The Man Who Fell to Earth

First of all, this story is based on a book that was written in 1963, so some of the science and reasoning for things would be a bit different if it was written in our current times with current knowledge of what's in space, etc. They could of changed those parts to be more realistic to what we know now, sure, but that would also open the door for more people to complain that this is even more different from the book, etc. It's important to keep in mind that this isn't a documentary either, it's a work of fiction, so it doesn't necessarily have to have everything match up with real life stuff. Also, the entire freaking story isn't supposed to be focused on the science and all that sort of stuff anyways, the story is focused on humanity. It's more of a drama with sci fi elements to it.

Secondly, to those complaining about the race/sex of characters. I'd like to point out that there is a balanced variety of people on this show, and most of the main characters of the show are not all good or all bad either. Maybe if you actually kept watching the show instead of making assumptions, then you would learn how much balance the show actually has. Just because something starts it's first few episodes building up a specific appearance doesn't mean things don't drastically change view as the story unfolds and things are explained. Character's back stories get explained more as you go and they are put in a much more grey area too. I'd like to note that this show is more of a sequel to the David Bowie film of the same name, so the characters some assume are changed to be a different race are actually separate characters. Also, depicting an alien race that comes from a dry sunny planet as dark-skinned makes sense with how melanin works on earth in real life.

Lastly, if you think this is "woke" just because some scenes depict real life situations that people actually deal with instead of giving some sugar coated "everything is always equal and fair" crap, then you are part of the problem. I know how hollywood can sometimes put too much social justice related stuff in their films to the point where it takes away from the story rather than having it be a natural cohesive part of it, but this isn't like that. The Avengers Endgame "girl power" scene made me roll my eyes and I'm an egalitarian woman so lol... This show on the other hand, is very different, and social justice related stuff thats in it actually blends with the main points of the story as a whole.

Conclusion for the big time haters: Stop being so angry and hostile about things. Try some meditation and introspection. Try to be open-minded and see where a story takes you rather than being so aggressive and impatient. If you end up not liking it in the end, then at least you got a glimpse into a different perspective other than your own. Remember that film is an art form and everyone has their favorite artists, but that doesn't mean the other artists are objectively bad. Something you don't like might be loved by someone else. We should celebrate creativity and storytelling. Constructive criticism is fine, but insults and hate is just ignorance.

So far, I think it's great 4 episodes in! Most original series I have seen for years. Screenplay and characters are original and first class. I am all in!!

You see, this is a sequel. It seems most reviews missed this. A fresh and respectable one at that. Just don't call it woke, for that would date and degrade its artistry. Yes, Bowie's character appears here. Thomas (Jerome) Newton, played quite well with his spidery William S. Burroughs dead ringer look by Bill Nighy. I'm sure if Bowie were still alive, he'd be appearing here. Nice, classy touch titling each episode after a Bowie tune. Solid acting by the leads, decent cinematography, though not on the sublimely high level of the great Nic Roeg, and dare I say a bit more surface clarity in its storytelling than the movie. I do deeply miss Rip Torn though. I think the brilliant author Walter Tevis, one of the finest and most monstrously underrated sci-fi writers of his generation, would surely endorse this repurposing of his work. It is quite imaginative and inventive. Also, deft use of comedy where you wouldn't necessarily expect it. I expected this interpretation to fall flatly on its face, instead the experience was rather uplifting. Kudos to those responsible. Who doesn't like surprises?

No social justice message, story is about the story, actors are just black.

....going by the 1st episode, will continue to watch, other sci-fi has it worse.

Not inspired by a video game, nor is it a tired spinoff in a tired franchise - fresh sci-fi for the thinking person who also likes high adventure. Who knew that was still possible in Hollywood? Marvelous performances by everyone on cast, pleasing cinematography, riveting plot and editing, intriguing CGI that serves rather than fuels the story, even funny at times, what's there not to like?

Oh wait, it's "woke". Or so we are told by dozens of reviewers. I literally scrutinized the show for inappropriate wokeness, ready to cringe at the very first opportunity. But no.

Could this be because the show implies we are destroying ourselves as a civilization? That's such a reach given what's going on, right? Or because the main characters are ... gasp ... black? That was so unheard of in 1950. I will concede that they don't look like David Bowie, who starred in the original movie the show is very loosely based on. If that sort of departure disappoints then skip this show.

If you like anything intelligent at all, then by all means watch it. You'll love it, as I did. Looking forward to a rocking season.