A grieving couple are led to second guess what’s worth leaving behind when an otherworldly encounter interrupts their move.

The first of Alex Rubens’ two stories this year (he also penned Season 1’s The Comedian and Blurryman) has a fascinating premise but just can’t make the landing, leaving too much unanswered and awkward.

Robert (Christopher Meloni, Man of Steel) and Barbara (Jenna Elfman, Fear the Walking Dead) are packing up, preparing to move from their home which has too many memories of their daughter, who we learn took her own life. We also discover that there has been a recent cosmic event, and there’s now a gloopy CGI alien in the basement which is able to transform into the appearance of their deceased offspring. Feeding on her energy and memories, the entity confronts the parents about what really happened.

From that description alone, you can tell it’s tough material. The couple are in denial about why she killed herself, and now it’s being flushed out. Through this unexpected therapy, what’s less rewarding is the implication of a verbally abusive relationship between Robert and Barbara. And while the aliens seem to have planned an invasion, they’re now apparently happy to use their biological pacification tool to heal us, and the final shot I just don’t buy in its implications.

Verdict: Unsatisfying and hollow when the intent was clearly meant to give you the feels. A rare emotional misstep in this year’s season. It’s failure is not in its ambition but its muddled execution. 6/10

Nick Joy