From Xenomorphs to ETs: Which Alien Species is the Best?
This week on the podcast, Brian and Darryl boldly go into the sci-fi vault to debate the most creative alien species in the galaxy. Think Na’vi spirituality meets Xenomorph acid vomit. From hive-minded cybernetic zombies to fire-based art snobs, it’s time to crown the weirdest, wildest, most wonderful extraterrestrials in fiction.
Episode Index
Intro: 0:07
Alien, Mine:
Alien Showdown… Who’s the Best?
Darryl
Heptapods (from Arrival)
Physical Traits
– Appearance: Heptapods are seven-limbed (hence the name “hepta-” meaning seven) creatures with a large, oval-shaped head and a body that appears to be semi-transparent2.
– Eyes: They have thousands of small, dime-sized eyes in clusters, which are actually patches of photosensitive skin.
– Sensory Perception: They use sophisticated sonar to perceive their environment, allowing them to detect even minute details.
Culture
– Non-linear Perception of Time: Heptapods experience time non-linearly, meaning they perceive past, present, and future simultaneously. This is reflected in their language and behavior3.
– Patience and Long-term Thinking: Their non-linear perception of time gives them a unique perspective on patience and long-term consequences. They are willing to wait for humans to understand their language and purpose4.
– Purpose of Arrival: They arrive on Earth to share their language, Heptapod B, which they believe will help humanity understand their non-linear perception of time and potentially aid them in the future.
Language
– Heptapod A: This is their spoken language, which sounds very organic and is designed to be heard rather than spoken.
– Heptapod B: This is their written language, consisting of circular logograms that represent entire concepts or sentences rather than individual words. The meaning of these logograms depends on the tendrils and splotches branching out from their circular rings2.
– Impact on Humans: Learning Heptapod B alters the human perception of time, allowing them to experience events out of sequence, similar to how Heptapods perceive time.
MorningLightMountain (Commonwealth Saga by Peter F. Hamilton)
Physical Traits:
– Prime Bodies: MorningLightMountain’s consciousness inhabits billions of distinct Prime bodies. These bodies are divided into two types: motiles and immotiles1.
– Motiles: Motiles can see and move but are relatively unintelligent on their own.
– Immotiles: Immotiles are blind and immobile but highly intelligent. They can breed motiles, and four motiles can merge to form a new immotile1.
– Wormhole Technology: MorningLightMountain possesses wormhole technology, allowing its bodies to communicate over arbitrarily large distances.
Mental Traits:
– Hive Mind: MorningLightMountain operates as a hive mind, with a single united consciousness spread across billions of bodies.
– Xenophobic and Expansionist: The Primes, including MorningLightMountain, are highly xenophobic and expansionist, seeking to subsume or destroy other species.
– Highly Intelligent: Immotiles can link to each other for greater processing power, making MorningLightMountain one of the most powerful Primes.
Linguistic Traits:
– Non-Verbal Communication: MorningLightMountain primarily communicates non-verbally through its network of bodies.
– Radio Transmitters: Primes use implanted radio transmitters to stay wirelessly connected, allowing for long-range communication.
Saga of the Seven Suns series (Kevin J Anderson)
Hydrogues
– Physical Traits: Elemental beings composed of water and gas, often appearing as massive, swirling masses of liquid and vapor.
– Culture: Highly territorial and aggressive, especially when their habitats are threatened. They have a deep connection to water and gas.
– Language: Communicate through complex patterns of vibrations and waves.
Faeros
– Physical Traits: Elemental beings associated with fire and light, emitting a warm glow and capable of producing flames.
– Culture: Passionate and energetic, valuing creativity and expression. They are often involved in artistic and spiritual pursuits.
– Language: Communicate through a combination of spoken language and visual symbols, using their fiery abilities to create intricate patterns and displays.
Borg
Physical Traits:
– Cybernetic Enhancements: The Borg are a collective of various species that have been assimilated and augmented with cybernetic implants. This results in a mix of biological and mechanical features.
– Pale Skin: Their skin tends to be pale or grayish due to the integration of technology and loss of individuality.
– Mechanical Limbs and Eyes: Many Borg drones have mechanical limbs and/or eyes, often replacing their original biological parts with more efficient cybernetic versions.
Culture:
– Collective Consciousness: The Borg operate as a hive mind, known as the Collective. Individuality is suppressed, and all drones are connected through a central consciousness.
– Assimilation: The primary goal of the Borg is to assimilate other species to enhance their own collective knowledge and capabilities. This is often done forcibly, with the mantra “Resistance is futile.”
– Efficient and Methodical: The Borg are highly efficient and methodical in their actions, driven by their collective purpose of achieving perfection.
Language:
– Communal Communication: The Borg communicate internally through their collective consciousness, sharing thoughts and information instantaneously.
– Distinctive Speech Patterns: When speaking externally, the Borg often use a collective “we” to represent their hive mind and have a monotone, emotionless speech pattern.
Changelings (Founders)
Physical Traits:
– Shapeshifters: Changelings are highly advanced shapeshifters capable of assuming any form, from humanoid figures to inanimate objects.
– Gelatinous State: In their natural form, Changelings exist as a gelatinous mass, which they revert to when at rest or regenerating.
– Golden Hue: Their gelatinous form has a distinctive golden hue.
Culture:
– Great Link: The Changelings share a deep connection through the Great Link, a shared state where they merge together in their natural form, exchanging thoughts and experiences.
– Isolation and Control: Historically, Changelings have sought to isolate themselves from solids (non-shapeshifting species) and control them to protect themselves from persecution and harm.
– Founders of the Dominion: Changelings are the ruling species of the Dominion, a powerful political and military alliance in the Gamma Quadrant. They employ the Vorta and Jem’Hadar as their loyal servants to enforce their will.
Language:
– Universal Communication: Changelings typically communicate in the languages of the species they interact with. Their ability to shapeshift allows them to perfectly mimic speech.
– Telepathic Connection: Within the Great Link, communication is telepathic and intuitive, allowing for an exchange of complex ideas and emotions without words.
Na’vi (James Cameron Avatar movies)
Physical Traits
– Height and Build: The Na’vi are tall, standing about 10 feet (3 meters) in height, and have a slender, graceful build.
– Blue Skin: They have blue skin with bioluminescent patterns that glow in the dark, helping them blend into their environment.
– Four-Fingered Hands: Unlike humans, the Na’vi have four fingers on each hand and four toes on each foot.
– Cat-like Features: They have large, expressive, golden eyes, pointed ears, and tails, giving them a feline appearance.
– Braid with Neural Queue: Each Na’vi has a long braid called a “tswin,” which contains a neural queue that allows them to connect with other creatures and the environment on Pandora.
Culture
– Deep Connection with Nature: The Na’vi live in harmony with the natural world of Pandora. They have a deep spiritual connection with the flora, fauna, and the planet itself.
– Clans and Tribes: The Na’vi are organized into various clans and tribes, each with its own customs and traditions. The Omaticaya clan, for example, resides in the Hometree.
– Eywa: The Na’vi worship Eywa, the Great Mother, a deity representing the interconnectedness of all life on Pandora. They believe that Eywa maintains the balance of life.
– Rites of Passage: Na’vi culture includes several rites of passage, such as the bonding with a direhorse (pa’li) and a mountain banshee (ikran), which signify one’s transition into adulthood.
– Hunting and Gathering: The Na’vi are skilled hunters and gatherers, relying on their environment for sustenance while respecting the creatures they hunt.
Language
– Na’vi Language: The Na’vi have their own language, developed specifically for the film by linguist Dr. Paul Frommer. It is a fully functional language with its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.
– Tsaheylu: The neural bond, called “tsaheylu,” allows the Na’vi to connect with other creatures and their environment. This connection is a form of communication that transcends spoken language.
Xenomorphs (Alien Franchise)
Physical Traits:
– Exoskeleton: Xenomorphs have a biomechanical, black exoskeleton that provides them with great durability and a fearsome appearance.
– Elongated Skull: They possess an elongated, ridged skull with a lack of visible eyes, giving them a terrifying, eyeless visage.
– Inner Jaws: Equipped with a secondary, inner jaw that can extend from their mouths for lethal attacks.
– Tail: Their long, muscular tails end in a sharp blade, which they use for both balance and as a weapon.
– Acidic Blood: Their blood is highly acidic, capable of burning through metal and other materials.
Culture:
– Hive Structure: Xenomorphs have a hive-based social structure, with a Queen at the center, responsible for laying eggs and maintaining the population.
– Instinct-Driven: They operate primarily on instinct, driven by a need to propagate their species. This includes capturing hosts for their Facehuggers to implant embryos.
– Parasitic Life Cycle: Their life cycle involves multiple stages: Egg, Facehugger, Chestburster, and Adult. The Facehugger attaches to a host, implanting an embryo that later emerges violently from the host’s chest as a Chestburster.
– Adaptive and Versatile: They can adapt to different environments and hosts, resulting in various Xenomorph types with specific traits influenced by their host species.
Language:
– Non-Verbal Communication: Xenomorphs communicate non-verbally through body language, pheromones, and hisses or screeches. Their interactions are primarily based on their hive hierarchy and instinctual behaviors.
Species 8472 (Undine) — Honorable Mention
Physical Traits:
– Tripedal and Non-Humanoid: Species 8472, also known as Undine, are tripedal beings with a non-humanoid appearance.
– Fluidic Space Origin: They originate from a dimension called fluidic space, which is accessible through quantum singularities.
– Biological Technology: Their highly developed biology and organic technology make them tactically superior to the Borg.
Culture:
– War with the Borg: Species 8472 engaged in a war with the Borg after the Borg invaded their realm of fluidic space. They proved immune to assimilation and launched a counter-invasion of the galaxy2.
– Genocidal Intentions: They have a genocidal intent towards other species, considering them a threat.
– Negotiations with the Federation: Captain Kathryn Janeway of the USS Voyager negotiated peace with Species 8472, using a weapon developed from Borg nanoprobes to force them to retreat.
Language:
– Telepathic Communication: Species 8472 communicate telepathically, using their telepathic abilities to convey thoughts and intentions.
– Unknown Name: Their name for themselves is unknown, as they are referred to by their Borg designation.
Brian
Farscape
Luxans
– Tall, warrior-like humanoids with a warrior code of honor.
– Recognizable by their facial tendrils and thick-skinned appearance.
– Can heal themselves through a process called “battlefield transfusion.”
– Notable Character: Ka D’Argo – A fierce but noble warrior with a tragic past.
Delvians
– A sentient plant-based species with blue skin and photokinetic abilities.
– Capable of deep meditation and powerful telepathic abilities.
– Often have a spiritual or religious focus.
– Notable Character: Pa’u Zotoh Zhaan – A Delvian priestess who can use her mind and biochemistry to heal or harm.
Scarrans
– Reptilian, highly aggressive, and among the most physically powerful species.
– Possess natural heat-based abilities, allowing them to intimidate or harm opponents.
– Scarrans view themselves as the superior species and often engage in genetic experimentation.
– Notable Character: Emperor Staleek – A ruthless leader of the Scarran Empire.
Pilots
– Large, multi-limbed creatures that are biologically bonded to Leviathans (living ships).
– They have a deep connection with their Leviathan and can control their functions.
– Notable Character: Pilot – The pilot of Moya, who communicates with the crew and the ship.
Leviathans
– Living, biomechanical starships that possess sentience.
– Generally peaceful but can be forced into servitude by Peacekeeper “Control Collars.”
– Notable Character: Moya – The Leviathan that serves as the home and transport for Crichton and his crew.
Star Wars (Expanded Universe)
Yuuzhan Vong
Who Are the Yuuzhan Vong?
The Yuuzhan Vong are an extragalactic warrior species who invaded the Star Wars galaxy, triggering the Yuuzhan Vong War (25–29 ABY). Unlike most species in Star Wars, they:
– Are immune to the Force – Jedi cannot sense them, and their presence in the galaxy caused major upheaval in the Force itself.
– Use only organic technology – They abhor droids and mechanical technology, instead using genetically engineered living creatures as weapons, ships, and tools.
– Are deeply religious and fanatical – They follow a strict caste system and worship pain as a path to enlightenment.
Biology & Appearance
– Humanoid, but with ritualistic scarring and tattooing that marks their status in society.
– They believe in self-mutilation and pain as a form of religious devotion.
– Have a higher pain tolerance than most species.
– They view cybernetics and machines as heretical and replace body parts with living biotechnological organisms.
Society & Culture
The Yuuzhan Vong are organized into a rigid caste system:
– The Supreme Overlord – The absolute ruler of their species.
– Notable Character: Supreme Overlord Shimrra, who led the invasion of the galaxy.
– The Warrior Caste – Devoted soldiers who follow a strict code of honor.
– The Priest Caste – Religious leaders who interpret the will of the gods.
– The Shaper Caste – Scientists responsible for bioengineering their weapons and technology.
– The Intendant Caste – Bureaucrats and administrators.
– The Worker Caste – The lowest rank, responsible for labor.
Their entire culture revolves around pain, sacrifice, and religious zeal, believing that their gods command them to conquer and purify the galaxy.
Yuuzhan Vong Technology (All Organic)
– Living Starships (Coralskippers & Worldships) – Instead of metal ships, they use bio-engineered living vessels.
– Vonduun Crab Armor – Grown, not manufactured, and is resistant to lightsabers.
– Amphistaffs – Living snake-like weapons that function as both swords and whips.
– Dovin Basals – Creatures that create miniature black holes to absorb attacks (even deflecting turbolaser fire).
– Yorik Coral – Used to construct buildings, ships, and even restrain captives.
The Yuuzhan Vong War (25–29 ABY)
– The Yuuzhan Vong invaded the New Republic, launching a brutal war.
– They captured and terraformed many worlds, including turning Coruscant into a massive Yuuzhan Vong ecosystem.
– The Jedi, New Republic, and remnants of the Empire had to unite to fight them.
– The war ended when Supreme Overlord Shimrra was killed, and his second-in-command, Onimi, was revealed as the real mastermind.
– After their defeat, the surviving Yuuzhan Vong were relocated to Zonama Sekot, a living planet.
Why Are They So Unique?
– They stand out from all other Star Wars villains because they don’t use the Force and their biology/technology is completely different from the rest of the galaxy.
– They pushed the Jedi to their limits—without the ability to sense them in the Force, traditional Jedi tactics were ineffective.
– Their brutality and disregard for machines made them unlike the Sith, the Empire, or any other major villains in Star Wars.
Legacy in Star Wars
While the Yuuzhan Vong were a major part of Legends, they have not appeared in the Disney canon yet. However, The Clone Wars animated series almost introduced them in a scrapped episode.
Falling Skies
Espheni (Overlords)
– The main antagonists for most of the series.
– An advanced, insectoid-like species with a strict hierarchical society.
– Possess telepathic abilities and are highly intelligent strategists.
– Use a combination of biotechnology and mechanical technology for warfare.
– Consider humans an inferior species and attempt to enslave them.
– They have an imperialistic nature, having conquered multiple planets before Earth.
Notable Espheni:
– The Espheni Overlords – Tall, slender, and powerful commanders of the invasion.
– The Espheni Queen – The true leader of the invasion, revealed in the final season.
Skitters (Arachnids)
– Multi-limbed, insectoid creatures used as foot soldiers by the Espheni.
– Originally another enslaved species, controlled through neural harnesses attached to their spines.
– Many Skitters are loyal to the Espheni, but a rebel faction exists.
– Known for high mobility, leaping abilities, and brutal combat skills.
Notable Skitters:
– Red-Eye – A rebel Skitter who aids the human resistance.
– Harnessed Children – Human children forcibly enslaved by the Espheni using a similar mind-controlling harness.
The Harnessed
– Human (mainly children) captives of the Espheni, controlled through a biomechanical harness attached to their spines.
– The harness allows the Espheni to control their minds and enhance their physical abilities.
– Over time, harnessed children begin to transform into Skitters themselves.
– Ben Mason, the son of protagonist Tom Mason, is partially harnessed but later freed.
The Volm
– A technologically advanced, humanoid alien species that arrives in Season 3 to help humanity.
– They have been at war with the Espheni for generations and seek to liberate Earth.
– Use energy-based weapons and powerful war machines.
– While allied with humans, their leader, Cochise, warns that they have their own agenda.
Notable Volm:
– Cochise – The main Volm character, who forms a bond with the humans and helps them fight the Espheni.
The Dornia (The Ancient Enemy)
– Introduced late in the series as a mysterious aquatic species.
– The original victims of the Espheni, nearly wiped out in the past.
– Offer limited aid to the human resistance but provide key knowledge for defeating the Espheni Queen.
– Their advanced biology allows them to manipulate water-based environments.
Final Thoughts
– The Espheni are classic conquerors, much like the Yuuzhan Vong (Star Wars) or Scarrans (Farscape), but with an added layer of biotechnology.
– The Skitters are tragic figures, originally a peaceful species enslaved by the Espheni.
– The Volm act as reluctant saviors, assisting humanity while maintaining their own goals.
– The show played with themes of resistance, survival, and moral ambiguity, especially when it came to dealing with harnessed humans.
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Our theme music is ‘Skate Beat’ provided by Michael Henry, with additional music provided by Michael Henry. Find more at MeetMichaelHenry.com.
The Infamous Podcast is hosted by Brian Tudor and Darryl Jasper, is recorded in Cincinnati, Ohio. The show is produced and edited by Brian Tudor.
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