The Alien Monster in the HBO series "Watchmen" is a significant event known as the squid attack or the psychic squid hoax. In the original "Watchmen" comic series by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, an extra-dimensional squid creature was created by Adrian Veidt (Ozymandias) and teleported into New York City, causing mass destruction and deaths in an attempt to unite humanity against a perceived extraterrestrial threat.
In the HBO "Watchmen" series, set in an alternate reality where the events of the original comic are part of history, the squid attack is a pivotal moment. The show explores the aftermath of this event and the societal changes it brought about. The Alien Monster incident was a catalyst for significant geopolitical shifts, cultural changes, and the implementation of a global squid hoax to maintain peace and prevent further catastrophic events.
The series delves into themes of racism, vigilantism, and the impact of trauma, all set within the complex alternate universe established by the original comic. The concept of the Alien Monster remains a powerful symbol in the show, representing both the horrors of the past and the manipulative efforts to control the future.