n the not too distant future, aliens known as the Taelons--or "Companions"--have come to Earth. Using advanced technology, they have eradicated famine and offered cures for many diseases. They ask nothing in return and only offer guidance to help the people of Earth solve their most pressing problems.
But police Capt. William Boone (Kilner) doesn't trust the Taelons because he doesn't understand their motivations. However, he saves the American-based Companion from a sniper during a public appearance. The Companion, Da'an (Leni Parker), is impressed with Boone and offers him a position as Commander of Security and Interspecies Relations, but Boone turns Da'an down. Then Boone suffers a personal tragedy, and he discovers that his suspicions about the Companions may be right.
Boone is no sooner offered the job again than he is also approached by a resistance group who believe the Companions are on Earth with an evil purpose. They convince Boone to take the position so they can find out more about the Companion's true purpose. Taking the job would require Boone to be implanted with a Cyber-Viral Implant (CVI), which according to Da'an would increase his mental capabilities. The Resistance however, believes the CVI would also force Boone to have increased loyalties to the Companions. So they alter the CVI that Boone is to be implanted with, leaving his true loyalties intact, but giving the Companions the belief that he is under their control.
As Boone assumes his new position, he realizes that neither the Companions nor the Resistance may be entirely what they seem. He must balance his position between the two forces in an attempt to discover the truth, knowing that either side will kill him if his loyalty is questioned.
It's good to have Roddenberry back
Gene Roddenberry's Earth: Final Conflict was conceived by Roddenberry in 1976, but only recently brought to life by Executive Producer Majel Barrett Roddenberry (Roddenberry's widow). Gene Roddenberry knew that most successful science fiction is based on a mystery, and Earth offers a very promising mystery indeed.
Earth also has terrific sets and nifty special effects. None of that ever makes much difference in a series if the story isn't compelling, but here again Earth succeeds by having a compelling story to tell. The shades of gray that showed through so much of Roddenberry's earlier work are also very apparent. The aliens don't always appear to be that evil and the good guys aren't always that good, which makes for a rich world, filled with interesting possibilities.
Casting is also on target with Kilner leading the ensemble as the man who is more interested in discovering the truth than taking sides. Parker also gives a strong performance as the mysterious Da'an. Majel Roddenberry will, of course, have a recurring role as Dr. Belman, a sympathizer of the Resistance.
The title of Earth: Final Conflict hints at things to come and suggests that the aliens do indeed have plans for Earth. Whether this mystery will be explored by uncovering one layer to reveal another--in the manner of the best science fiction--remains to be seen. However, Earth is off to a promising start.
