First Wave (TV series)
First Wave (TV series)
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First Wave (TV series)

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First Wave
Genre
Created byChris Brancato
Starring
ComposersDaryl Bennett
Jim Guttridge ("Hypnotic")
Claude Foisy
The Collison Brothers (season three)
Country of originCanada
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons3
No. of episodes66 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
Production locationVancouver Canada
CinematographyHenry Chan
Running time44 minutes
Production companies
Original release
Network
ReleaseSeptember 9, 1998 (1998-09-09) –
February 7, 2001 (2001-02-07)

First Wave is a Canadian science fiction drama television series, filmed in Vancouver, that aired from 1998 to 2001 on the Space Channel in Canada. The show was created and written by American screenwriter Chris Brancato. Francis Ford Coppola was executive producer on the show. In an unusual move, the Sci-Fi Channel, which picked up the show in late 1998, later expanded their pickup of the series to a 66-episode order.[1] The show was subsequently cancelled once the 66-episode order was filled at the end of the third season due to disappointing ratings.

Plot

[edit]

Former thief turned security specialist Kincaid Lawrence "Cade" Foster's life was idyllic, with a beautiful wife, good job and a nice house. Unbeknownst to him, a race of extraterrestrials called the Gua have identified him as subject 117 in an Alien experiment - AHX2323 - to test human will. As part of this experiment, his life is systematically ruined, including the murder of his wife, for which he is framed. He is the only one of the 117 subjects to solve the riddles of the experiment and escape arrest to live as a fugitive. The Gua are among humans in the form of hybridised genetic clones and plan to enslave humanity—the first of three "waves" intent on conquering and finally destroying the human race. Constantly pursued by the police, and a strange government agency called the Illuminati, Foster discovers previously unknown quatrains of Nostradamus, which tell of three waves that will destroy the planet unless the "twice-blessed man" can stop them. For this reason, Foster investigates strange occurrences that may have ties to the Nostradamus quatrains, hoping to find what he needs to stop the Gua.

"Crazy" Eddie Nambulous is a computer hacker who helps Cade Foster and works on a web tabloid Paranoid Times. He uses Cade's journal to tell people that the "aliens are here, walking among us, laying the groundwork for an impending invasion." After scanning the prophecies of Nostradamus into his computer, he analyzes and cross-references the quatrains with bizarre current events to which they may be connected. Foster and Eddie use these quatrains to understand the Gua invasion and search for any and all tools that may aid them in stopping the invasion in its First Wave.

One of the Gua, Joshua, does not believe the invasion of Earth is necessary. Although he wants the best for his people, he helps Cade and Eddie stop his people from initiating the "Second Wave" — the invasion itself, in which 19 million people will die.

History of the Gua

[edit]

We were like you once. There's a time for peace and inner-growth, but we became complacent; and when the invasion force landed, they took us down. One rebel led us to freedom. That's when we took the name Gua; it means "power to overcome". Over the centuries, science and industry achieved perfect focus. We created a military machine to ensure our freedom, permanently... We're here because we'll never be victims again."

— Joshua Bridges, season 1 episode 09, "Joshua"

The Gua are a race older than humanity, coming from a much older star system. As Joshua tells Cade, "Everything on my planet is red, the colour of a tired sun; the colour of death"[2] which indicates that their home system is at a much later stage than our own, and that their sun is entering a late phase of its life. The Gua originally existed peacefully, exploring their inner selves until they were invaded and enslaved. Eventually, they rose up and overthrew their oppressors, taking the name Gua from that climactic, defining event; Gua meaning "power to overcome".

As a consequence of this invasion, the newly named Gua decided they could no longer afford to be passive and peaceful, and set out on an aggressive, expansionist path. Aware of the limited lifespan of their home planet, they began a campaign to expand into other systems. Thus their invasion of Earth was planned.

Due to the distance between Earth and their own planet, the Gua devised a method of dispatching small metallic orbs containing their consciousnesses through wormholes to Earth and transferring them into specially bioengineered human husks. As a result of this, it is unknown what the Gua actually look like.

These husks contain small amounts of Gua DNA that provide the aliens with an increased rate of healing, strength, speed and intelligence. The husks dissolve and disappear completely when the aliens are killed. The aliens in these husks are tasked with preparing the planet for the Second Wave. While being held hostage by Cade, Joshua noted that he was in his "third body";[2] this is further elaborated when Joshua states that the average Gua life-span is "equal to 1,000 human years".[3]

In the third season, Joshua reveals that at least one other race had been conquered and exterminated by the Gua centuries prior. Apparently, some members of that race had precognitive abilities; it is revealed that the being later known as Nostradamus was a member of this race. He journeyed to Earth and used his precognitive abilities to leave behind the prophesies that would help Cade resist the Gua.

It has been established that the Gua communicate telepathically and have sensory abilities far more advanced than a human. This is due largely to the fact that from birth the Gua undergo a continuous metamorphosis, making the issue of identifying one individual Gua from another impossible. As a result, they have developed a sophisticated array of senses that can be used to rightfully identify other Gua. It has also been established that a Gua can at least sense the presence of another Gua from a distance without making contact.

The Gua have on numerous occasions demonstrated a very totalitarian culture and nature that limits their empathic abilities. Their sexual nature is one where intercourse is severely painful and partners are chosen out of genetic capabilities. Their culture is based on racial unity, where society is superior and individuals have no value. Several Gua have experienced guilt and even rebelled after realizing the horror they have committed on themselves and other races. As a result, many of them have been killed by their own as traitors.

Throughout the entire series, the Gua's most important weakness has been their lack of will, making them vulnerable when cornered or in emotional distress. They also proved (in human host form, at least) to have a weakness to salt – it affects them like a drug, rendering them "blissed out' and may lead to addiction.

In episode 41 (Season 2, episode 19),"The Trial of Joshua Bridges", Joshua confirms his fury towards the totalitarian and despotic nature of the Gua, accusing their leaders of reducing the Gua to "primitive butchers".

Cast

[edit]

Crew

[edit]

Episodes

[edit]
Main article: List of First Wave episodes
SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
122September 9, 1998 (1998-09-09)June 30, 1999 (1999-06-30)
222September 22, 1999 (1999-09-22)June 14, 2000 (2000-06-14)
322September 13, 2000 (2000-09-13)February 7, 2001 (2001-02-07)

Broadcast

[edit]

First Wave originally began airing on the Space Channel in Canada, premiering in September 1998. It also premiered in other foreign markets in 1998. While originally designed for first-run syndication market in the United States, the series was ultimately picked up the Sci-Fi Channel in December 1998 for a March 1999 premiere on the network.[4] Sci-Fi Channel later increased their order for the series to 66 episodes (three seasons) in early 1999.[1]

Home media

[edit]

On May 17, 2011, Alliance Home Entertainment released season 1 on DVD in Region 1 (North America).[5]

DVD name Ep# Release dates
Season 1: 1998-1999 22 May 17, 2011

Other media

[edit]

First Wave: Subject 117 is a novel by Chris Brancato and Karen Holmes aimed at younger readers, and published in June 2000.

A series of comic books were published by Andromeda Entertainment. Six issues were published between 2000 and 2001, encompassing four storylines and each issue was released with two alternate covers: a painted one by Matt Busch or one featuring a photo of the cast.

  • Heart of A Killer (2 issues), written by James Anthony Kuhoric with art by Dan Parsons — Cade Foster poses as a reporter and goes to Rikers Island to talk to a prisoner who might be an alien.
  • Jordan Radcliffe (1 issue), written by James Anthony Kuhoric with art by Dan Parsons — Ties into Raven Nation, the second episode of the third season.
  • In The Beginning (1 issue), written by James Anthony Kuhoric with art by Michael Malbrough — A prequel story that reveals how Cade Foster was chosen for their experiment by the Gua.
  • Double Vision (2 issues), written by James Anthony Kuhoric with art by Dan Parsons — The Second Wave occurs as Cade Foster and Jordan Radcliffe struggle to stop it.

References

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[edit]
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First Wave (TV series)

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First Wave is a Canadian-American science fiction drama television series created by Chris Brancato and executive produced by Francis Ford Coppola, which aired from September 9, 1998, to February 7, 2001, across three seasons comprising 66 episodes.[1] The series, filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, follows protagonist Cade Foster, a former thief played by Sebastian Spence, who is framed for murder and goes on the run while uncovering a clandestine alien invasion by the Gua race, guided by interpretations of Nostradamus's prophecies and aided by allies including conspiracy theorist Eddie (Rob LaBelle) and hybrid alien Joshua (Roger Cross).[2][3] Originally produced as a joint venture, the show premiered on Canada's Space: The Imagination Station and was subsequently acquired by the U.S. Sci-Fi Channel, where it became one of the network's early original series, blending elements of thriller, conspiracy, and extraterrestrial invasion narratives.[3][4] Key supporting cast members included Traci Lords as a recurring antagonist and guest stars such as Michael Eklund and Katharine Isabelle, with episodes often structured around standalone alien threats tied to a larger mythological arc.[5] The series drew inspiration from real-world conspiracy theories and ancient prophecies, positioning Foster as a reluctant hero racing against the "first wave" of an impending global takeover.[2] Despite modest initial ratings, First Wave developed a cult following for its serialized storytelling and practical effects, though it was canceled after its third season due to declining viewership amid competition from other sci-fi programs.[6] Critical reception was mixed, with praise for its engaging premise and character dynamics but criticism for occasional plot inconsistencies; it holds a 7.2/10 rating on IMDb based on 3,847 user votes.[1] The show's legacy endures through home video releases and limited streaming availability on platforms such as YouTube and Plex, as of 2025, influencing later alien conspiracy-themed media.[7]

Premise

Plot overview

First Wave centers on Cade Foster, a reformed thief whose life unravels after he becomes an unwitting subject in experiments conducted by the Gua, an alien race planning to invade Earth. The Gua frame him for the murder of his wife, leading to his imprisonment; Foster escapes and embarks on a cross-country quest to uncover the truth behind the conspiracy.[2] Foster's investigation reveals the Gua's insidious plot to enslave humanity through genetic infiltration, guided by prophecies from Nostradamus's quatrains. These prophecies, decoded by Eddie Nambulous—a brilliant but eccentric hacker and conspiracy theorist—provide cryptic clues that direct Foster to key sites and threats. As a fugitive evading both law enforcement and Gua agents, Foster disrupts their operations in episodic missions, gradually building a network of allies, including Joshua, a rogue Gua operative who questions his species' agenda.[2][6] Across its three seasons, the series traces Foster's evolution from isolated skeptic to leader in the resistance, escalating from personal revelations about the invasion to broader confrontations with the Gua's global schemes, all while he grapples with the fate of his wife. The narrative weaves in elements of human-alien hybrid experiments, underscoring the invaders' bioengineered nature.[6][2] Thematically, First Wave delves into conspiracy and paranoia, portraying a world where trust is eroded by hidden threats and moral lines blur in the fight for survival, echoing influences from classic sci-fi invasion tales.[8]

Gua mythology

The Gua are an ancient extraterrestrial species originating from a distant planet, where they once lived as a peaceful civilization focused on contemplation and inner growth before transforming into militaristic conquerors following an invasion of their homeworld that forced them to adapt aggressively for survival.[9] The term "Gua" translates to "power to overcome" in their language, reflecting this evolutionary shift toward expansionism driven by the need to secure resources and dominate other worlds.[9] Their history is marked by a doctrine of conquest, leading to the development of advanced bioengineering techniques that enable them to infiltrate and subjugate planets like Earth.[4] Biologically, the Gua are reptilian in their true form but primarily operate through bioengineered human replica bodies containing minimal Gua DNA, which grant them enhanced physical strength—capable of snapping necks effortlessly—rapid healing, and a lack of pain response even when losing limbs.[9] These replicas allow seamless possession via consciousness-transferring orbs, where a Gua mind hijacks the host, often resulting in the original human's displacement or death; if a possessed body is killed, it disintegrates completely to eliminate evidence.[9] The species possesses telepathic abilities for communication and coordination, as well as retractable tentacles in their natural state, but they exhibit vulnerabilities such as an addictive dependency on salt and human emotions, which can impair their judgment and control.[9] When angered, their skin displays a distinctive reddish ripple, a physiological tell that betrays their alien nature.[9] Gua society operates under a rigid totalitarian hierarchy led by a supreme leader known as the Guahead or Mabus, who frequently requires new host bodies due to the strain of possession, enforcing absolute loyalty through a caste system that includes warrior Acolytes for combat and infiltration, and scientific divisions like Osmosists and Empiricists for technological and experimental advancements.[9] Females within the species often employ seduction as a tactical tool in operations, while the culture values concepts like loyalty and even love among its members, though these are subordinated to the collective goal of conquest.[9] Factions exist, including strict loyalists who adhere to the invasion doctrine and rare defectors, such as the high-ranking operative Joshua, who questioned the morality of their actions after experiencing complications during a body transfer and began aiding human resistance efforts.[10] This internal division highlights subtle cracks in their otherwise unified structure. The Gua's invasion of Earth follows a meticulously planned three-wave strategy, with the First Wave consisting of sleeper agents embedded in human society through possessed replicas, who infiltrate corporations, governments, and communities to conduct experiments that test and erode human resilience—such as psychological trials on 117 archetypal personalities to gauge the species' will to fight.[9] These agents prepare the ground for the Second Wave, a direct space-based assault, and the ultimate Third Wave, envisioned as an apocalyptic Armageddon resulting in the deaths of 19 million humans on the invasion day.[9] Central to their timeline manipulation is a historical encounter with the prophet Nostradamus in 1564, where the Gua influenced or revealed prophecies in his writings to forecast the waves of destruction, inadvertently creating a human counterforce like protagonist Cade Foster as a prophesied warrior destined to oppose them.[9] This prophetic framework serves as both a strategic tool for the Gua and an unintended vulnerability, as it inspires human defiance against their conquest.[4]

Cast and characters

Main cast

Sebastian Spence stars as Cade Foster, a reformed thief and former security systems salesman who becomes the central resistance leader after being framed for his wife's murder by the invading Gua aliens. Driven by personal loss and his prophesied role as the "Twice-Blessed Man" in Nostradamus' quatrains, Foster's character arc evolves across all three seasons from a lone fugitive to a strategic commander coordinating efforts to decode prophecies and counter the alien threat.[1] Rob LaBelle portrays Eddie Nambulous, also known as "Crazy" Eddie, a quirky conspiracy theorist, computer hacker, and publisher of the online tabloid The Paranoid Times. Serving as Cade's tech-savvy sidekick, Eddie provides comic relief through his eccentric personality while offering crucial support in decoding quatrains, hacking systems, and maintaining the team's operational base throughout the series.[11][1] Roger Cross plays Joshua, a sympathetic Gua defector who defects from his alien brethren to aid Cade in the fight against the invasion. Representing the moral complexities within the Gua species, Joshua's arc highlights internal conflicts as he grapples with loyalty to his kind versus his growing empathy for humanity, providing insider knowledge and occasional alliances across multiple seasons.[1] In season three, Traci Lords joins as Jordan Radcliffe, a wealthy philanthropist and new core ally who integrates into the team with her private security resources and determination to combat the Gua, expanding the resistance's capabilities in the escalating conflict.[1]

Recurring and guest cast

The series featured several recurring performers in supporting roles that bolstered subplots related to the Gua invasion and human-alien hybrids, often interacting with the main cast to heighten personal stakes and action sequences. Robert Murray Duncan portrayed Mabus, the supreme Gua leader and primary antagonist, appearing in seven episodes across seasons 2 and 3, where he orchestrated key conspiracies and possessions that advanced the overarching mythology.[5][12] Dana Brooks played Colonel Grace, a U.S. military operative introduced in season 1, who allied with Cade Foster in four episodes to provide strategic and combat support during high-stakes missions against Gua forces.[12] Robert Wisden guest-starred as James Dutton in the season 1 episode "Undesirables," depicting an initial ally to Cade who later revealed himself as a traitor, thereby underscoring themes of deception and fragile alliances in early story arcs.[13] Notable one-off guest appearances included portrayals of prominent Gua figures and human collaborators, such as Steve Bacic as Paul in the season 1 episode "Undesirables," whose actions drove episode-specific conflicts involving infiltration and betrayal.[5]

Production

Development

The science fiction television series First Wave was created by writer Chris Brancato in 1997, drawing inspiration from conspiracy-driven narratives akin to those in The X-Files, on which Brancato had previously worked as a writer, and incorporating elements of Nostradamus' prophecies as a central mythological framework.[14][15] Brancato partnered with producer Bert Salke to pitch the concept, securing executive production involvement from Francis Ford Coppola through his company American Zoetrope, which helped obtain a rare upfront commitment from the Sci-Fi Channel.[14][8] In an unusual move for the network at the time, Sci-Fi Channel ordered a full 66 episodes across three seasons before the pilot had aired, driven by strong international syndication potential that favored longer runs for global distribution.[14][15] The series was developed with a focus on low-budget production in Vancouver, British Columbia, to deliver high-concept alien invasion storytelling affordably, leveraging the region's established infrastructure for sci-fi shoots and Canadian tax incentives that reduced costs compared to U.S. locations. Over the course of production, the writing evolved from primarily standalone episodes in the first season to more interconnected serialized arcs in later seasons, deepening the Gua alien mythology in response to viewer interest in expanded lore.[8]

Filming and crew

The principal filming for First Wave took place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, from 1998 to 2001, leveraging the city's diverse urban landscapes and soundstages to depict conspiracy-laden settings across North America. Local facilities such as Vancouver soundstages were utilized for interior scenes, while exteriors captured the show's paranoid, shadowy atmosphere in rain-slicked streets and industrial areas.[8][16] The production featured a rotating team of directors, with Michael Robison helming 10 episodes to maintain a consistent visual style emphasizing tension and suspense. Other notable directors included Holly Dale (6 episodes), Mike Rohl (9 episodes), and Jorge Montesi (7 episodes), who contributed to the series' episodic pacing. Cinematographer Henry Chan served as director of photography for key early installments, employing low-light techniques and dynamic camera work to heighten the noir-inspired paranoia.[8][5] Special effects combined practical makeup for Gua alien possessions—creating grotesque, transformative prosthetics—with modest CGI for alien technology and environmental anomalies, all managed by Canadian firms like The Embassy VFX and Rainmaker Digital Pictures. Visual effects producer Nancy Mott Basi oversaw integration of these elements on a television budget, prioritizing seamless blends over spectacle.[17] The series faced production hurdles from its demanding 22-episode seasons, which imposed tight shooting schedules and limited post-production time, as noted by cast members navigating the intense pace in Vancouver's variable weather.[18] The score, primarily composed by Claude Foisy, fused electronic pulses with orchestral swells to underscore mounting dread and action sequences, enhancing the show's sci-fi thriller tone without overpowering dialogue.[5]

Broadcast and release

Original broadcast

First Wave premiered in Canada on the Space channel on September 9, 1998.[19] The series made its United States debut on the Sci-Fi Channel on March 19, 1999, airing Fridays at 7 p.m. PT.[8] The show ran for three seasons, with each season comprising 22 episodes, resulting in a total of 66 episodes produced under an initial contract with the Sci-Fi Channel.[1] Episodes typically ran for 44 minutes and were broadcast weekly, incorporating summer hiatuses between seasons; for instance, Season 1 aired from September to December 1998 with additional episodes in June 1999, while Seasons 2 and 3 followed similar patterns from September to June and September to February, respectively.[19][1] Produced in association with Pearson Television International, First Wave entered international syndication following its North American launch, reaching foreign markets starting in 1998.[8] The series concluded its original run on February 7, 2001, with the Sci-Fi Channel opting not to renew beyond the 66-episode commitment due to declining ratings.[19][1]

Home media

The sole official physical home media release for First Wave is the complete first season on DVD, issued as a six-disc box set by Alliance Home Entertainment on May 17, 2011, in Region 1 format for North America.[20] This edition contains all 22 episodes from the 1998–1999 season but does not include special features such as commentaries or bloopers. No official DVD or Blu-ray releases for seasons 2 and 3, or a complete series set, have been produced by major distributors. Limited international physical editions exist, such as a Region 2 release for Europe; no official Region 4 releases for Australia are documented, though unofficial or imported copies occasionally appear through secondary markets.[21][22] In the digital realm, First Wave remains largely unavailable on major subscription streaming services as of November 2025. It is not offered on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video in the United States. Free ad-supported television (FAST) services such as Tubi and Pluto TV do not carry the series. However, it is accessible for streaming on Amazon Video in select international markets, including Germany.[23] This limited digital footprint reflects the absence of broad retrospective distribution agreements since the show's original broadcast concluded in 2001.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its premiere in 1998, First Wave received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its inventive premise of an alien invasion framed through psychological experimentation and Nostradamus prophecies while noting limitations in production values. Variety described the series as "legitimately creepy and compelling," highlighting its originality compared to X-Files clones, complex storylines, and strong lead performance by Sebastian Spence as Cade Foster, though it emphasized a visually spare approach over elaborate effects.[24] In contrast, the Deseret News called it "really rather dull," criticizing its predictable plotting and low-tech elements, such as minimal gadgets and rubbery alien prosthetics, which underscored budget constraints typical of Sci-Fi Channel originals.[15] The series earned an average user rating of 7.2 out of 10 on IMDb, based on over 3,800 votes, reflecting appreciation for its serialized storytelling, particularly in Season 2, where character chemistry between Foster and allies like Eddie Dodd deepened amid escalating Gua threats.[1] Critics noted strengths in the integration of Nostradamus quatrains as a narrative device, adding prophetic tension to the alien conspiracy, and drew frequent comparisons to The X-Files for its blend of paranoia and fugitive pursuit, though First Wave was seen as more focused on human-alien ethical dilemmas, such as the Gua's covert testing of humanity's resilience. However, Season 3 faced backlash for repetitive plots and inconsistent pacing, with some reviewers observing a decline in momentum after the stronger ensemble dynamics of prior seasons. Effects were often critiqued as dated, relying on subtle perceptual horror rather than advanced visuals, which limited its scope amid post-Cold War sci-fi trends emphasizing invasion paranoia.[25] First Wave garnered no major awards but received technical nominations, including a 1999 Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Main Title Design and a Gemini Award nomination for Best Original Music Score in a Dramatic Series.[3] It also won a 1999 Leo Award for Best Picture Editing in a Dramatic Series and was nominated for Best Dramatic Series that year, with a 2000 Leo win for Best Performance by a Male in a Dramatic Series for Brent Fidler.[26] Thematically, the show explored post-Cold War paranoia through an alien vanguard's subtle infiltration, questioning human ethics in the face of existential threats and using prophecy to propel its invasion narrative, elements that resonated in analytical overviews of 1990s sci-fi.[15] In retrospect, it has been recognized as an underrated cult entry in the genre, praised for its raw emotional intensity and cult following despite initial commercial underperformance.[1]

Audience and legacy

First Wave attracted a dedicated audience of science fiction enthusiasts during its original run on the Sci-Fi Channel, where viewers praised its suspenseful blend of conspiracy thriller elements and alien invasion narratives, often comparing it to The X-Files and The Fugitive.[1] The series built a growing weekly viewership through its character-driven stories and addictive pacing, though it ultimately faced cancellation after fulfilling its initial 66-episode commitment due to disappointing overall ratings in the U.S.[1] As a joint Canadian-American production, it found stronger initial support in Canada via the Space Channel, which contributed to the decision to complete the full order despite softer American performance. Over time, the show has cultivated a cult following among fans who appreciate its underrated status and unique interpretation of Nostradamus prophecies as a framework for resistance against extraterrestrial threats.[27] Active online communities, including discussions on Reddit since the 2010s, highlight its campy fun, intriguing plots, and emotional depth, with enthusiasts recommending it as an overlooked gem of late-1990s sci-fi.[28] Conventions have occasionally featured cast members like Sebastian Spence, who played protagonist Cade Foster, allowing fans to engage directly with the series' legacy, though Spence's commitments sometimes limited appearances.[29] The series' exploration of paranoia, hidden invasions, and human resilience has left a lasting impact on the genre, influencing later works that delve into conspiracy-driven alien narratives amid post-9/11 cultural anxieties about surveillance and trust.[1] Early fan efforts following cancellation included petitions for a fourth season. As of 2025, the series has limited availability on major streaming platforms, though its legacy endures through home video releases and online fan discussions.[30][23][3] The abrupt end left key elements of the Gua alien mythology unresolved, contributing to ongoing fan interest in potential continuations.

Other media

Novels

The official novelization of the First Wave television series is titled First Wave: Subject 117, a simplified adaptation aimed at younger readers and English language learners.[31] Originally conceived by series creator Chris Brancato, the story was retold by Karen A. Holmes as part of the Penguin Readers Level 2 series, which limits vocabulary to 600–800 words to facilitate accessibility for teens and ESL students.[32] Published in June 2000 by Pearson Education (under the Longman imprint associated with Penguin), the paperback edition spans 39 pages and includes comprehension exercises, vocabulary aids, and discussion prompts at the end.[33] The novel closely ties to the pilot episode "Subject 117," expanding slightly on the early events of Season 1 by following protagonist Cade Foster, a former thief and security specialist whose life unravels through financial ruin and personal loss engineered by the alien Gua as part of a prophetic experiment to test human resilience.[31] It delves into Cade's investigation, revealing the Gua's covert invasion plan disguised as a coming "first wave" of destruction, while introducing key elements like the ancient Nostradamus-inspired prophecies and Cade's designation as experimental subject 117. Unique to the book are simplified narrative expansions on Cade's emotional backstory and the psychological toll of the Gua's manipulations, presented in a more straightforward prose than the televised version to suit its educational purpose, though it omits deeper ensemble dynamics from later episodes.[31] Reception for First Wave: Subject 117 has been modest, with an average rating of 3.3 out of 5 on Goodreads from 14 user reviews, praising its engaging introduction to sci-fi concepts for beginners but noting its brevity and simplified style limits complexity.[31] Tied to the series' initial syndication in 1998–2000, the novel served as promotional tie-in material but did not spawn further prose adaptations. Now out of print, copies remain available through second-hand markets like Amazon and AbeBooks, often as used paperbacks in good condition for under $10.[34]

Comics

A four-issue limited series based on the First Wave television series was published by Andromeda Entertainment from 2000 to 2001.[35] Written by James A. Kuhoric with art primarily by Dan Parsons, the black-and-white comics expanded the show's mythology through episodic stories tied to its second season airing.[36] The series introduced visual narratives that complemented the TV format, focusing on key characters like Cade Foster and the Gua aliens while exploring unfilmed aspects of their universe.[37] The comics consisted of "Heart of a Killer" #1-2, depicting Cade confronting a Gua infiltrator in prison; "Jordan Radcliffe" #1, centering on the supporting character and tying into a season three episode; and "In the Beginning" #1, exploring the origins of the Gua invasion and human resistance. Unique to the comics were elements like expanded backstories for supporting cast members and experimental Gua tech that influenced human allies, bridging gaps in the televised lore. The series was distributed through comic specialty shops and tied directly to the show's promotion on the Sci-Fi Channel. Copies are now rare and sought after by collectors.[38]

References

  1. First Wave (TV Series) - American Zoetrope
  2. First Wave (TV Series 1998–2001) - IMDb
  3. First Wave (TV Series 1998–2001) - Plot - IMDb
  4. First Wave - Where to Watch and Stream - TV Guide
  5. First Wave (Series) - TV Tropes
  6. First Wave (TV Series 1998–2001) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
  7. First Wave - Screen Rant
  8. First Wave | Rotten Tomatoes
  9. First Wave - Variety
  10. Gua - Alien Species Wiki - Fandom
  11. Defector from Decadence - TV Tropes
  12. Rob LaBelle Movies & TV Shows List | Rotten Tomatoes
  13. First Wave (TV Series 1998-2001) - Cast & Crew - TMDB
  14. "First Wave" Undesirables (TV Episode 1998) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
  15. 'Wave' duo pilot cable; Wang's 'Pretty' deal - Variety
  16. Paranoid 'First Wave' is really rather dull - Deseret News
  17. CANADA ADVANTAGE: BUDGET TV - Los Angeles Times
  18. Why Vancouver Could Become The New Hollywood
  19. First Wave (TV Series 1998–2001) - Filming & production - IMDb
  20. Nancy Mott Basi - IMDb
  21. Michael Porterfield - Senior Compositing Artist ... - LinkedIn
  22. Inside First Wave -.:: GEOCITIES.ws ::.
  23. Projects - Daryl Bennett/Composer
  24. First Wave (a Titles & Air Dates Guide) - Epguides.com
  25. First Wave: Season 1 - DVD - Amazon.com
  26. First Wave - watch tv show streaming online - JustWatch
  27. https://variety.com/1999/tv/reviews/first-wave-1200456950/
  28. First Wave (TV Series 1998–2001) - User reviews - IMDb
  29. [PDF] 1999 NOMINEES & WINNERS - Leo Awards
  30. Sci-Fi - FIRST WAVE Classic alien invasion with cult following
  31. Anyone also like First Wave tv series? : r/XFiles - Reddit
  32. Sebastian Spence and Rob Labelle - The Little Review
  33. FIRST WAVE - HELP GET SEASON 4 - OoCities.org
  34. https://www.littlereview.com/getcritical/interviews/firstwav.htm
  35. First Wave: Subject 117 by Karen Holmes | Goodreads
  36. First Wave: Subject 117 (Penguin Readers, Level 2) - Amazon.com
  37. First Wave Subject 117, Level 2, Penguin Audio Reader - AbeBooks
  38. First Wave: Subject 117 (Penguin Readers: Level 2 Series)
  39. First Wave Heart of a Killer (2000 Andromeda) comic books
  40. First Wave #1A FN ; Andromeda comic book - Amazon.com
  41. First Wave #1 - The Crapbox of Son Of Cthulhu
  42. https://americanretrographics.com/products/first-wave-complete-andromeda-comic-lot-set-in-the-beginning-j-radcliff-hoak-1-2
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