Even after a 60-year directing career, including hits likeClose Encounters of the Third Kind,E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, andWar of the Worlds,Steven Spielbergis back at it with another UFO event-based film. Even though we are just about a year out from release, this untitled project is already gaining momentum, given the news that David Koepp is writing up the script and a number of massive stars are already attached (some names include Emily Blunt, Josh O’ Connor, and Colin Firth). We can only hope that Spielberg uses some of the ideas that he originally brought forth in a 1998 animated series that he co-created. Yes, you read that right - one of the greatest filmmakers of the modern era was also heading a cartoon in the late'90s.
Just like the titles above, this 13-episode saga was also about an alien invasion. The viewer instantly comes into contact with the Tyrusians — a human-like alien species whose entire civilization sits on a dying planet. Even though they have secretly been establishing themselves in positions of power on Earth while under full human disguise, they now want it all in this time of crisis. Spielberg andStar Trekwriter Harve Bennett came up withInvasion Americaas WB’s more suspenseful answer to the animation boom in the late ’90s (started byThe Simpsons).
‘Invasion America’ Was a More Mature Cartoon About Aliens
Invasion America
The series follows main character David Carter as he not only discovers his true alien origins but also fights against the same race from which he descended. Being native to Tyrus, David’s father (Cale-Oosha) and uncle (The Dragit) are on opposing sides. Cale-Oosha is the rightful ruler who wants to develop a relationship with Earth through diplomatic dialogue. The Dragit opts for a more aggressive route, using the Tyrusian armed forces to gain the needed resources and bring Earth to its knees. David comes about when Cale crash lands on Earth years before this and forms a relationship with a woman named Rita. Some years later, Cale is called back to Tyrus and thus leaves David, Rita, and Rafe (Cale’s bodyguard) by themselves.
You would think such a premise is enough, but througha few shocking deaths early on, David ends up crusading alone for a great deal ofInvasion America. Even in the animated genre, Spielberg could whip up a great story. One ofInvasion America’smost unique qualities was its ability to cross the line. There was a version made for both younger and older audiences. Although the first season rarely went there, it wasn’t afraid to show horrifying alien creatures or violent body horror when the scene needed it. During his adventure throughout the United States, David runs into a larger-than-life alien monstrosity with a thousand sharp teeth, and, in another scene, a human character is cut in half, showing gory bodily bits and all. The pacing and tone of this animated cartoon surprisingly held well to this theme — always relying on the danger of the alien invasion to move the story along.
The Star Trek Touch
David (and his few allies) are always on the move, trying to stop whatever new devious plan that the Tyrusians have come up with. Whether it’s a millennium-old underground complex in the desert or a magnetic missile base on the far side of the moon, you can also count on two things: action and explosions. You can definitely see Bennett’s creative touch here — the aircraft flying, the space battles, and the all-around stylistic design are reminiscent of what you would see in the first fewlive-actionStar Trekmovies.
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The new footage left the audience with more questions than answers.
Do not be thrown off thatInvasion Americacould not get past the first season. This was certainly a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it type of show. The series only ran for five weeks on WB. Every two episodes were packed into a one-hour segment, and the last three were shown togetheras a grand finale. Even so, would you believe that in such a short timespanthe show won a Primetime Emmy for musical composition and was nominated for two Golden Reel awards? Legendary musical composer Carl Johnson stood alongside Spielberg and Bennett to bring this science fiction story to life. The final episode’s score clearly turned some heads in high places.
This Show Is Well Worth a Binge
Admittedly,Invasion Americahad some plot holesand story elements that didn’t make sense sometimes (like a US base having little to no exterior protection and villains speaking English at the worst times), but those can be swept aside thanks to genre conventions.Invasion Americais not something that should be finely combed over, but rather just enjoyed for what it accomplished. As it rightfully should be,Invasion Americais hailed as the first prime-time animated dramatic miniseries.
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Within this imaginative realm, fans are immersed in enchanting worlds inhabited by interesting creatures and futuristic robots, sparking curiosity.
Many will say that the series fell short of setting itself apart fromStar Warsor even other adult-oriented animated shows of the time, like the manyGundamadaptations. This Spielberg and Bennett-created cartoon might not have reached the pinnacle of science fiction, but the never-ending excitement and constant tension (nobody in the show is safe from death) is something rarely seen today. Plus,Invasion Americacan be watched on YouTube for free, so what are you waiting for regarding this massively underrated series?
