Alien: Earth Walks the Line Between Innovation and Insult

After three episodes set on the wreck of the Maginot, Alien: Earth slows down to focus on Prodigy’s Neverland corporation in this week’s fourth episode, “Observation.” The alien presence is largely absent, but several plot points have raised eyebrows among fans. Here are five reasons why you should keep or bail on watching this FX and Hulu series.

Firstly, the show explores Wendy’s newfound ability to understand xenomorph language, which might be a game-changer in the Alien franchise. This development has sparked questions about the origins of the hybrids’ unique abilities, as seen in Ripley-8 from Alien: Resurrection. The sci-fi elements are intriguing, and fans will want to know how this technology works.

However, some plot points have raised concerns about the show’s direction. The inclusion of a tropical island setting has been jarring for some viewers, who prefer the claustrophobic tension found in traditional Alien films. Furthermore, the portrayal of Nibs as pregnant might be an attempt to tackle sensitive themes like cloning and AIs.

A more significant issue is the underutilization of the xenomorph itself. With The Eye being the central antagonist in this episode, some fans may feel that the series has strayed too far from its Alien roots. Nevertheless, there are still eight hours of content left, and it’s possible that future episodes will delve deeper into the xenomorph’s role.

One aspect of the show that stands out is its willingness to challenge viewers with dark themes. The controversy surrounding a potential rape scene in Legion has led to similar concerns about Alien: Earth. However, creator Noah Hawley might be tackling these issues head-on, making for a more thought-provoking viewing experience.

Ultimately, whether you should keep or bail on watching Alien: Earth depends on how much you value the show’s unique approach and willingness to take risks. While some plot points may feel jarring, the sci-fi elements and themes are undeniably captivating. With eight hours of content left, fans can look forward to seeing how this series continues to evolve.

Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/alien-earth-episode-4-is-a-litmus-test-for-whether-you-should-keep-watching-the-show-or-not