The Alien series has experienced a varied journey with synths, from Ian Holm’s Ash to Michael Fassbender’s David. David Jonsson’s Andy introduced some moral complexity in Alien: Romulus. In Noah Hawley’s FX series, Alien: Earth, Timothy Olyphant plays a multifaceted role as Kirsh. As the lead scientist at the Neverland research facility, Kirsh supervises The Lost Boys, a hybrid ensemble of androids possessing human consciousness. Entrusted with leading these innocent minds as they navigate disaster zones and investigate alien life, Kirsh’s function is characterized by Mashable’s Belen Edwards as a blend of detached parenting and guiding the next tech generation that could make him redundant.

Timothy Olyphant offers his insight on Kirsh, indicating that Kirsh perceives a more promising humanity in The Lost Boys, convinced they embody a future surpassing his own abilities. Throughout the first three episodes of Alien: Earth, Kirsh is portrayed as a resolute synth with a unique perspective on humanity, focusing on the inevitability of death and the meaninglessness of attachment. In a speech directed at Marcy/Wendy, he candidly informs her that her brother Joe will inevitably perish, contemplating humanity’s transition from prey to dominators of nature.

A comedic moment in Alien: Earth episode 3 underscores Kirsh’s confusion regarding human relationships. Joined by hybrids Slightly and Smee, Kirsh comes across Weyland-Yutani ship’s head of security Morrow. In the midst of a fraught conversation, Slightly earnestly asserts, “Everyone needs friends,” resulting in a pained expression from Kirsh, highlighting Olyphant’s acting. Olyphant alludes to an unseen aspect of Kirsh, hinting that discerning his true thoughts is complex.

Alien: Earth episodes drop weekly on Hulu and FX at 8pm E.T. on Tuesdays.