Amazon and Apple have released high-profile alien invasion series. One is very disappointing and the other is misrepresented.

Invasion There is some sort of alien attack, but it’s played out with tiny teasers. This includes a few ominous threats and minor disasters, but the first real encounter doesn’t happen until Episode 6. The creature design is somewhat new, but the first fight lacks much tension. This series examines the effects on several different groups, including an American family on the run, a technician at JASA (Japan’s version of NASA) who’s haunted by an calamity, a group of British school kids in an accident and an American soldier in Afghanistan. It takes the first 3 episodes just to set up these plots. The 9^th episode deals with the threat, but it’s clear that things aren’t over in the final episode. Even with some mildly interesting interactions, the sluggish pacing makes it frustratingly slow. Full disclosure, I speedwatched much of this, because it’s more about the people and their issues and I just wanted to see aliens attacking.  (Ten one-hour episodes with 2^nd season already announced.) (1.5 / 5) Apple TV+ link

Encounter Riz Ahmed plays an ex-Marine who scoops up his sons from their mother to protect them from the alien microscopic organisms invading the planet. It turns out that this is more a road escape with no sci-fi payoff. Ahmed creates another wonderful character as the caring, but troubled dad, while Lucian-River Chauhan and Aditya Geddada are both captivating as his sons. This chase adventure is more about their relationship than any extraterrestrial threat. As such, it’s a mildly sweet, but often absurdly-plotted family drama. Those expecting off-world encounters will be disappointed. (2 / 5)  Amazon Prime Video link