Ranked among the most-watched series on Netflix since its release (just behind Asterix & Obelix: The Battle of the Chiefs), The Eternaut is a hit on the streaming platform. As Earth is hit by a toxic snowfall, Juan Salvo (Ricardo Darín) realizes that the phenomenon is only the first step in a large-scale alien invasion. Setting out in search of his family, the man will have to face a devastated Buenos Aires, while realizing that he possesses the extraordinary ability to travel through time, condemned to relive the destruction of his world in the hope of changing the destiny of humanity.
A title that says it all
By looking into it a little, we quickly understand that “The Eternaut” is not an empty title, but that it gives valuable indications on the evolution of the story. It is a portmanteau word constructed from two roots: “éter,” which refers to eternity or infinity, and “naute,” from the Greek “nautès” meaning “navigator” or “traveler.” Literally, the eternaut refers to a traveler of eternity, or “one who navigates in eternity.”
This choice directly echoes the journey of the hero, Juan. Throughout the episodes, we understand that Juan is trapped in a time loop where past, present, and future merge. In the original comic strip as in the series, he must understand and master his powers in order to hope to save humanity. This dimension of time travel, wandering, and perpetual quest is at the heart of the plot and gives meaning to the title.
A nod to the history of science fiction
The term “Eternaut” is also part of the tradition of great science fiction stories. Here, it’s no longer a question of space exploration, but of time travel. A subject widely addressed in stories of the genre. In Héctor Germán Oesterheld and Francisco Solano López's 1957 novel, the character navigates time and space, seeking a final shot at redemption. The series, which aims to be like Netflix's The Last of Us, is already a ratings hit, and we have to admit it's managed to capture our attention. The full review is available here.
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