As a self-proclaimed Alien fanatic since viewing the 1979 Ridley Scott masterpiece, I have, as many, suffered through disappointment after disappointment at countless misfired iterations. Barring James Cameron’s 1986 Aliens, there hasn’t been much to cheer about. However, upon hearing that Noah Hawley, the mastermind behind TV’s Legion and Fargo, was taking the franchise to FX, I allowed myself a little excitement. After viewing the full first episode in Hall H of ComicCon, I can tell you it’s time to light up the flamethrowers and seal the sphincter hatches. Alien is back.
Hawley’s Alien: Earth regains the footing of the original two films. The Orwellian tech of the Nostromo. The noir subterfuge of the crew. Corporate movers vying for power. The gut-splitting, flesh rendering insertion of an alien parasite waiting in the dark. It’s all here.
Where 2024’s Alien Romulus was a passable but highly derivative frightfest, Alien: Earth is the first in decades to feel fresh. Not even Scott’s detached returns to this world come near to Hawley’s vision. Unlike Scott, Hawley isn’t simply trying to fill in narrative gaps from the old films. He is telling a new story with new characters. And it works beyond all expectations.
From the title sequence to the credits, you will feel immersed in the 2021 earth that has been built in grand dystopian detail. The concept of synthetics is expanded and infused with new ethical complications. The Xenomorphs are faster, stronger, and more violent in their construction. The performances are exacting and the script is mature. As it stands, the first episode alone ranks in the top three of best Alien films.
On August 12th, strap into your spacesuit (panties optional), load your harpoon gun, and start humming, “you are my lucky star.” It might calm your nerves as the tractable fangs load up for a strike. Still, Alien: Earth is likely to crack your skull.
Verdict: 9.5
Tiny Table 3 
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