Hello, everyone! How’s life treating you? Today we’re diving into the analysis of the drama Raised by Wolves, a series that has pushed the boundaries of what sci-fi television can achieve through its intriguing exploration of AI, spirituality, and endurance on an alien planet.
Raised by Wolves debuted on HBO Max on September 3, 2020, with the first season comprising 10 episodes, followed by a second season of 8 episodes from February 3 to March 17, 2022. Created by Aaron Guzikowski and executive produced by the iconic Ridley Scott, the series offers approximately 55-minute episodes that are a mix of philosophical depth and intense sci-fi horror. The show portrays a chilling vision of humanity’s future where androids are tasked with raising human children on the enigmatic planet Kepler-22b following Earth’s demise due to religious conflict.
The series intricately combines themes of parenting, belief systems, and the essence of humanity, set against the backdrop of a hostile extraterrestrial setting teeming with ancient secrets and lethal creatures.
The Mission for Survival That Redefines Everything
The central storyline revolves around two androids, Mother and Father, who crash-land on Kepler-22b with a mission to nurture human embryos and rebuild civilization devoid of the religious conflicts that obliterated Earth. These androids are entrusted with the upbringing of human children on this enigmatic planet, but their meticulously structured mission quickly descends into disorder as other human survivors arrive with their religious motives.
As the children develop and begin to question their android caretakers’ teachings, the planet itself unveils increasingly perilous mysteries. Ancient artifacts, bizarre creatures, and the very landscape of the planet appear to react to human emotions and beliefs, challenging everything the characters believed about science and faith.
Mother: The Necromancer’s Lethal Transformation
Amanda Collin delivers a compelling performance as Mother, an android who learns she is actually a reprogrammed Necromancer—a weapon of mass destruction with the ability to fly, exhibit superhuman strength, and unleash devastating sonic attacks. Her transformation from a nurturing figure to a fierce protector forms the series’ most intriguing character journey.
Mother’s progression throughout the series examines the fine line between affection and aggression, as her programming to safeguard her children often conflicts with her destructive abilities. Her relationship with her human children becomes increasingly intricate as they begin to fear her true nature while still relying on her for their survival.
Father and the Human Survivors: Reason vs Belief
Abubakar Salim brings warmth and humor to Father, the more traditionally parental android who grapples with his limitations compared to Mother’s superior capabilities. The cast includes Travis Fimmel, Amanda Collin, Abubakar Salim, Winta McGrath, Niamh Algar, and others in leading roles, with Travis Fimmel being particularly noteworthy as Marcus, a human survivor whose religious fervor drives much of the series’ conflict.
The dynamic between the atheist androids and the religious human survivors creates a captivating exploration of how different belief systems approach parenting, survival, and the interpretation of the strange phenomena occurring on Kepler-22b.
The Planet’s Ominous Discoveries
The series reaches its climax when the true essence of Kepler-22b is unveiled, showing that the planet itself might be more than just a new abode for humanity. Ancient structures, mysterious voices, and the emergence of hybrid creatures imply that previous civilizations encountered similar challenges, prompting questions about whether humanity is destined to repeat its destructive cycles.
The final episodes of season two deliver startling revelations about Mother’s pregnancy with a serpentine being and the discovery of ancient human technology that predates Earth’s civilization, setting up enigmas that sadly remain unresolved due to the series’ cancellation.
Thriving on HBO Max Despite Early Termination
The series was well-received by critics and viewers, maintaining an 80% Fresh Rating and 80% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes across its first two seasons. Despite its critical success and dedicated fanbase, Raised by Wolves was canceled after two seasons due to corporate restructuring when WarnerMedia merged with Discovery. The show’s unique mix of philosophical science fiction and horror elements cultivated a devoted following that continues to advocate for its revival on other platforms.
A Sci-Fi Classic Cut Short Prematurely
If you’re a fan of thought-provoking sci-fi that challenges your views on parenting, faith, and humanity, Raised by Wolves is the ideal series to binge on HBO Max (now available on Roku). This ambitious series deserves recognition as one of the most innovative sci-fi shows of recent years, even if its narrative remains frustratingly incomplete.
Why This Groundbreaking Series Merits Your Attention
Despite its early cancellation, Raised by Wolves stands as a testament to what television science fiction can achieve when granted the creative freedom to explore profound concepts with breathtaking visuals and exceptional performances that leave you pondering the nature of consciousness itself.
Series Information
Number of Episodes: 18 (Season 1: 10 episodes, Season 2: 8 episodes)
Platform: HBO Max (now available on Roku)
Release/End Year: 2020-2022
Rating (IMDb): 7.5/10
Genre: Science Fiction, Drama, Thriller
Currently airing, finished, or premiering soon: Cancelled after two seasons
Main Characters: Amanda Collin (Mother), Abubakar Salim (Father), Travis Fimmel (Marcus)
Antagonist: The planet Kepler-22b itself, religious extremism, ancient mysteries