The Aliens

The Aliens from 2016 is a British science fiction television series that cleverly blends the genres of drama, comedy, and thriller. The show, set in a parallel present, combines a fascinating premise with a vivid cast of characters, dramatic storytelling, and moments of wry humor.

The series revolves around a world where extra-terrestrial life was confirmed forty years ago when an alien spacecraft crash-landed on Earth. The aliens look exactly like humans, but they have their distinct features and powers beyond human capacity, such as extreme speed and strength. However, rather than being welcomed and integrated into human society, they have been segregated, oppressed, ghettoized, and are forced to live behind a massive wall in a decrepit area referred to as 'Troy'. In reflecting society’s treatment of the aliens, the viewer may observe certain parallels to modern societal issues around immigration and cultural assimilation.

The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Lewis Garvey, a border control officer working at the checkpoint between Troy and the human city. Lewis leads an uncomplicated life until he discovers that he’s half-alien, dramatically upending his world and sending him on a personal journey of self-discovery. This revelation forces him to question his identity, loyalty, and the true meaning of humanity.

Apart from Lewis, the show introduces viewers to a rich array of characters, including alien siblings Lilyhot and Fabien, who are deeply involved in Troy's criminal underbelly, and Dominic, Lewis's whimsical yet dedicated co-worker at the checkpoint. This wide cast provides a spectrum of perspectives on the situation, each character offering distinctive views on the tensions and issues between the communities.

The Aliens successfully incorporates moments of dark and absurd humor, breaking the tension of the socio-political narrative. The series merges real-world issues with its fantastical premise, resulting in a program that is entertaining as well as thought-provoking. Throughout the six-episode series, viewers will find themselves embroiled in the dilemmas and conflicts of this divided world, contemplating the blurred line between 'alien' and 'human'.

The show boasts impressive performances from a talented cast, including Michael Socha's compelling portrayal of Lewis, and Michaela Coel's charismatic performance as Lilyhot. The dynamic interplay between the characters and their well-crafted dialogues lend depth to their personas while bringing an element of realism that grounds the series amidst its fantastical elements.

Additionally, the show's creative team did an excellent job crafting a visually immersive world ripe with intricate details. From the distinctively gritty and chaotic atmosphere of Troy to the more orderly and mundane human side, each environment is carefully constructed to reflect the society it houses. The superb cinematography and production design contribute to the show's successful creation of two co-existing worlds that are mirror opposites of each other. The visual effects, although not overly abundant, are skillfully used to punctuate key scenes and convey the alien's superior abilities.

The sound design adds to the ambiance of both the fantasy world and the human world, contributing significantly to setting the mood for each scene. Also noteworthy is the original score, a mix of electronic and orchestral sounds, lending further character to the divided settings of the story.

In terms of narrative structure, the series offers a fine blend of episodic storytelling and overarching plot development. Each episode has its self-contained conflicts and tensions, while still contributing to the larger narrative. This structure ensures that viewers remain engaged throughout, as the build-up culminates into a thrilling finale.

Although ultimately science fiction, The Aliens explores themes that strike a chord with contemporary audiences. Issues such as societal discrimination, the struggle for identity, the concept of belonging, and the question of "otherness" form the core of the narrative, giving the show a depth that extends beyond its surface level entertainment value.

In conclusion, The Aliens is an ambitious and innovative show, melding genre elements with a socially pertinent narrative to create a unique viewing experience. Its distinctive premise, compelling characters, and clever storytelling make it a noteworthy addition to the science fiction television landscape.