SyFy’s three-part masterpiece, known for squandering ideas, or perhaps, its dystopian or utopian vision: “Childhood’s End.” Despite consisting of just three episodes, this SyFy production is akin to three feature-length films, each running for about one and a half hours. The subject matter of this show, which even features nods to internet-fueled Illuminati theories, is genuinely intriguing:
One day, enormous alien spaceships appear in 40 different cities around the world. They don’t merely appear; they ground all flying objects, render electronic systems useless, and essentially leave humanity dependent on them for communication. These extraterrestrials reach out to many on Earth by showing them images of their lost loved ones, the deceased, and claim that they have come not to conquer, but to rectify the world. They express their unwillingness to engage in warfare, asserting that they have been assigned to Earth with the goal of rectifying its corruption and spreading respect, love, justice, and equality. To achieve this, they select one ambassador from among the 7 billion people on Earth: Ricky Stormgren.
Ricky is to become the spokesperson for Karellen, the leader of the aliens, as Karellen prefers not to appear to humans due to his physical appearance. At least, not for a while. The series commences with a tension-filled invasion theme, and it unfolds just as Karellen has promised. The aliens begin resolving all existing problems one by one: injustice, diseases, inequality; everything starts to disappear. With the increase in equality, armies are disbanded, and the value of oil diminishes as the importance of money wanes. Humanity truly begins to inch towards the utopia it has dreamed of. Karellen stands behind every promise he makes. However, despite this, people still do not believe in Karellen. The intriguing aspect of the story begins here. Is it correct to unquestioningly accept the helping hand of aliens? Cancer, the importance of money, and inequality disappear thanks to them. Yet, some remain unsatisfied and want them to leave. The real question is: Why is Karellen doing all of this? What will be the consequence of this utopia?
The series depicts the establishment of the utopia in its first episode, the realities of the utopia in the second episode, and the consequences of the utopia in the third episode. “Childhood’s End,” one of the best series I’ve seen recently, is a brilliant production from its filming, screenplay, design, to its visuals.
One intriguing aspect of the series is its inclusion of all the details of the internet phenomenon Illuminati, without any concealment, presenting them straightforwardly. Karellen offers humanity a utopia, a kind of New World Order, so to speak. As the story progresses, wars end, and soldiers are dismissed, leading to the establishment of a World Government under a single ruler. Throughout the series, reference is made to the Golden Age, which represents the ultimate achievement humanity can reach. Once all people are pacified by the utopia’s influence, Baphomet emerges. This aspect is, in fact, the most fascinating aspect of the series. Furthermore, the birth of the child who is the figure of the Antichrist without a father is another example of Illuminati philosophy.
The series, while showing the tedium of utopia and fundamentally why it is impossible, also illustrates that humanity will never be satisfied, that the love of religion and power will always overshadow stability. The aliens from the depths of space resolve all existing problems, yet this is still insufficient for some individuals. The series’ most amusing part is the inability of some people to accept that help is coming from aliens, rather than from God.
However, the fundamental question the series probes is somewhat ambiguous. This is perhaps the most appealing aspect of the series, its openness to interpretation. We can see that the utopian concept is something beyond human comprehension. From an Illuminati perspective, we can say that humanity can easily be pacified, but fundamentally, I believe the series highlights why we can never be pacified by a “problem-solving” based utopia. Human beings are inherently ambitious creatures. It is impossible for them to spend their lives problem-free, making art. There is always a hunger for something new, and this novelty often needs to serve their own interests. Even though all the world’s problems are solved, there are still unsatisfied individuals among us. We cannot solve an affliction like cancer for this reason.
Utopia also means sacrifice. It’s not something that happens overnight. The series covers a period of 70-80 years. The series is also well-cast, with Charles Dance, whom we remember from “Game of Thrones,” portraying Karellen, and Julian McMahon, known from “Nip/Tuck,” playing Rupert Boyce. The series excels in terms of its production, effects, and acting; it flows swiftly, occasionally intensifying the tension and keeping the audience on edge. Even as the story progresses towards a positive direction, the question of what the outcome will be always remains fresh.
If you are in search of a truly captivating series, “Childhood’s End” is tailor-made for you. With its three episodes totaling 4.5 hours, you can finish it in a day, and it will linger in your mind for days afterward. This series, which will prompt you to question the reality of utopia, will also provide ample material for discussion among Illuminati enthusiasts. “Childhood’s End” is not an ordinary science fiction-alien series; it can be described as SyFy’s most serious work to date. It is bold and distinctive.
Cast & Crew
director: Nick Hurran
writers: Matthew Graham, Arthur C. Clarke (based on the novel by)
starring: Mike Vogel, Osy Ikhile, Daisy Betts, Georgina Haig, Charles Dance, Ashley Zukerman, Hayley Magnus, Charlotte Nicdao
USA | 2015 | 3 EPISODES |