Ep 7. Night of the Screams

In Alien Nation season 1 episode 7, titled "Night of the Screams," the series explores the themes of fear, alienation, and the human need for community. The episode begins with the announcement of the upcoming Purge Night - a traditional event in which the alien community in Los Angeles is allowed to engage in violent behavior without repercussion. While the aliens view it as a way to vent their frustrations and anxieties, humans view it as a night of danger and terror.

The story unfolds as a group of human teenagers decide to play a prank on their alien classmate, Buck Francisco. They break into his home and steal his prized possession, a crystal that he claims has healing powers. The prank quickly turns into a nightmare when Buck and his family are attacked by a group of purgers. The aliens are outnumbered and outgunned, and it's up to the human police officers, Matt and George, to come to their rescue.

As the night unfolds, the tensions between the two communities reach a boiling point, and both sides become more and more desperate to protect their own. The episode portrays the sad reality that fear and ignorance can lead to violence and hatred. The humans see the aliens as a threat to their safety, while the aliens feel that they are being unjustly persecuted.

The alien community is portrayed as a group struggling to find their place in a world that doesn't accept them. They have their own customs, their own language, and their own culture, but they are viewed as outsiders by the dominant human society. Buck, the central figure of the episode, is depicted as a sympathetic character who is trying to make a life for himself in a hostile world. He is an outsider in both the human and alien communities, and his struggle reflects the larger themes of the show.

The episode is also a meditation on the power of community and the need for human connection. The humans are shown as a fractured society, with individuals only looking out for themselves. The aliens, on the other hand, band together in times of crisis and support each other, even in the face of violence. As Matt and George enter the alien neighborhood, they are met with suspicion and hostility, but ultimately they are able to build trust and work with the community to solve the crisis.

Overall, "Night of the Screams" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that explores themes of fear, community, and the human need for acceptance. The episode is a poignant commentary on the current state of society, highlighting the need for understanding and compassion in a world that often seems divided and hostile.