Few sci-fi series in recent years have embraced the grandiosity and complexity of interstellar storytelling quite like Another Life. This Netflix original combined space exploration, alien encounters, and deeply personal stakes to create a narrative that dared to ask big questions about humanity’s place in the cosmos. While the show captivated its devoted fanbase with its ambitious scope and bold choices, it was cancelled after just two seasons, leaving a universe of unanswered questions and untapped potential.
A High-Stakes Premise
Created by Aaron Martin, Another Life premiered in 2019, presenting a world forever changed by the arrival of a mysterious alien artifact on Earth. The series followed astronaut Niko Breckinridge (Katee Sackhoff), tasked with leading a mission aboard the spaceship Salvare to find the artifact’s origin and establish first contact. Meanwhile, back on Earth, her scientist husband Erik Wallace (Justin Chatwin) struggled to decode the artifact and prepare humanity for what might come next.
The series seamlessly intertwined two storylines: the high-stakes space voyage and the increasingly tense situation on Earth. As Niko and her diverse crew navigated the dangers of deep space, Erik uncovered unsettling truths about the artifact, raising the question of whether its creators were saviours or harbingers of destruction.
Themes That Reach for the Stars
At its core, Another Life was a story about survival and connection. It explored humanity’s instinct to reach beyond the known, even when faced with insurmountable odds. The series delved into the sacrifices required for exploration, from the emotional toll of leaving loved ones behind to the physical and psychological challenges of life in space.
The show also tackled themes of leadership, trust, and the complexities of human relationships. Niko’s struggle to command a fractious crew under immense pressure mirrored the challenges of real-world leadership, while the tensions among the crew highlighted the best and worst of human nature.
On Earth, the series raised questions about humanity’s readiness to face the unknown. Erik’s work to decode the artifact became a metaphor for humanity’s struggle to understand its place in the universe and the ethical dilemmas that arise when faced with potentially existential threats.
A Stellar Cast
The show’s success owed much to its ensemble cast, led by the indomitable Katee Sackhoff. As Niko Breckinridge, Sackhoff brought a blend of strength, vulnerability, and resilience to the role, embodying the dual pressures of being a mother and a mission leader. Her performance grounded the series, making even the most outlandish sci-fi scenarios feel emotionally real.
Justin Chatwin’s portrayal of Erik Wallace provided a compelling counterpoint to Niko’s journey. His character’s dedication to solving the artifact’s mysteries and protecting their daughter, Jana (Lina Renna), added a deeply personal dimension to the story. The tension between Erik and Niko’s roles underscored the sacrifices and compromises inherent in their missions.
The crew of the Salvare brought diversity and complexity to the narrative. Samuel Anderson’s William, the ship’s AI, offered moments of introspection and levity, while AJ Rivera’s Bernie Martinez provided comic relief and an everyman perspective. The ensemble cast—including Elizabeth Ludlow as Cas Isakovic, Tongayi Chirisa as Richard Ncube, and JayR Tinaco as Zayn Petrossian—created a rich tapestry of personalities and dynamics that kept the story engaging.
Daring Visuals and World-Building
Visually, Another Life embraced the spectacle of space exploration. From the sleek design of the Salvare to the eerie, otherworldly artifact, the series delivered striking visuals that immersed viewers in its universe. The alien worlds encountered by the crew were imaginatively rendered, offering both beauty and danger in equal measure.
The series also excelled in its portrayal of the artifact, a towering structure that served as both a narrative and symbolic anchor. Its enigmatic design and ever-evolving nature kept audiences guessing, embodying the show’s central theme of confronting the unknown.
The Cancellation That Left Us Adrift
When Netflix announced the cancellation of Another Life in February 2022, fans were devastated. The second season had ended on a tantalising note, with humanity seemingly triumphant over the Achaia, the alien race behind the artifact. Yet, the resolution felt more like the beginning of a larger story, leaving questions about the Achaia’s true motives and humanity’s future unanswered.
For many viewers, the cancellation felt premature. While the series had its share of flaws—including uneven pacing and occasionally clichéd dialogue—its ambition and potential were undeniable. Another Life was a show that aimed for the stars, and while it didn’t always hit its mark, it left a lasting impression.
What Might Have Been
A third season could have expanded the series’ scope, exploring the implications of humanity’s victory over the Achaia and delving deeper into the complexities of interstellar diplomacy. The moral and ethical dilemmas posed by first contact—including the potential consequences of humanity’s actions—were rich territory for further storytelling.
The character arcs also had room to grow. Niko’s leadership journey could have explored the long-term effects of her choices, while Erik’s role on Earth might have evolved in unexpected ways. The crew of the Salvare had only begun to scratch the surface of their personal stories, leaving much to be discovered about their motivations and dynamics.
The show’s exploration of artificial intelligence, through William, also held significant potential. His evolution from a loyal servant to a sentient being grappling with human emotions was one of the series’ most intriguing threads, and a third season could have taken this narrative in bold new directions.
Why Another Life Still Matters
Even in its truncated run, Another Life left an indelible mark on the sci-fi genre. It dared to tackle big ideas, from the nature of first contact to the sacrifices inherent in exploration. Its focus on humanity’s resilience and capacity for connection resonated deeply, reminding viewers of the strength that comes from confronting the unknown together.
The series also highlighted the importance of representation, featuring a diverse cast and exploring themes of identity and belonging. JayR Tinaco’s portrayal of Zayn, a nonbinary character, was particularly impactful, offering much-needed visibility in a genre that has often struggled with inclusivity.
For fans, the cancellation of Another Life is a bittersweet reminder of the challenges faced by ambitious storytelling in the streaming era. Yet, its legacy endures. The questions it posed and the journeys it depicted continue to inspire discussions and imaginations, ensuring that its story remains alive in the hearts of its audience.
Here’s to Another Life: a series that reached for the stars and dared to dream big. While its voyage may have been cut short, its impact will echo across the cosmos for years to come.
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