Ridley Scott‘s underrated sci-fi TV masterpiece Raised by Wolves, produced with a bold vision and intense emotional depth, has outshined his major theatrical hits for many fans, despite a shorter run. Debuting on HBO Max, the series broke new ground for science fiction television, immersing viewers in a hauntingly original universe and pushing beyond the boundaries established by classics like Blade Runner 2049.
Although Blade Runner and Alien often dominate discussions about Ridley Scott’s legacy in science fiction, Raised by Wolves stands as one of his most ambitious undertakings, both visually and philosophically. Created by Aaron Guzikowski and guided by Scott, who directed the opening episodes, the show offered an enthralling mix of hard sci-fi, provocative storytelling, and striking imagery. While Denis Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049 delivered a stunning and thoughtful sequel, Raised by Wolves pursued profound questions about faith, creation, and the fate of humanity with even greater narrative risk and artistry.
How ‘Raised by Wolves’ Redefined Sci-Fi Storytelling
Raised by Wolves examined the depths of artificial consciousness and religious ideology, expanding significantly beyond the narrative scope of Blade Runner 2049. Where the film centered on replicants wrestling with their place in society, the series posed broader ethical dilemmas, asking whether creators—whether human or machine—are inevitably doomed to replicate the same catastrophic errors that devastated Earth. These philosophical explorations distinguished the show within contemporary sci-fi.
The plot centers on Mother, played by Amanda Collin, and Father, portrayed by Abubakar Salim—two androids dispatched to the hostile planet Kepler-22b after Earth’s destruction by religious strife. Their assignment is to raise human children in hopes of launching a secular civilization free from ideological warfare. However, their hopes are upended when survivors from the Mithraic order, under the fervent leadership of Caleb (Travis Fimmel), land on Kepler-22b, igniting a fierce conflict between belief and reason.
This central tension—between faith and rationality—became the nucleus of the series. Rather than symbolically referencing religion, Raised by Wolves tackled its complex legacy head-on, illustrating the deadly potential of unyielding ideological conflict in shaping societies and destinies.
Integral to the narrative is Mother’s evolution, torn between her nurturing programming and her devastating capabilities as a weapon of war. Her journey showcases some of the genre’s strongest character-driven arcs, weaving questions about motherhood, instinct, and power into a grander philosophical tapestry. The creative risks taken by Aaron Guzikowski and his team yield moments that are surreal, unsettling, and utterly captivating, ultimately leaving viewers to ponder whether a creator can ever truly govern the behavior of their own creations—or if life, artificial or otherwise, will always develop unforeseen consequences.
The show‘s atmosphere is equally notable—a world both frightening and alluring, filled with ancient terrors and complex ethical riddles, keeping viewers engaged and continually questioning the nature of humanity, artificial life, and belief systems.
Cast Performances and Visual Mastery Set a New Genre Standard
Visually, Raised by Wolves achieves an extraordinary balance of originality and technical achievement. In contrast to the urban dystopia perfected by Villeneuve in Blade Runner 2049, Raised by Wolves transports viewers to the brutal, unfamiliar landscapes of Kepler-22b—a realm that feels both timeless and perilous. The planet’s design, infused with Scott’s aesthetic flourishes such as the milk-like android blood, heightens the show’s distinctive atmosphere. Scott’s immediate engagement with the scripts, creating storyboards and shaping every detail, ensured that the visual and thematic ambitions of the series were fully realized.
Yet it is the performances and writing that elevate Raised by Wolves from visual spectacle to genuine artistic accomplishment. Amanda Collin’s portrayal of Mother is both mesmerizing and chilling; she shifts seamlessly between moments of gentle affection and sudden, overwhelming violence, embodying the dual nature of her character. Abubakar Salim, bringing humor and a sense of humanity to his role as Father, often lightens the show’s intensity with well-placed jokes, but can become every bit as forceful and dangerous when circumstances call for it. Their interactions drive the emotional stakes of the series, reflecting its exploration of the tangled connections between parenthood, programming, and individual will.
Travis Fimmel delivers a powerful performance as Caleb, a complex figure whose devotion wavers between righteous fervor and magnetic menace. Alongside him, Niamh Algar portrays Sue, a human doctor and fiercely protective mother whose dynamic with her (adopted) son mirrors the confusion and ambiguity Mother experiences—raising questions about what truly defines a family, and whether care or ideology ultimately prevails. Their fraught relationships underscore the show’s refusal to preach or take easy sides; instead, it illustrates how even the purest intentions can descend into chaos or tragedy.
During a 2022 Collider interview, Aaron Guzikowski remarked on his comprehensive vision for the series, explaining that he had outlined five complete seasons and had planned a definitive conclusion. Unfortunately, the show was denied closure by its abrupt cancellation after two seasons, sparking frustration among fans and creators alike. In an era when genre storytelling is often cut short, many viewers are left to wonder how much further Raised by Wolves could have evolved if allowed to reach its intended destination.
Despite the brevity of its run, the series has cemented its place as a key achievement in Ridley Scott’s career. Its vast philosophical ambition, inspired performances, and commitment to emotional storytelling have made it one of the most original and influential sci-fi series of the decade, deserving recognition alongside Scott’s best-known cinematic works. The impact of its premature removal from HBO Max has been felt keenly by audiences, especially amid Warner Bros.’ ongoing shifts in streaming strategy. There remains hope among fans and creators that Raised by Wolves might yet return to the spotlight, potentially finding a new platform and the larger viewership it has earned.
Through its unflinching look at the boundaries of creation, belief, and family, Ridley Scott’s underrated sci-fi TV masterpiece Raised by Wolves has left a legacy that extends beyond the shadow of Blade Runner 2049—challenging audiences to consider the future of humanity and the stories we tell about our origins, destinies, and the unpredictable consequences of our actions.
