The season finale of "Alien: Earth" is set to deliver a thrilling experience that fans have eagerly anticipated for years.
One of the most captivating aspects of the "Alien" franchise is its unwavering ambition, creativity, and originality. While it does feature some recurring themes and familiar elements—most notably the iconic Xenomorph—each installment in the series offers a distinct narrative, showcasing the artistic vision that drives it.
However, there is a peculiar trend within the "Alien" universe: despite the release of three main films, two spin-offs, and a television series since 2004, the majority of these stories have taken place either before or immediately after the original 1979 film. This has been the case for over two decades, leaving fans wondering why no true sequel has emerged, especially when 1997's "Alien: Resurrection" seemed to pave the way for new adventures by bringing Ellen Ripley (played by Sigourney Weaver) to Earth in the year 2381. While the prequels have certainly added depth to the franchise's lore, it is indeed curious that we have spent so much time exploring the prequel era.
Noah Hawley's "Alien: Earth" finally fulfills a promise made back in 1997 by setting a Xenomorph story entirely on a futuristic version of our planet. The series takes place in 2120, just two years prior to the events of the original "Alien" film. However, it appears that Hawley and his team are not strictly adhering to the established canon of the franchise, nor are they treating the show like George Lucas did with the "Star Wars" prequels. Instead, "Earth" seems determined to carve out its own unique path. This is particularly evident in the season one finale, where the "Lost Boys" hybrids have seized control of the Neverland facility, holding the remaining humans hostage alongside a variety of creatures, including two Xenomorphs. Given this intriguing setup, the series' lore, and Hawley's previous television work, it is entirely plausible that "Alien: Earth" could function as both a prequel and a sequel.
As we look ahead to the second season of "Alien: Earth," it is likely that the story will continue shortly after the first season concludes, leading many to assume that the series will remain a prequel. However, there are established elements within the "Alien" timeline that Hawley may be cautious not to contradict. A key point is the Weyland-Yutani corporation's relentless pursuit of Xenomorphs, which has been a central theme in the original trilogy. If "Earth" continues to depict the competitive and almost adversarial relationship between Prodigy CEO Boy Kavalier (played by Samuel Blenkin) and Yutani (portrayed by Sandra Yi Sencindiver), it suggests that Yutani may never successfully acquire a Xenomorph specimen currently roaming free in Neverland.
Moreover, while "Earth" seems to follow the classic "Alien" formula—where the nefarious plans of a corporation go awry—it is reasonable to assume that any outbreak of Xenomorphs or other deadly alien species will not lead to a global catastrophe. If such an event were to occur, it raises questions about why Weyland-Yutani would invest so much effort into retrieving the Xenomorph body from the Nostromo, as depicted in "Alien: Romulus." Additionally, if a widespread outbreak were to happen, the inhabitants of Earth's Gateway Station would likely be more receptive to Ripley's account when she is discovered in 2179 at the start of "Aliens." All of this implies that "Alien: Earth" must be careful not to let its creatures run rampant across the planet without some form of cover-up, reminiscent of the "Alien vs. Predator" films or employing a "Men In Black"-style memory-erasing technology.
Now, let’s consider the potential for a time jump within "Alien: Earth." While this remains speculative, it becomes an intriguing possibility when we reflect on Hawley's previous works. The series could remain largely confined to the Neverland facility, with all the creatures and most characters meeting their demise to maintain the franchise's timeline. However, Hawley is known for pushing boundaries, and the first season of "Alien: Earth" has shown a willingness to explore a diverse range of themes, both familiar and novel to the series. Given the title of the show, it seems unlikely that the characters will embark on a lengthy journey to another planet. So, if the narrative must stay on Earth and cannot extend beyond Neverland, what other avenues could be explored?
One intriguing possibility lies in the hybrids themselves—once-human teenagers now housed in synthetic bodies. We have already witnessed that these bodies can be repaired and revived under certain conditions, and franchise lore indicates that synthetics enjoy a significantly longer lifespan than humans. This raises the question: what would prevent Hawley from incorporating a time jump into the series? He has previously employed similar narrative techniques, such as in season three of "Legion," and his "Fargo" series frequently shifts through different time periods, with each season set in a distinct year. Given Hawley's history, it is entirely feasible that he does not intend for "Earth" to be confined solely to 2120, especially with a cast of protagonists who possess a form of pseudo-immortality. What’s to stop the series from leaping forward to a time after the events of "Alien," "Romulus," or even "Resurrection"?
Ultimately, only time will reveal the direction of "Alien: Earth." Even if the narrative does progress forward, it is unlikely that we will see Ripley return. However, in the unpredictable world of the "Alien" franchise, one should never say never. The series continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling unpredictability, leaving fans eager for what lies ahead.
