Alien: Earth just dropped a flashback episode called “In Space, No One…” This episode takes us back to the final moments of the USCSS Maginot and sets the stage for something fresh. Writer-director Noah Hawley delivers a new twist on the Alien universe, focusing on the crew’s mistakes rather than typical horror clichés. It’s as if the failures aboard the Maginot shaped the future for the famous Nostromo.
Before diving into the action, remember the show’s prologue. There, we find vital hints about the characters and events that shape the latest episode. Petrovitch suggests sabotage, while Morrow notices the flirtation between Zaverni and Bronski. These moments hint at a brewing conflict. Interestingly, what I initially saw as just an homage to the classic Alien vibe now feels like a detective story unfolding in Morrow’s mind. Yet Morrow struggles; the saboteur problem pales compared to the crew’s poor choices.
The episode kicks off three and a half months post-prologue. Morrow is jolted from cryosleep by Clem, who lists a series of catastrophic issues: a fire, navigational failures, and, worse, the crew is distracted by personal drama instead of focusing on survival. Their immaturity steals the spotlight, driving the narrative into darkly comedic territory. The ship takes its name from a failed WWII defense line in France, representing the false sense of security that mirrors the crew’s overconfidence.
After several episodes of heavy themes, “In Space” injects much-needed energy as the crew’s blunders lead to tragic outcomes. Rahim’s commentary sheds light on their foolishness, emphasizing how even intelligent individuals can overlook major dangers. Malachite and Chibuzo’s carelessness becomes a recipe for disaster. Their obsession with trivial concerns over essential safety protocols does them in—it’s incompetence, not sabotage.
Hawley’s designs play with our expectations. He knows we anticipate Alien-style thrills and cleverly subverts them. Characters that seem suspicious often aren’t, and significant events unfold off-screen, heightening tension. For Morrow, revealing his depths adds complexity; his journey involves grief and loss masked by his mission. He left behind his daughter only to receive awful news years later.
The ship’s crew operates under the assumption that they are disposable. Morrow grasps this reality and reminds them, which stirs resentment in some, particularly Petrovitch, who has his own agenda. Petrovitch aims to sabotage the mission for personal gain, reflecting a broader ambition that is eerily similar to Morrow’s, just with a different corporate master.
The episode closes with Morrow reaffirming his mission as the Smashing Pumpkins’ “Cherub Rock” plays. The song hints that even in a dark universe, we still have choice and agency, even if the options appear bleak.
Stray Observations
- Morrow’s knife slicing through Petrovitch mirrors classic Xenomorph attacks.
- The cast shines brightly, making the limited time feel rich with character development.
- The production design evokes nostalgia for the original Alien, showcasing intricate yet functional technology.
- Hawley’s claim to ignore Prometheus and Covenant feels shaky, as some elements seem too familiar.
- The cat’s presence adds a quirky touch, reminding us of previous films.
- The intricate backstory of the crew raises questions that echo the mysteries of the Alien franchise, keeping viewers engaged.
This delicate blend of humor, humanity, and horror reinforces the enduring appeal of the Alien series. For more insights into this episode and its creative decisions, check out IMDb.
