"Earth" smacks you in the face with all things "Alien" from its very first moments, describing a capitalist world controlled by corporations instead of governments, and bringing us to a deep space research vessel with sleep pods and a congenial crew. Nothing could possibly go wrong with all the vicious alien specimens on board, right?

The show, based on the Ridley Scott film, creates its own creepy-cool world and juggles ideas that go beyond merely trying to gross out its audience.

MY SAY In spite of that famous source material (xenomorphs!) and pedigree (Hawley), "Alien" fans may want to temper their expectations here. Foremost, "Alien: Earth" is not the movie or even a movie, but a series full of character exposition and backstory. With eight hours to fill, the pacing can be unhurried too.