Science Fiction The Alien franchise is finally dead
Sep 13, 2025
The podcast dives into the decline of the Alien franchise, reflecting on its rich themes of humanity and post-humanism. It explores the intriguing notion of post-human cyborgs facing xenomorphs. Philosophical questions emerge about identity and immortality, linking elite fantasies to ordinary costs. The hosts praise Noah Hawley’s storytelling as a beacon of hope for reviving the series. A critique of the original films and a contrast with current trends highlight how Alien Earth's narrative significantly shifts focus while maintaining classic elements.
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Immortality Driven By Power And Wealth
- The series links transhumanist immortality fantasies to the hyper-privileged oligarch class.
- It frames corporate competition for post-human tech as a real-world extension of that elitist desire.
Build-Up To Alien Vs. Hybrids
- Alien Earth builds toward an epic confrontation between xenomorphs and post-human hybrids.
- The show balances horror and spectacle to deliver both thematic and visceral payoff.
How The Original Films Shaped The Mythos
- Damien traces the original Alien films' contributions: O'Bannon's worldbuilding and Cameron's action expansion.
- He sees Alien 3 and later entries as diminishing the mythos into franchise IP.
