Netflix's "Encounters"
Yes, it's more of the same — but this time there's something you can do about it.
Yes, there is yet another spin-the-wheel-and-create-a-new-UFO-documentary series out there: Encounters on Netflix. And yes, it’s exactly like all the countless others: it is completely credulous, and retells long-debunked UFO tales that have already been told many times, as if they were factual events (in other words, it lies to you). But this one is particularly insidious: Netflix has anointed it A Netflix Documentary Series which means they will actively recommend it to nearly all Netflix subscribers; and the production company is Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment, which means it will have as much marketing clout as Hollywood is able to muster. This is why you’ve probably already seen ads for it. It will successfully misinform and de-educate a lot of people.
Today, it is the #3 most-watched show on Netflix.
Encounters promotes false versions of these four tales:
Episode 1 “Messengers” - In 2008, ten F-16s did a series of night maneuvers over Stephenville, Texas (including dropping flares), triggering many UFO reports (that looked a lot like flares). Although the USAF jumped up on their ear to tell the media what it had been, the media reported UFOs anyway. Netflix goes with that version too; alien visitation is the only plausible explanation. (I mentioned this case a couple of weeks ago when HISTORY apparently tried to steal some of Netflix’s thunder.)
Episode 2 “Believers” - In 1994, a UFO writer and an alien abduction brainwasher persuaded about 1/4 of the children on a playground outside Harare that they’d just had an alien experience. They failed to persuade the other 3/4. Netflix tells you the only possible explanation was an actual alien visitation. I did a Skeptoid episode on it, and it’s one of the featured cases in my new movie.
Episode 3 “Broad Haven Triangle” - In 1977, during something of a media frenzy about UFOs, a guy stole a silver fire suit and hoaxed a whole bunch of people in Broad Haven in the UK, including some students at their school. Netflix regards it as uncontestable proof of alien visitation.
Episode 4 “Lights Over Fukushima” - A Japanese woman believes she is an alien. There isn’t a story associated with this, it’s just an exploitation of a person who is very likely suffering from untreated schizoaffective disorder. I personally find this sort of exploitation offensive.
As I said, many viewers will accept these four stories as fact, without question. Netflix (and Amblin Entertainment) appear to be perfectly satisfied to spread misinformation.
I said in the subtitle above that there’s something you can do about it. Every time you see a social media post from someone saying how amazing Encounters was, post them a link to The UFO Movie THEY Don’t Want You to See, which is the antidote. I remain mortified that Prime, Apple TV, and Tubi are taking so long to make it available, but it is always available to rent at Vimeo.
Personally, I feel it should offend any reasonable person that the networks are perfectly content to misinform for money. I know this is not exactly a new or revolutionary thought, but it always bears repeating. And it will next year, and the year after that, and in 10 and 50 years. Sensationalism sells, and whether a story is factual simply isn’t a part of the calculus. Misinform, dumb down, and smile all the way to the bank.