The Man Who Fell to Earth Episode 1 is the first instalment of an American science fiction television series created by Jenny Lumet and Alex Kurtzman. The series is based on the 1963 novel of the same name by Walter Tevis and previously made into a film in 1976 starring David Bowie. This television series is actually a continuation of the events depicted in the film, a sequel of sorts.
S P O I L E R S
Entitled “Hallo, Spaceboy” – every episode is named after a Bowie song – The Man Who Fell to Earth Episode 1 is an excellent start to a promising series. The premise of the series does not stray too far from the core narrative of the book viz. An alien (Chiwetel Ejiofor) arrives on earth with a mission: to learn to become human and find the one woman (Naomie Harris) who can help save his species. Together they discover that in order to save his world, they must first save ours.
IS SEVERANCE WORTH BINGE-WATCHING?
The Man Who Fell to Earth Episode 1 introduces us to the alien (named Faraday) but in a present day context as a successful tech entrepreneur – like a Steve Jobs analog – as he addresses a crowded hall about his latest technological innovation. This present day speech is juxtaposed against the day Faraday arrived on Earth and presents us with a typical fish out of water scenario. Creative writing and Ejiofor’s acting prowess provide us with an exciting and insightful origin story for Faraday.
Justin Falls (Harris) is a former research scientist who has fallen on hard times. Faraday identifies Falls as the person who will save Earth and his own alien species. But of course, most of this first episode consists of an awkward Faraday trying his best to convince a doubtful Falls as to the veracity of his mission. This results in moments that are equally comedic and dramatic and both actors are impressive portraying this unlikely partnership.
Based on The Man Who Fell to Earth Episode 1, we see much potential in this series. Highly recommended.
Now streaming on Showtime.
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