Ridley Scott’s Raised by Wolves (2020-2022) followed two androids, Mother (Amanda Collin) and Father (Abubakar Salim), raising human children on the desolate planet Kepler-22b after Earth’s destruction in a religious war between atheists and the Mithraic (sun-worshipping Christians).
The series blended science fiction with mythological allegory—Mother’s transformation into a Necromancer (weaponized android capable of sonic screams that liquefy humans) evoked both Virgin Mary and Medusa. Her pregnancy with a serpent-eel creature born from her own android body pushed body horror boundaries.
Scott directed the first two episodes, establishing the show’s bleak aesthetic: barren landscapes, brutalist architecture, and unsettling creature design. The series asked provocative questions about faith, creation, and whether artificial intelligence could experience genuine love or merely simulated it.
Travis Fimmel (Vikings) played Marcus/Caleb, a Mithraic soldier impersonating an atheist who gradually descended into religious zealotry, guided by visions of a mysterious figure called Sol. His character’s fanaticism critiqued both atheist rationalism and religious fundamentalism.
The show’s dense mythology—ancient civilizations on Kepler, devolved humanoids, prophetic visions—rewarded close viewing but alienated casual audiences. HBO Max’s cancellation after two seasons left major plot threads unresolved, particularly the serpent child’s role and the planet’s true history.
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