This review contains spoilers for Alien: Earth Episode 4 <em>Alien: Earth</em> episode 4, “Observation,” is the season’s midpoint, and while I enjoy watching the Boy Kavalier’s journey each week, this latest installment felt more stagnant than anticipated. Episode 3 slowed down to lay the groundwork for the series’ evolution, which was necessary after the intense action of the debut episodes. However, “Observation” seemed to spend its runtime rehashing familiar elements and delaying the return to the core of the story.

“Observation” and “Metamorphosis” could have been combined while maintaining the slow, deliberate pace that enhances Alien: Earth. Episode 4 retains the look, feel, and provocative philosophical questions that keep viewers engaged, but it clearly serves as a transition into the latter half of the season. Through an impressive number of cross-fades in a single episode, Alien: Earth manages its overlapping storylines and conveys that nothing remains secret on the island.

“Observation” Lives Up To Its Title As The Characters Circle Each Other

Alien: Earth Continues Laying The Groundwork For The Rest Of The Season

One reason “Observation” loses some momentum is its reliance on tell-don’t-show moments that contrast sharply with the earlier action in the series. Poor Slightly faces blackmail from Morrow, Hermit is put in his place by Atom, and the Boy Kavalier makes a one-sided deal with Wendy, further entangling himself in her psyche. Each character has private motivations as they engage in various conversations throughout “Observation,” with the episode’s primary tension arising from how these plans will unfold.

Wendy and Hermit share meaningful moments in “Observation,” and I wish I found Hermit more compelling. Alex Lawther delivers a decent performance, but it’s a challenging role. While Hermit is crucial to the plot, he pales in comparison to the brilliant characters and Hybrids around him. His relationship with Wendy is perplexing; he readily accepts her as his sister yet seems to lack a strong sense of identity, making him vulnerable to Atom’s manipulation regarding Wendy’s humanity.

Wendy’s ability to mimic and seemingly communicate with the Xenomorphs is intriguing, and Alien: Earth‘s sound design enhances this experience beautifully. However, the series may be relying too heavily on the Hybrid children’s versatility to fulfill narrative demands. Fortunately, each Hybrid is becoming more developed, and their unique perspectives on life on the island hold significant promise. Nibs’ hysterical pregnancy and physical dominance over Dame Sylvia highlight the power dynamics among Hybrids.

It’s easy to agree with Arthur’s private assertion that engaging with Xenomorphs and playing god with these experiments is misguided. With mounting tension surrounding who will be the alien’s first victim and how the Boy Kavalier’s world will collapse around him, my interest in Xenomorphs wanes. While I understand their narrative role, my primary investment lies with the characters. This is why “Observation” maintained my attention despite its lack of action.

Wendy’s Relationship With The Xenomorphs Is Still Ambiguous

Her Motivations & Abilities Are Still Coming Into Focus In Alien: Earth

Like many viewers, I can empathize with almost any character in a TV show if their motivations are relatable or interesting. However, forming a bond with a baby Xenomorph feels excessive for me, and I suspect others might share this sentiment. It makes sense that Wendy would identify with Xenomorphs since they too are under observation, subjected to experiments, and have their fates controlled by others.

The terrifying creatures we observe throughout the episode may possess intelligence, but I’m aware of their capabilities. Just like with the Boy Kavalier, we watch Wendy and the Hybrids with equal interest as we do the aliens since they are as newly formed and dangerous as anything in the lab. As we look forward to the next episode, Alien: Earth has set up more violence and excitement to draw us back into its narrative flow after “Observation” offered a more reflective story.

Alien: Earth episode 4 is now available to watch on FX and Hulu.