The Debut of the Alien in the Sci-Fi Franchise

The debut of the alien in the iconic Alien franchise is a pivotal moment, marked by the 1979 film that would go on to become a preferred watch for many sci-fi enthusiasts. The film, titled simply "Alien," directed by Ridley Scott, introduced the xenomorph, a deadly and enigmatic extraterrestrial creature to audiences worldwide. This creature would go on to become one of the most recognizable and influential characters in science fiction film history.

The first full appearance of the xenomorph is quite memorable, but the initial hints of its presence are no less impactful. In the film, one of the most iconic scenes shows the facehugger, which attaches to the character John Carter Kane during a space walk. This scene not only introduces the alien's predatory nature but also sets the stage for the horror to come. The subsequent chestburster scene, where Kane is violently forced to deliver the xenomorph, is etched in the minds of viewers, symbolizing the merciless nature of the alien.

Despite the facehugger initially hinting at the alien's existence in the 1979 film, viewers in the 2012 prequel "Prometheus" were given a retconn (retroactive continuity) that suggested the engineer character was an advanced human rather than the xenomorph. This suggests that in the franchise's lore, this character predated the xenomorphs, adding another layer of complexity to the alien's origins.

The BB Patch Test: Alien Assault

The film captures a tension that is both intellectual and emotional as the characters grapple with unknown threats. The idea that they were underprepared, much like the characters in "Starship Troopers," is a common theme in military and sci-fi contexts. In both movies, the characters face enemies that they are unequipped to handle, leading to a sense of vulnerability and helplessness. The characters' behavior in such scenarios is often shaped by their past experiences, such as those of soldiers in Gallipoli, Vietnam, Iraq, or Afghanistan, where they may have faced similar daunting challenges.

Outnumbered or outmatched, the characters find themselves facing adversaries who seem almost invincible. The alien itself is a force that defies the norms of traditional warfare; its physical capabilities, such as the strength of lions or chimpanzees, and its ability to survive in a variety of environments, make it a formidable foe. The use of acid blood as a defensive mechanism is particularly nightmarish, as it can burn through ship hulls and protective suits. The question remains: what kind of technological or biological suits could possibly withstand such a terrifyingly corrosive substance?

The RETCON Paradigm Shift

The Alien franchise has always been known for its retroactive continuity (retcons), where later installments change or ignore parts of the story to make it more coherent. In the case of "Prometheus," the reclassification of the engineer character as an advanced human serves to smooth over narrative inconsistencies and provide a more cohesive origin story for the xenomorphs.

However, while the retcon helps with the narrative, it also means that the characters of the 1979 film are less likely to have faced such formidable foes in the first run. This shift in the retconned lore can make the characters' reactions to the alien seem more realistic, as they are perhaps new to the alien threat and learn to cope through experience.

The Curious Case of Ripley and Her Band of Marines

Sigourney Weaver, as Ellen Ripley, delivers a performance that not only moves the plot but also resonates emotionally with audiences. Her character is often the last line of defense against the xenomorphs, showcasing resilience and resourcefulness. It's this performance that cements Weaver's place in the annals of the franchise.

In an HISHE How It Should Have Ended scenario, the emphasis on Ripley might be even more pronounced, possibly leading to a more tragic end for the beloved character. Given Weaver's history in films like "Gorillas in the Mist," where she portrays a smart, determined, and driven protagonist, it's clear that she brings a level of authenticity to the role of Ripley that is almost irreplaceable.

Ultimately, the Alien franchise is a testament to the enduring impact of well-crafted storytelling and memorable characters. From the first glimpse of the facehugger in the 1979 film to the more nuanced origins revealed in "Prometheus," the franchise continues to captivate audiences with its blend of horror, action, and science fiction.