Published on March 22, 2026
“Alien: Earth” has debuted and with it comes a whirlwind of anticipation and disappointment. After investing considerable time revisiting the series—twice, in fact—I find myself reluctantly assigning a final score of 4 out of 10. Despite all the hype leading up to its release, I’m left with a bitter taste, haunted only be described as the worst of the new Disney spirit shamelessly entwined with the legacy of the xenomorph.
The series kicks off with a stunning first episode, masterfully crafted with exquisite use of framing and lighting. At times, it evokes the tension and atmosphere reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”. This initial installment introduces characters with power and depth, all set against a backdrop familiar yet unsettling, raising the stakes of a narrative where the viewer’s comfort is skillfully destabilized. Combined with an unexpected dose of “Disney” inspiration, it creates a compelling start that leaves you craving more—until the series dives into a realm of mediocrity.
Fans of “Willow” (2023) will see the parallels. Is “Alien: Earth” on par with that narratively flawed product? It’s close. While the first episode stands out as a true gem, the decline that follows is painful. The protagonist is imposing, surrounded by a cast that seems overly reliant on her prowess while appearing chronically fearful. It echoes the unflattering tropes of Milla Jovovich’s performances in the infamous “Resident Evil” series, resulting in entertainment value that plummets to near-zero.
As the series unfolds, the levels of idiocy and incompetence exhibited reach an embarrassing climax in the final episode, leaving viewers with a climactic cliffhanger that is utterly underwhelming. The absurdity of the scene surpasses any previously witnessed within the franchise. It seems the marketing strategy revolves around appealing to children with cute, marketable creatures at the expense of the longstanding legacy of the series.
From a technical standpoint, especially in that spectacular first episode, the craftsmanship is commendable. However, the choice to present the alien in clear view and in perfect lighting instead of maintaining its terrifying mystique detracts significantly from the intended horror. The absence of an actor embodying the monstrous nature of the creature lends it a cosplay-like effect, stripping away the atmosphere of dread and surprise—which is a true disservice to the franchise.
In conclusion, I contemplated rewarding the bold attempt to introduce something new to the saga. Yet, rehashing familiar themes—what “Resident Evil” did to its own source material—demonstrates a complete misunderstanding of what made the original “Alien” series special. Instead, we are presented with a project centered around an overly powerful lead character while reducing the rest of the cast to juvenile caricatures.
What stands out? The first episode remains a high point, as does the initial premise and the ambition to revive the series. Conversely, the show ultimately fails to cultivate fear or intrigue. It raises the question of whether the writers truly recognize the essence of what makes the franchise compelling. If this trend continues, one must worry that it may tarnish even sister franchises like “Predator” in time.