As the Achaia close in, the crew moves quickly to create a new weapon and save Earth. The time has come for the heroic to make the ultimate sacrifice.
In 2020, the television industry aired 493 scripted shows across numerous outlets. The way people consume content now is different than it used to be. It happens according to one's own schedule. As such, it's less necessary to provide ample coverage of each episode in any given season from a show. Moreover, it is simply impossible to watch everything. As such, this site provides shorter episodic reviews in order to cover as many shows as possible. With all of that being said, here are my thoughts on the season finale of Netflix's Another Life.
"D-Day" was written by Aaron Martin and directed by Metin Hüseyin
All interactions with the Achaia have been limited. Even then, they only appeared by appropriating a human identity. Sometimes, they would physically invade a life and take over completely. Other times, they appeared as a projection in order to emotionally manipulate others into doing what they wanted. They never had any true intentions of peace. They only saw humanity as a threat. They have always kept the rest of the galaxy from becoming known in Earth's solar system. As soon as human's created the technology to expand their reach, the Achaia landed with their Artifact. They presented offers meant to keep humanity contained and satisfied with what they already have. It was all just a tool to earn their support and appeasement. It was always a matter of when not if they would invade. That moment has arrived. It's because of the open defiance the Salvare crew and a select few on Earth have displayed. Earth has a defensive system now. The technology takes a few minutes in order to recharge. That's not good when they are faced with numerous Achaian ships. Several Rings have invaded the solar system. The Salvare could defeat one. It's outnumbered now. As such, doom enters the proceedings once more. It feels as if humanity is forced to accept all of the Achaian demands. The Salvare will be destroyed and every person will have an implant forced into them. It's not an offer of generosity though. This technology doesn't make the person the best possible version of themselves. It simply hooks them up to a hive mind. That's how the Achaia exist. It's been hard to distinguish one from the entirety of the species. And yet, one is isolated following the successful deployment of the Salvare's weapon. That allows the crew to study its biology. In less than a day, humanity discovers yet another weapon it can use against this invading force. A reason has always existed for why the Achaia wanted to limit every interaction with humans. They can simply be hacked. All it takes is a virus being uploaded into the system. It presents as incredibly easy. It's not in the grand scheme of things. Niko still carries the responsibility of risking everything to save all human life. That's the hero complex that the narrative has always positioned her with. In the previous episode, the story made it clear that she wasn't the only person carrying the burden of the narrative. It's still victorious when the Salvare crew calls out to those left wondering on Earth about their successful deployment. But this all ultimately pivots around Niko. Cas is willing to make this sacrifice because she has no loved ones waiting for her. Niko can't risk losing her family again. Niko is the captain of this mission though. She takes on that personal responsibility. She knows that Cas is ready for her own command. She is capable of leading a crew through the grand wonders of the universe. In this moment, this is something Niko simply has to do. She does and she's successful. The Achaia scream out in pain as they are destroyed. The Artifact comes crumbling down. The advancement of humanity sails into the future. The world suddenly becomes prosperous and full of opportunities. It's a hopeful message to end the season on. So much has been played as absolutely dire. Humans were no match for this superior race. Even the Achaia looked down at the arrogance humanity displayed for the desire to explore. For so long, humans were left to wonder if any other species were out there in the universe. Niko and her crew have had several encounters. And now, the world opens up. Those civilizations have also been oppressed and limited by the Achaia. With that threat gone, communication can open with the civilization that brought them into the light. Technology advances quickly. That has always been a facet of this show. The science is all made up on the fly with the audience just having to accept it. But it's still a nice message. Even in the darkness, this crew was unified and fought for a common ideal. In the end, they are reunited with their loved ones and foster even stronger bonds with those they've met along the way. That will only continue as more ships set off for the adventures of a lifetime while establishing contact with more alien races. It's a clear and concise ending. One that seems made with the expectation of the series not continuing for more. And yet, anything is possible. It would just be a new story altogether.
All interactions with the Achaia have been limited. Even then, they only appeared by appropriating a human identity. Sometimes, they would physically invade a life and take over completely. Other times, they appeared as a projection in order to emotionally manipulate others into doing what they wanted. They never had any true intentions of peace. They only saw humanity as a threat. They have always kept the rest of the galaxy from becoming known in Earth's solar system. As soon as human's created the technology to expand their reach, the Achaia landed with their Artifact. They presented offers meant to keep humanity contained and satisfied with what they already have. It was all just a tool to earn their support and appeasement. It was always a matter of when not if they would invade. That moment has arrived. It's because of the open defiance the Salvare crew and a select few on Earth have displayed. Earth has a defensive system now. The technology takes a few minutes in order to recharge. That's not good when they are faced with numerous Achaian ships. Several Rings have invaded the solar system. The Salvare could defeat one. It's outnumbered now. As such, doom enters the proceedings once more. It feels as if humanity is forced to accept all of the Achaian demands. The Salvare will be destroyed and every person will have an implant forced into them. It's not an offer of generosity though. This technology doesn't make the person the best possible version of themselves. It simply hooks them up to a hive mind. That's how the Achaia exist. It's been hard to distinguish one from the entirety of the species. And yet, one is isolated following the successful deployment of the Salvare's weapon. That allows the crew to study its biology. In less than a day, humanity discovers yet another weapon it can use against this invading force. A reason has always existed for why the Achaia wanted to limit every interaction with humans. They can simply be hacked. All it takes is a virus being uploaded into the system. It presents as incredibly easy. It's not in the grand scheme of things. Niko still carries the responsibility of risking everything to save all human life. That's the hero complex that the narrative has always positioned her with. In the previous episode, the story made it clear that she wasn't the only person carrying the burden of the narrative. It's still victorious when the Salvare crew calls out to those left wondering on Earth about their successful deployment. But this all ultimately pivots around Niko. Cas is willing to make this sacrifice because she has no loved ones waiting for her. Niko can't risk losing her family again. Niko is the captain of this mission though. She takes on that personal responsibility. She knows that Cas is ready for her own command. She is capable of leading a crew through the grand wonders of the universe. In this moment, this is something Niko simply has to do. She does and she's successful. The Achaia scream out in pain as they are destroyed. The Artifact comes crumbling down. The advancement of humanity sails into the future. The world suddenly becomes prosperous and full of opportunities. It's a hopeful message to end the season on. So much has been played as absolutely dire. Humans were no match for this superior race. Even the Achaia looked down at the arrogance humanity displayed for the desire to explore. For so long, humans were left to wonder if any other species were out there in the universe. Niko and her crew have had several encounters. And now, the world opens up. Those civilizations have also been oppressed and limited by the Achaia. With that threat gone, communication can open with the civilization that brought them into the light. Technology advances quickly. That has always been a facet of this show. The science is all made up on the fly with the audience just having to accept it. But it's still a nice message. Even in the darkness, this crew was unified and fought for a common ideal. In the end, they are reunited with their loved ones and foster even stronger bonds with those they've met along the way. That will only continue as more ships set off for the adventures of a lifetime while establishing contact with more alien races. It's a clear and concise ending. One that seems made with the expectation of the series not continuing for more. And yet, anything is possible. It would just be a new story altogether.
