"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.

Noah Hawley's television prequel to 'Alien' nods to Peter Pan and raises questions about what makes us humans and whether it's all that great to be one.