Why Pit 'Alien' Against 'Aliens' When Ripley is Great in Both?
Ripley is a great character because she serves two distinct, but rewarding, purposes in the original film and the sequel.

A documentary filmmaker uncovers an alien conspiracy in Flatwoods, West Virginia.
Ripley is a great character because she serves two distinct, but rewarding, purposes in the original film and the sequel.
At least we got the original cast back, right? Not even that saves it. None of them could bring a sliver of hope to this special. Rather, they bring dread as we witness the light leaving from their eyes.
This modern update of the beloved classic swaps Cyrano's signature pronounced nose for achondroplasia, for a different vision that still retains the original's essence.
The justice system in the United States of America is supposed to operate as you are deemed innocent until proven guilty. But "When They See Us" shows what happens for Black people is they are deemed guilty until proven innocent.
Where we leave the characters is in such a peaceful and optimistic place. It feels well-earned to ensure everyone gets their own specially-crafted happy ending.