Earth’s Atom May Be Actually Be Prodigy’s Secret Synthetic

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Alien: Earth episode 4, “Observation”.

The majority of Alien: Earth‘s characters aren’t completely human, with the prequel show revolving largely around hybrids, but one high-ranking Prodigy member looks as though they could secretly be a synthetic. As the franchise has progressed, new species have become increasingly common, yet synths have been a mainstay ever since the very first movie, with Alien: Earth continuing this trend.

Despite the number of gifted minds involved in the series, Kirsh has proven to be among Alien: Earth‘s smartest characters and looks like he will be crucial to the plot going forward, highlighting that synthetics aren’t yet obsolete despite Prodigy’s focus on hybrids. Interestingly though, he may not be the only android that the corporation relies on.

While Alien: Earth episode 4’s ending shifted the main focus towards Wendy’s peculiar relationship with the xenomorphs alongside Slightly’s plan to help Morrow, a subtle moment much earlier in “Observation” seems to have revealed that Prodigy is hiding a fascinating secret, as one of the company’s most trusted employees displayed a trait only seen in non-human characters.

Atom Catching The Ball Hints That He’s A Synth In Alien: Earth

Patrick Brown/FX

While experimenting with the eyeball creature during Alien: Earth episode 4, Boy Kavalier attempted to draw its attention by throwing a ball, and Atom’s lightning-fast catch indicates he could actually be a synth. Although it seems possible a human could make the catch, Atom’s reflexes somewhat mimicked Wendy’s, who had a similar reaction when Kavalier threw a ball at her.

Considering Wendy is a hybrid, her highly advanced body gives her genetic enhancements that regular humans don’t possess, with her sharp reflexes being one of them. Therefore, Atom demonstrating such similar traits surely can’t just be a coincidence, and the decision to include this scene looks like a way of subtly teasing the character’s true identity.

Judging by Kavalier’s nonchalant response to his right-hand man’s instinctive actions, it seems highly possible that the boy genius designed Atom specifically to serve his needs. Likewise, the fact that Atom didn’t even look while making the catch provides further evidence that he could quietly be an android designed by Prodigy, rather than the high-profile executive he appears to be.

Why It Makes Sense For Atom To Be A Synthetic

Boy Kavalier’s desire to be surrounded by advanced intellects makes the idea of Atom being a synthetic all the more logical. Ade Edmondson’s character loyally serves Kavalier and never seems to question the CEO’s judgement, yet he is also highly intelligent, meaning Atom is exactly the type of being a narcissistic pioneer like Kavalier would want by his side.

Kirsh’s prominent role in research and looking after the hybrids proves that Prodigy embraces synths, providing further evidence that Atom could be one as well. Additionally, it would make sense for someone like Kavalier to want an android with advanced strength and reflexes nearby for protection, especially if Atom is designed for this very purpose.

Assuming this theory is correct, it remains unknown if anyone in Prodigy outside Kavalier knows about Atom’s synthetic status. Either way, the character’s mysterious involvement in the plot makes him one of Alien: Earth‘s most interesting characters, and he’s bound to play a bigger role as we approach season 1’s final few episodes.