The worst space crew I ever saw
We tried watching Another Life. Disclaimer: we didn’t even finish the first episode because it was so bad (at least we thought so).
So, we always watch an episode of whatever show we’re currently into in the morning during breakfast. Usually, we only get through half an episode, maybe a bit more, but rarely a full one. Recently, we watched Glow. There were a few things that were pretty cringe-worthy, like the terrible racist stereotypes, but since it’s set in the 80s and is about a women’s wrestling TV show, it was actually a somewhat realistic representation as far as I can tell. All in all, it was a good and entertaining series that, in my opinion, took these issues, as well as the homophobia, seriously and addressed them, even though the presentation was mostly comedic.
Long story short: we finished Glow and were looking for something to watch next. We scrolled briefly through the list on Netflix, and there was Another Life. I probably added it because of the Sci-Fi, spaceships, aliens, and all that.
After a massive alien artifact lands on Earth, Niko Breckinridge leads an interstellar mission to track down its source and make first contact.
The beginning was promising. The main character is a middle-aged woman named Niko. She looks pretty tough and quite fit and is set to embark on an important — perhaps the most important — space mission. But she has a partner and a daughter, whom she’ll have to leave behind on Earth when she goes on the mission. She also seems to believe that she is indispensable for this mission. So far, so good — it felt believable.
Then, a little later, we’re on board the spaceship, and it’s all well-made, everything’s great. Until we meet the crew for the first time. I would describe them like this: a bunch of 20-year-olds with the look of supermodels/influencers - including the lead engineer. There’s also one heavier-set character and one queer character who look around the same age. And they all behave like annoyed teenagers.
By the way, there’s also an AI on the ship, in the form of an attractive man. Shortly after Niko calls her husband via holo-phone or something, the AI lets us know that he has now been specially customized for her. So, the AI that looks attractive is tailored specifically to her tastes — one can imagine where this is heading.
But wait, there’s more! There’s also this guy named Tyler, who was the commander of the last mission. Unfortunately, a few people died during that mission, and while he’s allowed to be part of this one, Niko is in charge (supposedly). He’s really not happy about this, and there’s tension from the very beginning because of it. Professional, right?
So, after the AI revelation, this Tyler guy decides he’s going to strip Niko of her role as commander and take over. However he thought this would work — she’s not into the idea. What a surprise. And then they actually start fighting... with fists and feet.
I sincerely hope that no one ever assembles a crew like this to send them into deep space. Not even if it’s not about communicating with aliens or saving the world.
Music: -
Mood: bored