it.

Thank you to everyone who answered that question that was bothering me so much.

I hope they start delving into those other monsters that were onboard before the season ends. Who knows how long we'll have to wait for Season 2.

I just finished Ep.1 and I quite like it so far. Very good visual and the overall tempo is good. Acting from all the major characters are great too, especially Kavalier. He is phenomenal. I think he is gonna kick ass in the whole show.

Overall I am glad it lives up the hype and it's definitely not a mess. I give a solid B for first episode. 

I agree with some. The visuals were very good, but overall it doesn't feel like you're watching an Alien show. Even with the nod to the movie at the beginning of Ep 1. We immediately start with exposition dump, adding a bunch of new stuff to the franchise which becomes the main plot. It’s a generic sci-fi drama that just happens to rent xenomorphs for brand recognition. They’ve stripped away the xenomorph’s defining traits — the acid blood, the lethal speed, the predatory intelligence. It was the most dangerous lifeform in the galaxy, and it now struggles to even catch an average human. 
​We’re meant to take seriously a ‘search and rescue’ mission crewed by rifle-toting grunts and kids piloting adult-sized synthetic bodies. It all feels oddly Disneyfied — sanitized and softened — which might work fine in a generic sci-fi adventure, but it’s a tonal mismatch for Alien. Honestly, I’d probably enjoy it more if they’d just drop the Alien branding entirely.
​I doubt things will change much with the next episodes. I'm sorry for the negativity, I really wanted this show to be good with all the hype surrounding it.

I myself not particularly fond of the Alien mimic opening, especially the waking up scene. The original is just so classic but the Alien Earth one looks so hurried and contrived, without adding anything fresh. I kinda like the scene from the mother room though. 

Do you think we will get an episode of showing what really happened on USCSS Maginot ship? There are lot of ''flashback" during the opening and I don't really know what were those about. 

I hope they explain everything before the season ends. Hate cliffhangers. I'm very confused about every Alien movie and now TV show. They don't answer questions. Like, How did two people have the alien dripping on them, but they didn't burn from acid blood? This has been answered by some of you. Thank you. I'm still confused about the black goo.

I just watched Aliens again and when Bishop was in the lab with the marines, he mentioned an embryo. So, if it's an embryo, shouldn't the xenomorph be completely alien? I always thought that the face hugger impregnated whatever it came in contact with. That's why I don't understand why the brother in the show Alien Earth wasn't attacked and killed. The xenomorph killed the pilot and co pilot. Also, the eggs were smaller than David's eggs.

Is Timothy Olyphant a robot? Why are his eyes so weird? He's a good actor but I don't understand what he is in this series.

He's an android and a Roy Batty ripoff from Blade Runner. 

Roy Batty

I just finished Ep.2. Holy cow it is so good. The Party scene is so mad lol.

​I love also the siblings reunion. Both characters are fantastic and they are so going to protect each other. 

ALIEN EARTH is going to be a hell of a freak show. 

I have watched both episodes three times and honestly, I think i'm going through the stages of grief over this series. Currently, i'm in denial... Thank god for Timothy Olyphant is all i'll say, Kirsh is my fave character, along with Morrow. All the actors are good, imo. I really enjoyed the Xenomorph, some people didn't like it, but I thought the movements it did were great, the actor that was in the suit is incredible.

It's not terrible, but so far I am underwhelmed to say the least. I'll try and keep an open mind and enjoy the rest of the episodes but to me something is off and I can't explain it, it's like "Temu Alien", if that makes any sense. I subbed to Disney+ to watch and support the show, *cries*. Oh well, at least I can enjoy the other Alien movies there, lol.

There are a couple of other directors and writers responsible for the other episodes so fingers crossed it'll be a bit different ahead. It may need a shove in another direction for change, switch tracks and let's see what happens. Just give me one or two memorable episodes at least 😆🙏

how could you guys not loving the show. The chasing and killing scenes are all incredible lol

how could you guys not loving the show. The chasing and killing scenes are all incredible lol

They are indeed, and one of the few things I like about the series, especially the xenomorph. It's ultra vicious, lightning quick and the VFX crew and sound designer/s did a great job with the animations and heavy thumping sound effects respectively. Not a fan of the practical version though but that could've been fixed with shadows, more gloss and slime I guess. It reminds me of the runner from A3. 

The eye absorbing jellyfish thing was creepy but it's only there for quick shock value like those grasshopper things, unless they flesh them out with some backstory expeditions.

Hm I still can't edit my posts.

Message: "You are not an author of this post and do not have permission to edit this."

how could you guys not loving the show. The chasing and killing scenes are all incredible lol. They are indeed, and one of the few things I like about the series, especially the xenomorph. It's ultra vicious, lightning quick and the VFX crew and sound designer/s did a great job with the animations and heavy thumping sound effects respectively. 

Because, that's not what I really liked about Alien, I liked the slow burn and psychological horror in Alien, not over the top gore. Also, I much prefer the Androids over the Xeno, I have for sometime. My biggest issue with this series is the two storylines don't seem to mesh well, imo. Feels like there's here's a disconnect. This amount of killing reminds me more of AVP, which isn't my fave, though I am looking forward to Predator: Badlands (because of the Androids, lol). Ironically, I enjoyed Alien Romulus more than this series so far (and before you say it, yes I know AR is violent).

Anyways, I don't hate the show, I have only seen 2 episodes, but right now the series is only a 6 or 7 out of 10 for me.

Hm I still can't edit my posts.Message: "You are not an author of this post and do not have permission to edit this."

I’m in the process of fixing this, the function had been removed for members way back when we had a few bad apples go and edit all their existing posts with random garbage. I’ll allow the edits back shortly with better safeguards. Hoping to have it finished very soon!

how could you guys not loving the show. The chasing and killing scenes are all incredible lol

I do enjoy the Xenomorph kill shots, the attack on the soldier outside the costume party was my personal favorite so far. The attacks are vicious as they should be and I applaud the show for keeping the Xenomorph aggressive and bloodthirsty. It certainly balances things out and keeps me eager to watch the next episode.

Would it be possible to only log on one time and skip to other forums? Every time I want to respond or change my picture, I have to log in. My computer is old and it adds letters at the end that I don't type in. It's so messed up and is hard enough just to log in once.

Would it be possible to only log on one time and skip to other forums? Every time I want to respond or change my picture, I have to log in. My computer is old and it adds letters at the end that I don't type in. It's so messed up and is hard enough just to log in once.

@Love SciFi; A singular login for the whole site is being worked on! Also, I am getting extra letters as well, Chris is aware of the issue and is working to resolve it.

I wonder if they are aiming for a more light-hearted approach for this show, as compared to those Alien films. The tone and tempo somewhat gives me Alien Resurrection vibe. 

Hm I still can't edit my posts.Message: "You are not an author of this post and do not have permission to edit this."I’m in the process of fixing this, the function had been removed for members way back when we had a few bad apples go and edit all their existing posts with random garbage. I’ll allow the edits back shortly with better safeguards. Hoping to have it finished very soon!

I understand, thanks for the info! 

Would it be possible to only log on one time and skip to other forums? Every time I want to respond or change my picture, I have to log in. My computer is old and it adds letters at the end that I don't type in. It's so messed up and is hard enough just to log in once.

Funny you mention this - YES! I am currently working on a SSO (Single Sign On) functionality across all of our hosted communities. It’s quite an intricate system to build and security is a top priority. But the short answer is - yes this is coming - and soon! Been working on it behind the scenes for some time now. 😎

I wonder if they are aiming for a more light-hearted approach for this show, as compared to those Alien films. The tone and tempo somewhat gives me Alien Resurrection vibe.

Yeah, I get Resurrection vibes as well. Not sure it’s intentional, given the pre-release interviews and sentiments but who knows.

*spoliers*
​
​I think it's pretty good so far but I have some critiques. I agree a little less being introduced at once might have been a little better. And jumping around in time is something I rarely enjoy. The short foreshadowing bits where they showed things like the full Xenomorph I think were unnecessary. Biggest complaint: THEY KILLED THE ORANGE CAT! BLASPHEME!

how could you guys not loving the show. The chasing and killing scenes are all incredible lol

oh yes, my favorite is the xenomorph moon walking by the door window

how could you guys not loving the show. The chasing and killing scenes are all incredible loloh yes, my favorite is the xenomorph moon walking by the door window

I guess you could say 

he's a smooth criminal

how could you guys not loving the show. The chasing and killing scenes are all incredible lol oh yes, my favorite is the xenomorph moon walking by the door window

That was pretty good 😂 Although the rest of that sequence was pretty decent I will admit, the way the Xenomorph viciously broke into the room and tried to get to Morrow. I actually really liked that entire scene.

More of  a   back story of the Maginot ship ,  more info of there travels way before crashing back into earth   ,,,   more a story line . just hoping 

Ep.3 dropping tomorrow. So excited.