The first two episodes of Alien: Earth have left fans with a major cliffhanger about Joe’s fate. The FX and Hulu series, created by Noah Hawley, serves as a prequel to the original 1979 Alien film. Set in 2120, the show introduces Wendy, a hybrid being with a human consciousness in a synthetic body, who races to save her brother Joe from a deadly Xenomorph.
What Happens to Joe in the Premiere Episodes?
Joe Hermit, played by Alex Lawther, is a medic working for the Prodigy Corporation. He is the biological brother of Wendy’s human counterpart Marcy. In Episode 2 titled “Mr. October”, Joe reunites with Wendy after believing she had died. Their emotional reunion is cut short when a Xenomorph attacks and drags Joe away. Wendy chases after them, but it remains unclear if Joe survives.
“You talk to dad?” Wendy asks when she finds Joe muttering about their father. This moment highlights their deep connection despite Wendy’s new synthetic form.
Why Joe’s Fate Matters in Alien: Earth
Joe is central to Wendy’s character development. As the only family she has left, his potential death would significantly impact her journey. The show explores whether synthetic beings like Wendy can maintain human emotions and relationships. Joe also holds the distinction of being the first human to survive a Xenomorph encounter in the series, making his character crucial to the plot.
The premiere episodes establish a tense corporate rivalry between Weyland-Yutani and Prodigy. While the companies fight over alien specimens, Wendy’s personal mission to save Joe adds emotional depth to the sci-fi horror story. Her determination to protect him shows that despite her artificial body, she retains human loyalty and love.
Clues About Joe’s Possible Survival
Several factors suggest Joe might still be alive:
- The show emphasizes his importance to Wendy’s storyline
- He survives multiple Xenomorph encounters before being taken
- The cliffhanger ending leaves his fate intentionally ambiguous
The Xenomorph attack occurs as Wendy and Joe discover alien eggs in the crashed USCSS Maginot ship. Wendy’s final words in Episode 2 – “Stay safe. Guard the omelet” – refer to protecting the eggs while she pursues her brother. This sets up an intense rescue mission for the next episode.
Corporate Conflicts and Alien Threats
The Alien: Earth premiere establishes a world ruled by mega-corporations. Weyland-Yutani and Prodigy compete for control of alien technology while ignoring the deadly consequences. The Xenomorphs serve as equalizers, killing wealthy partygoers and soldiers alike. This social commentary adds depth to the horror elements.
Morrow, a cyborg security officer, survives the Maginot crash and prioritizes corporate interests over human lives. His cold efficiency mirrors the predatory nature of the Xenomorphs themselves. Meanwhile, Wendy represents the conflict between corporate control and human emotion.
What to Expect Next in Alien: Earth
Episode 3, titled “Metamorphosis”, will likely focus on Wendy’s attempt to rescue Joe. The corporate war over alien specimens will intensify, with both Prodigy’s synthetics and Weyland-Yutani’s cyborgs vying for control. With Xenomorphs now loose on Earth, the scale of horror is set to expand dramatically.
The show blends classic Alien elements with new themes of identity, corporate greed, and what it means to be human. Sydney Chandler’s performance as Wendy anchors the series, while Alex Lawther’s Joe provides its emotional core. Whether Joe lives or dies will shape Wendy’s character arc and the show’s direction.
Also Read: Alien: Earth Episode 3 Release Date and Time Confirmed: What to Expect After Episodes 1 and 2
Credits: Sportskeeda, SoapCentral, Vulture
