Steven Spielberg's 'Invasion America' – A Lost '90s Masterpiece

A New UFO Film from Steven Spielberg

Even after a 60-year directing career, which includes iconic films like Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, and War of the Worlds, Steven Spielberg is making a return with another film centered around a UFO event. Although the movie is still about a year away from release, it’s already generating excitement due to David Koepp being hired to write the script and a list of major stars who have signed on, including Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, and Colin Firth. Fans are hoping that Spielberg will incorporate some of the ideas he originally developed for a 1998 animated series he co-created. This surprising fact reveals that one of the most celebrated filmmakers in modern history was also involved in a cartoon during the late '90s.

The Concept of 'Invasion America'

Just like his well-known films, this 13-episode series was also about an alien invasion. Viewers were immediately introduced to the Tyrusians, a human-like alien species whose entire civilization exists on a dying planet. While they had secretly been working their way into positions of power on Earth under full human disguise, they now seek to take over the planet during this time of crisis. Spielberg and Star Trek writer Harve Bennett created Invasion America as a more suspenseful alternative to the animation boom of the late '90s, which was sparked by shows like The Simpsons.

A Unique Animated Series

The series follows David Carter, a character who discovers his true alien origins and fights against the same race from which he came. As a native of Tyrus, David’s father, Cale-Oosha, and uncle, The Dragit, are on opposing sides. Cale-Oosha, the rightful ruler, wants to build a relationship with Earth through diplomacy, while The Dragit prefers a more aggressive approach, using the Tyrusian armed forces to gain resources and bring Earth to its knees. David’s story begins when Cale-Oosha crash-lands on Earth years before the main events and forms a bond with a woman named Rita. Eventually, Cale-Oosha is called back to Tyrus, leaving David, Rita, and Rafe (Cale’s bodyguard) behind.

A Mature Approach to Animation

Despite the premise, the show took a bold approach by introducing shocking deaths early on, leaving David to fight alone for much of the series. In the animated genre, Spielberg managed to craft a compelling narrative. One of the standout features of Invasion America was its ability to appeal to both younger and older audiences. While the first season rarely pushed boundaries, it wasn’t afraid to show terrifying alien creatures or violent body horror when necessary. For example, David encounters a monstrous alien with thousands of sharp teeth, and in another scene, a human character is brutally cut in half, displaying graphic details. The pacing and tone maintained a consistent theme, always focusing on the danger of the alien invasion to drive the story forward.

A Star Trek Influence

David and his small group of allies are constantly on the move, trying to stop the various plans the Tyrusians have devised. Whether it's a secret underground complex in the desert or a magnetic missile base on the far side of the moon, the show delivers action and explosions at every turn. The influence of Harve Bennett is evident, particularly in the aircraft flying, space battles, and stylistic design, which resemble what you might see in the early Star Trek movies.

A Short-Lived but Impactful Show

Despite its potential, Invasion America did not last beyond the first season. It only aired for five weeks on WB, with two episodes packed into a one-hour segment, and the final three episodes shown together as a grand finale. However, the show managed to make an impact, winning a Primetime Emmy for musical composition and being nominated for two Golden Reel awards. Legendary composer Carl Johnson worked alongside Spielberg and Bennett to bring this science fiction story to life. The final episode’s score even caught the attention of industry professionals.

A Worthwhile Binge

Admittedly, Invasion America had some plot holes and inconsistent story elements, such as a US base with minimal security or villains speaking English at inopportune times. However, these issues can be overlooked due to the genre's conventions. Rather than being scrutinized, the show should be appreciated for what it achieved. Invasion America is recognized as the first prime-time animated dramatic miniseries. While it may not have stood out compared to other sci-fi works like Star Wars or adult-oriented shows like Gundam, it offers a unique blend of constant tension and excitement, with no character being safe from death. And the best part? You can watch Invasion America on YouTube for free. So why wait? Give this underrated series a chance.