Invasion
Invasion is a science fiction drama series exploring humanity's struggle for survival during a global alien invasion. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of ordinary people scattered across different continents, showcasing their personal and interpersonal challenges amidst the unfolding catastrophe. The series delves into themes of resilience, empathy, and the complex nature of human reactions when faced with an existential threat. It features a diverse ensemble cast and focuses on character-driven stories as individuals grapple with both the extraterrestrial menace and their own internal conflicts.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe series prominently features LGBTQ representation through a central character's storyline. This includes a significant same-sex relationship with depicted intimacy and exploration of grief related to this relationship, as well as indications of new same-sex romantic interest in later seasons.
Mitsuki Yamato has a romantic relationship with astronaut Hinata, a core plot point in Season 1, with an "intimate scene in the cockpit" depicted. In Season 2, there is a clear development of a potential new lesbian storyline, with Dr. Maya Castillo showing a strong romantic interest in Mitsuki.
Violence
HighInvasion contains frequent and intense depictions of violence, including direct alien attacks on humans resulting in death and injury. The narrative also includes human-on-human violence and the general devastation of a global war.
Aliens are shown spearing people through the chest with their stingers, and the series includes 'jarring moments of grotesquery' and considerable blood. Trevante Cole's Army Ranger squadron is 'wiped out by the invaders', demonstrating lethal alien force. In Season 1, Aneesha Malik's husband is killed by a 'doomsday militia group' in the woods.
Romance and Sexual Content
HighThe series includes mature romantic and sexual themes, featuring both adulterous and same-sex couplings with visible intimacy. There are instances of partial nudity and suggestive content contributing to a mature rating.
Aneesha discovers her husband, Ahmed, is having an affair, and a scene shows him kissing another woman, with both removing shirts and engaging in intimate acts before moving off-screen. Mitsuki Yamato shares an 'intimate scene in the cockpit' with her girlfriend, Hinata, highlighting their romantic relationship. Additionally, a review notes 'lots of skin' and 'a woman in underwear' in the series.
Profanity
HighThe show features pervasive strong language, including frequent use of expletives such as the 'f-word' and 's-word,' along with other offensive terms throughout various dialogues and scenes.
The script is 'sullied' by language including the 'f-word about eight times and the s-word about five' per episode according to one review. Other terms heard include 'a--', 'b--ch,' 'p--s,' 't--s,' 'h--' and 'g-dd--n.'
Scary & Intense Content
HighInvasion contains highly intense and frightening sequences stemming from the alien threat and the human struggle for survival. This includes graphic depictions of violence, disturbing alien physiology, and traumatic situations for main characters, including children.
The aliens are described as 'lethal' and capable of 'spearing people through the chest with their stingers,' causing 'jarring moments of grotesquery.' Children, such as Caspar, experience 'epileptic seizures' that produce unsettling visions, and are actively hunted by dangerous alien 'hunter killers.' The Malik family is pursued by a 'doomsday militia group' that results in the death of the father, creating a prolonged and terrifying ordeal for the children.
Disrespect & Rebellion
HighThe series portrays significant instances of disrespect and rebellious behavior among characters, including bullying among children and explicit acts of social intolerance and defiance towards authority figures and norms.
Caspar Morrow is consistently 'bullied by his schoolmates,' specifically by Monty Cuttermill, who acts as a 'sadistic bully' towards him. The show also features a scene in a 'white supremacist hangout' where characters 'drink and mock the visiting sheriff and his black deputy—flinging a racist pejorative at the latter,' demonstrating overt disrespect and bigotry.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumWhile not explicitly featuring traditional witchcraft or occult rituals, the series introduces supernatural-like abilities and a cult-like interpretation of the alien presence. Characters exhibit psychic connections and abilities that could be a concern for some parents.
Caspar Morrow, a child character, possesses 'psychic abilities' and experiences 'visions of strange things' due to a connection with the alien hive mind, which he can use to 'kill aliens'. A 'cult organization Infinitas' emerges, believing the aliens are 'saviors that have come to guide humanity to paradise', presenting a non-Christian spiritual interpretation of the invasion.
Substance Use
MediumThe series depicts casual substance use, including characters smoking and drinking. There are also references to illegal drug activities, specifically 'meth lab explosions,' indicating the presence of serious drug-related content.
Characters are shown to 'drink and smoke and can behave pretty badly' in various scenes. The show also includes mentions of 'drug tests and meth lab explosions,' indicating the presence of illegal drug activity within the narrative.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumWhile not directly portraying anti-Christian acts, the series has been noted by some Christian reviewers for its absence of Christian perspectives in a global crisis scenario. It instead explores various alternative belief systems, including a cult-like reverence for the aliens, which may be seen as diminishing or sidelining Christian faith.
A Christian review source states that 'Invasion Season 1 refuses to provide any Christian concepts or opinions,' and suggests an implied 'hatred of Christians' through omission. The series creator, Simon Kinberg, explicitly mentions exploring 'different types of faith,' including 'faith in conspiracy theories' and 'religiosity around this mysterious thing that dropped from the stars,' with some characters developing 'faith in the aliens' in Season 3. This contrasts with a 'pretty messed up theological discussion' occurring at a Buddhist temple.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Ages 17+ due to frequent intense violence, pervasive strong language, mature romantic and sexual themes including adultery and same-sex relationships, and frightening alien encounters.
Additional Notes
The series generally presents a bleak and realistic portrayal of a global alien invasion, focusing on human reactions and personal dramas, which some viewers may find slow-paced. The content intensifies across seasons as the alien threat evolves.
Related Reviews
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