Why does the military think they stopped the aliens with nuclear weapons in “Invasion?”

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In the cinematic world of Simon Kinberg’s Apple TV+ original series "Invasion," we are confronted with an alien takeover of immense proportions. The aliens, mysteriously unknown and technologically advanced, stage an invasion that flips the world on its head. Yet, as this eerie narrative unfolds, one of the most intriguing and contentious threads to unravel is the role and interpretation of the U.S. military. Specifically, their steadfast belief that they have defeated the aliens using nuclear weapons. However, as we venture deeper into the reality of the Invasion universe, this belief begins to warp and crack, revealing a complex array of truths, half-truths, and downright fallacies. To fully understand this, we must embark on a Socratic exploration of the claim, probing its evidence and challenging its assumptions.

The Illusion of Triumph

Firstly, let us consider the evidence that led the U.S. military to believe in their own triumph. Throughout season one, the military, much like the rest of humankind, grapples to comprehend the scale, intent, and capability of the alien invaders. The world is thrown into chaos, governments scramble for control, and the military spearheads defensive operations, utilizing their most destructive weapons, including nuclear weaponry.

The moment of perceived victory arrives when the menacing alien crafts begin to fall from the sky, and the alien creatures seemingly drop dead. To the military, these events are a direct result of their nuclear offensive - the "shock and awe" tactic that they've employed so effectively in terrestrial wars. This is a compelling piece of evidence that, on the surface, validates their claim.

Scrutinizing the Evidence

However, as we begin to scrutinize this claim, the cracks begin to emerge. If we remember correctly, Caspar, a teenager with psychic abilities, is the one who actually stops the alien onslaught. His psychic power, linked to the alien hive mind, grants him control over the invaders - a fact unbeknownst to the military.

The synchronicity of Caspar’s actions with the military’s deployment of nuclear weapons presents a classic case of post hoc ergo propter hoc, a logical fallacy where one event is erroneously believed to be the cause of another simply because it preceded it. The military, unaware of Caspar's pivotal role, attributes the defeat of the aliens to their nuclear attack because it coincides with the sudden halt of the invasion.

Challenge the Assumptions

Moving on, it's important to challenge the underlying assumptions of the military's belief. At its core, the military's confidence in their victory is rooted in their long-standing doctrine of force - the assumption that superior firepower equates to victory. This principle may hold true in human conflicts, but in the face of an advanced alien species, it’s naive at best and reckless at worst.

The alien invaders of "Invasion" possess technology that is beyond our comprehension, with abilities that seem to bend the laws of physics. To presume that our current weaponry, even nuclear, could halt an advanced civilization capable of interstellar travel is a deeply flawed assumption. Moreover, the aliens' capability to regenerate, seemingly using the earth's resources, indicates that they might be immune to our most powerful weapons.

What Lies Ahead?

In conclusion, the U.S. military's belief in the alien defeat by nuclear weaponry, while grounded in observable events, is a misconception built on flawed assumptions and a lack of complete information. This erroneous belief will likely shape their strategy moving forward, potentially leading to more devastating miscalculations and missteps.

Going into the next season, we should anticipate an awakening, a humbling realization of the fact that humanity's traditional instruments of war may be woefully inadequate in the face of a superior alien force. This could prompt a shift towards non-traditional means of resistance, perhaps even exploring psychic abilities like those exhibited by Caspar.

The exploration of such a narrative would not only make for a thrilling viewing experience but would also serve as an allegorical reminder of the real-world implications of assuming victory too quickly based on incomplete evidence or understanding. Such a scenario underscores the importance of open-mindedness, thorough investigation, and, above all, humility in the face of the unknown.