The Man Who Fell to Earth

I really hate it when people rate a show poorly before it even starts, this had a 5.4 rating on here before it aired. I'm glad that's improved since then. As a fan of sci-fi I really enjoyed the pilot episode and surprised at why the rating isn't higher as the few reviews I've read are mostly positive(even though some are over the top with praise). It feels like a meticulously thought out concept and I always love it when a tv show/movie brings something new to the genre; and it's supported by a more than capable cast to carry the show. Of course there's a plethora of shows/movies about aliens landing on earth but this feels different so I hope(and believe) it'll build on that and not fall into a more inane conventional storyline trap. The first episode and trailer make the future episodes seem promising. There's a gem to be made here and I'm looking forward to it. But then again, this still could go either way, it's early days. Judging before you even get it.

This was my review after episode one but it somehow got removed even though it was up for nearly two months, have no idea why but I'm salty because it was the top review lol. Anyway, it's up to episode nine now and it's honestly gotten better. I love how it didn't just end up being a generic sci-fi or one where it's written as they go because it feels well thought out. There were one or two episodes that felt a bit humdrum but it's really lived up to my expectations, I still keep the rating at a 7 but 8/10 reviews would still be justified. Some people have said it's "woke" but it's really just an alien's perspective on human nature and it felt believable. Wonderful performances throughout, Naomi Harris is sometimes over the top but nothing too bothersome. Thinking back we got to see a billionaire-esque version of Faraday in the early episodes and that hasn't come to fruition yet with 1 episode to go. I wonder if episode 10's going to be the last one or it's renewed, if it is I hope it's not forced and they actually have a decent story to follow up season 1.

First of all, this story is based on a book that was written in 1963, so some of the science and reasoning for things would be a bit different if it was written in our current times with current knowledge of what's in space, etc. They could of changed those parts to be more realistic to what we know now, sure, but that would also open the door for more people to complain that this is even more different from the book, etc. It's important to keep in mind that this isn't a documentary either, it's a work of fiction, so it doesn't necessarily have to have everything match up with real life stuff. Also, the entire freaking story isn't supposed to be focused on the science and all that sort of stuff anyways, the story is focused on humanity. It's more of a drama with sci fi elements to it.

Secondly, to those complaining about the race/sex of characters. I'd like to point out that there is a balanced variety of people on this show, and most of the main characters of the show are not all good or all bad either. Maybe if you actually kept watching the show instead of making assumptions, then you would learn how much balance the show actually has. Just because something starts it's first few episodes building up a specific appearance doesn't mean things don't drastically change view as the story unfolds and things are explained. Character's back stories get explained more as you go and they are put in a much more grey area too. I'd like to note that this show is more of a sequel to the David Bowie film of the same name, so the characters some assume are changed to be a different race are actually separate characters. Also, depicting an alien race that comes from a dry sunny planet as dark-skinned makes sense with how melanin works on earth in real life.

Lastly, if you think this is "woke" just because some scenes depict real life situations that people actually deal with instead of giving some sugar coated "everything is always equal and fair" crap, then you are part of the problem. I know how hollywood can sometimes put too much social justice related stuff in their films to the point where it takes away from the story rather than having it be a natural cohesive part of it, but this isn't like that. The Avengers Endgame "girl power" scene made me roll my eyes and I'm an egalitarian woman so lol... This show on the other hand, is very different, and social justice related stuff thats in it actually blends with the main points of the story as a whole.

Conclusion for the big time haters: Stop being so angry and hostile about things. Try some meditation and introspection. Try to be open-minded and see where a story takes you rather than being so aggressive and impatient. If you end up not liking it in the end, then at least you got a glimpse into a different perspective other than your own. Remember that film is an art form and everyone has their favorite artists, but that doesn't mean the other artists are objectively bad. Something you don't like might be loved by someone else. We should celebrate creativity and storytelling. Constructive criticism is fine, but insults and hate is just ignorance.

An unusually talented cast, the mind of Kurtzman and a reliable core-concept, what could possibly go wrong? Well ... nothing actually, this is a fabulous start to this novel/movie adaptation/sequel told from a fresh perspective.

Chiwetel Ejiofor is exceptional as the wide-eyed, genius child with a sense of naïve wonderment, beautifully portrayed with rictus grin, uncoordinated movement and simpleton dialogue. As the Yin to his Yang, Naomie Harris plays his street-smart, big-hearted sidekick.

The effects are awesome, they are hardly noticeable and completely credible, dovetailing with gorgeous cinematographic choices.

Overall, a fine first episode with great promise, well worth a watch!

There's so many ways this could go wrong, but so far, so good. It gets a little hokey and that's ok. The tongue-in-cheek humor is light and done well.

When I saw it was a Showtime series, I was like...meh, they'll find a way to mess it up, and they still could : P

Chiwetel Ejiofor does some amazing things. The dude is awesome.

I hope this series stays on an even keel, because sic-fi, alien-comes -to-Earth is so overdone and almost always irretrievably bad. For sure, there's going to be a mess of reviews that complain WOKE...because it has a non-whites in it...and he's an alien. It's impossible for people to help themselves. : D.

Not inspired by a video game, nor is it a tired spinoff in a tired franchise - fresh sci-fi for the thinking person who also likes high adventure. Who knew that was still possible in Hollywood? Marvelous performances by everyone on cast, pleasing cinematography, riveting plot and editing, intriguing CGI that serves rather than fuels the story, even funny at times, what's there not to like?

Oh wait, it's "woke". Or so we are told by dozens of reviewers. I literally scrutinized the show for inappropriate wokeness, ready to cringe at the very first opportunity. But no.

Could this be because the show implies we are destroying ourselves as a civilization? That's such a reach given what's going on, right? Or because the main characters are ... gasp ... black? That was so unheard of in 1950. I will concede that they don't look like David Bowie, who starred in the original movie the show is very loosely based on. If that sort of departure disappoints then skip this show.

If you like anything intelligent at all, then by all means watch it. You'll love it, as I did. Looking forward to a rocking season.