Alien: Earth Broke 1 of the Biggest Rules in Sci-Fi History

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The Alien movies have been incredibly influential in science fiction ever since Ridley Scott introduced the terrifying xenomorph creature in 1979. Over the years, the series has experienced both successes and failures, and some of its newer ideas, like those in its most recent show, have proven controversial.

The series Alien: Earth takes place before the original Alien film and explores the idea of multiple powerful corporations competing with Weyland-Yutani. Surprisingly, the show largely avoids featuring the xenomorphs that fans expect, choosing instead to focus on different alien species and complex issues of corporate ethics. Though some might see this as a departure from established science fiction tradition, it’s a deliberate choice, as the core of the Alien story has always been about more than just the creatures themselves.

Alien: Earth Didn’t Focus on Xenomorphs or Their Chaotic Nature

Unlike Prometheus, which focused on creating life, Alien: Earth explored what actually defines life. The corporation, Prodigy, pioneered a disturbing ethical boundary by transferring children’s minds into artificial bodies. They also recovered a collection of alien creatures – including the infamous ovomorph eggs – from a wrecked Weyland-Yutani vessel.

Focusing Alien: Earth on synthetic beings and the broader Alien universe was a bold plan, especially with the inclusion of the unsettling plant-based alien. However, many felt that juggling aliens, corporate secrets, and the synthetic storyline left no room for a classic xenomorph tale.

Previous Alien films often built suspense around the terrifying process of a facehugger implanting a xenomorph into a human host, and then showing the creature causing destruction. These scenes became iconic, so the lack of similar moments in Alien: Earth disappointed many fans.

Although the xenomorph is the iconic creature of the Alien series, Alien: Earth revealed that it wasn’t always intended to be the central threat. There’s certainly nothing wrong with Alien stories focusing solely on the xenomorphs, but for the franchise to continue evolving, shows like Alien: Earth – with its emphasis on character choices and broader narrative – are essential.

Alien: Earth Proves the Franchise Has to Be More Than Xenomorphs

The creatures known as Xenomorphs have always been central to the Alien series. Even earlier monsters in the franchise resembled primitive Xenomorphs. However, Alien: Earth highlighted a key point: the Xenomorphs need continued development and content to remain compelling for audiences. Essentially, the franchise needs to keep exploring these aliens for them to truly thrive.

The series features terrifying alien creatures, even more frightening than the xenomorph, and corporations that become increasingly ruthless. This highlights the idea that survival depends on strength and adaptability – it’s about which species endures, not which company profits. Ultimately, these corporations force characters to confront these harsh realities directly.

The Alien films primarily focus on Ripley being exploited by powerful companies who prioritize profit over her well-being. The terrifying creatures are essentially a consequence of this corporate greed. However, it’s currently unclear if the story will continue beyond the events of Aliens.

As a big fan, I was a little worried after Alien 3 and Resurrection didn’t quite hit the mark. I really want to see the Alien universe expand and explore new types of aliens – maybe even give them their own stories down the line! It’s not that the franchise is failing; I still love seeing the xenomorphs done well. But shows like Alien: Earth are a good reminder that the series needs to be about more than just the xenomorph to really keep going strong.

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Beyond the Xenomorph: Testing Your Alien: Earth Knowledge
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2026-01-31 01:38