Serveur du lecteur
Épisode
Saison
Les Envahisseurs
19677
DrameAction & AdventureScience-Fiction & Fantastique
Sortie
10 janv. 1967
Pays
États-Unis
Production
Quinn Martin Productions (QM)
Un soir, alors qu'il s'assoupit au volant de sa voiture, David Vincent, architecte, est témoin de l'atterrissage d'une soucoupe volante. Depuis cette nuit-là, il n'a de cesse de convaincre ses semblables de combattre ces extraterrestres qui sous une apparence humaine infiltrent insidieusement la Terre afin de la coloniser.
About
Quick guide
An architect in the 1960s uncovers alien infiltrators disguised as humans.
The Invaders follows architect David Vincent, who witnesses an extraterrestrial craft land near a closed diner. Believing the world is being overrun by beings that assume human form, he struggles to convince authorities while uncovering a plan that could turn Earth into a new home for a dying alien race. Set against the backdrop of 1960s America, the series blends suspenseful investigation with political paranoia, keeping viewers questioning what is real and what is illusion. The story unfolds over two seasons of 42 hour-long episodes.
What to know
- The series has 2 seasons and a total of 42 episodes.
- Episodes run approximately 60 minutes each.
- The show premiered on 5 September 1967 and concluded on 26 March 1968.
- Creator and writer Larry Cohen appears in the series.
- A prominent cast includes Roy Thinnes, Kent Smith, and Gene Hackman.
- The tone is dark, tense, and investigative with political subtext.
- The plot centers on alien infiltration and human resistance.
- It remains a classic example of 1960s science‑fiction television.
Watch if
If you enjoy thoughtful, low‑budget sci‑fi thrillers where a lone investigator uncovers a grand alien conspiracy, The Invaders offers a tense, character‑driven narrative that critiques Cold War paranoia. It’s ideal for fans of The X‑Files’ early vibe and Twilight Zone‑style suspense.
Skip if
If you prefer high‑budget, action‑heavy sci‑fi with clear-cut heroes, or if you’re looking for modern CGI effects, The Invaders’ slow‑burn pacing and 1960s production style may feel dated and underwhelming.
dark toneinvestigation heavypsychological elementspolitical themeshorror elementssuspensefulintense actionmature themes
Premise Overview
David Vincent, an architect, stumbles upon a crashed alien craft and realizes the planet is being infiltrated by extraterrestrial beings masquerading as humans. The show tracks his relentless pursuit to expose the invaders while battling skepticism from authorities and the threat of being silenced.
Main Protagonist
Vincent is a determined, skeptical architect who becomes the lone voice against a covert alien takeover. He employs logic, evidence, and occasional bravado to convince others, often putting himself in peril.
Alien Motive
The invaders hail from a dying planet seeking a new home. They infiltrate human society to secure resources, influence, and ultimately to transform Earth into a new colony under their control.
Political Context
Set during the 1960s, the series reflects Cold War anxieties, government secrecy, and fears of unseen threats, mirroring real‑world paranoia about espionage and foreign influence.
Narrative Style
Each episode follows an investigative structure: a new alien encounter, evidence gathering, confrontation, and an open‑ended resolution, keeping the audience engaged in a slow‑burn thriller.
Production Details
Produced by Jerry Sohl and others, the series features writers like Larry Cohen and directors such as Joseph Sargent. With limited budgets, the show relies on tension, dialogue, and subtle special effects.
Legacy & Influence
The Invaders has influenced later sci‑fi shows, inspiring a genre of low‑budget, conspiracy‑driven narratives that emphasize character over spectacle.
Similar vibes
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Perdus dans l'espace
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Galactica
Alien invasion narrative combined with human struggles underpins both series.
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Le Prisonnier
Conspiracy themes and identity questions mirror the paranoia in The Invaders.
Série
★8/10
La Quatrième Dimension
Anthology‑style episodes explore speculative horror and psychological twists in a classic sci‑fi setting.
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★8/10
Au-Delà du Réel
Explores speculative science and moral dilemmas, echoing the series’ tone.
Série
★8/10
FAQ
48 Q&A
What inspired the creation of The Invaders?
The series was inspired by a dream producer Quinn Martin had about an alien invasion. He envisioned aliens secretly taking over Earth and a lone hero trying to stop them. The show aimed to tap into Cold War fears and the idea of hidden enemies.
What was the intended ending of The Invaders?
The creators originally planned for David Vincent to eventually succeed in stopping the alien invasion. However, the show was canceled before a definitive ending could be written, leaving the story unresolved.
Did the invaders have specific technology?
Yes, the invaders possessed advanced technology. This included flying saucers, hand-held ray guns that could disintegrate people, and devices to transform their appearance. They also had advanced medical capabilities.
What happened when an invader was killed?
When an invader was killed, their body would rapidly disintegrate into a pile of red dust. This dust was a tell-tale sign that an invader had been eliminated.
What year did The Invaders originally air?
The Invaders originally aired in 1967.
How did the invaders disguise themselves?
The invaders could disguise themselves to look exactly like humans. This allowed them to blend in and carry out their mission without being easily detected by ordinary people.
What were the production challenges faced during The Invaders?
Production faced challenges like budget limitations and the need to create futuristic special effects with the technology of the 1960s. Filming often involved recreating alien environments and depicting their advanced technology convincingly.
Did The Invaders have any spin-offs or remakes?
Yes, The Invaders has had a few attempts at revival. There was a TV movie in 1995 that served as a sequel, and a short-lived series in 1997.
What was the purpose of the invaders' mission on Earth?
The invaders' mission was to secretly infiltrate and take over Earth. They planned to colonize the planet and replace humanity, preparing it for a larger invasion.
Who created The Invaders?
The Invaders was created by Larry Cohen.
What is the significance of the episode 'Inquisition'?
The episode 'Inquisition' is significant because it revealed that the invaders were aware of David Vincent's efforts and were actively hunting him. It raised the stakes and showed the invaders were not just passive infiltrators but a direct threat.
What network aired The Invaders?
The Invaders aired on the ABC network.
How were the UFOs depicted visually in The Invaders?
The UFOs were depicted as sleek, cylindrical craft that could hover silently and land unobtrusively. They were often shown with a distinctive red light on the front.
How many seasons did The Invaders have?
The Invaders had two seasons.
What themes were explored in The Invaders?
The series explored themes of paranoia, distrust, and the fear of the unknown. It also touched on the idea of a lone individual fighting against overwhelming odds and the struggle for survival.
Was there a definitive ending to The Invaders series?
No, there was not a definitive ending to The Invaders series. The show was canceled before the story could be concluded, leaving David Vincent's fight against the invaders unresolved.
What is the premise of The Invaders?
The premise is that aliens are secretly invading Earth and replacing humans. Architect David Vincent is the only one who knows they are here and tries to expose them and stop their invasion, but few believe him.
What were the clues that indicated someone was an invader?
A key clue was that invaders could not feel emotions like pain or love. They also had a distinctive birthmark, often on their hands, which they tried to hide. When killed, they turned to red dust.
Who stars as David Vincent in The Invaders?
Roy Thinnes starred as architect David Vincent.
Were there any full-scale UFO props used in The Invaders?
While the show used models and special effects for the UFOs in flight, full-scale props were not a significant part of the production. The focus was more on the effects of their presence and their technology.
What was the main plot of The Invaders?
The main plot followed David Vincent, who witnesses a flying saucer landing and an alien emerging. He then dedicates his life to proving the alien invasion is happening and stopping the invaders, facing disbelief and danger.
How was the interior of the UFO shown in The Invaders?
The interior of the UFOs was depicted as futuristic and functional, often featuring advanced control panels and strange lighting. The design aimed to convey a sense of alien technology and purpose.
How was The Invaders received by critics?
The Invaders was generally well-received by critics upon its release. It was praised for its suspenseful storytelling, timely themes, and the performance of its lead actor.
Did The Invaders have a planned movie ending?
While there was a TV movie in 1995 that served as a sequel, there wasn't a specific planned movie ending for the original series. The creators likely hoped to resolve the story within the show's run.
What were the distinguishing characteristics of the invaders?
The invaders were humanoid in appearance but lacked human emotions. They had a distinctive thumb birthmark and could disintegrate into red dust when killed. They also possessed advanced technology for infiltration and control.
Did David Vincent ever convince the authorities about the invasion?
No, David Vincent was not believed by authorities.
What happened to David Vincent after the series finale?
The series ended with David Vincent continuing his fight, his fate after that is not shown.
Were there any recurring alien characters?
No, specific alien characters did not recur.
How did the aliens react when their cover was threatened?
They would try to eliminate the threat, often by killing witnesses.
What were the common criticisms or praises of The Invaders?
It was praised for its premise and suspense, but sometimes criticized for repetitive plots.
What was the role of Edgar Scoville in the series?
Edgar Scoville was a journalist who eventually believed David Vincent and helped him.
Did the aliens have a weakness?
Yes, they could be harmed by electrical devices.
How did the series handle the portrayal of aliens?
They were depicted as human-looking but with a distinct physical trait and a hidden agenda.
What is the current status of The Invaders in terms of syndication or streaming?
The Invaders is available on some streaming services and has been syndicated.
What is the runtime of a typical episode of The Invaders?
Most episodes were around 50 minutes long.
What was the aliens' ultimate goal?
Their goal was to take over Earth and prepare it for colonization.
What was the reception of The Invaders in international markets?
The series was popular internationally.
Were the aliens from a dying world?
It was implied they were seeking a new home.
How did the aliens regenerate people?
They had advanced technology to heal or revive people.
How did the showrunners feel about the series' cancellation?
Showrunners were disappointed but understood the show had run its course.
Were there any notable guest stars in The Invaders?
Yes, many actors appeared as guest stars.
What role did Quinn Martin play in The Invaders?
Quinn Martin was the producer of the series.
Who composed the theme music for The Invaders?
The theme music was composed by Joseph Wiseman.
What was the significance of the deformed finger on some invaders?
The deformed finger was a tell-tale sign of their alien nature.
Did David Vincent have allies in his fight against the invaders?
Yes, a few people, like Edgar Scoville, eventually believed him and helped.
Were there any real-life events that influenced The Invaders?
The Cold War and fears of invasion may have influenced the show.
Are there any theories about the aliens' true form?
Their true form was not revealed, only their human disguise.
How did the aliens attempt to discredit David Vincent?
They tried to make him seem crazy or a liar to authorities and the public.
