Alien: Earth premiered its first two episodes on Aug. 12, and it's already one of the highest-rated entries in the legendary Alien franchise.

As a franchise with a mixed history of huge highs and frustrating lows, any new Alien project is met with caution from fans. However, it seems the latest installment in the franchise, the first live-action episodic series,

The TV prequel to the Alien movies calls back to the best elements of those original films — including questions about corporate exploitation and technological advancements.