Ancient Aliens may be one of the most interesting science fiction series ever filmed, although it is masquerading as a documentary series hosted by the History Channel. This series, now running for three seasons, presents the theories of different scientists and authors who believe that aliens have been visiting Earth since the dawn of time and continue to do so throughout history. Indeed, they propose that historical documents, archaeological evidence, and myths and legends contain proof of these alien visitations in the distant past.

Episode two of this third season, "Aliens and Monsters," for example, takes mythological monsters such as the Hydra or the Pegasus of Greek legend, the dragon and the Loch Ness monster, or even the gods themselves, and posits that such creatures are based on fact and were the result of alien genetic experimentation.

The show suggests that ancient peoples depicted only what they saw or couldn't explain. While it is probably true that most myths and legends sprang from people trying to explain what they couldn't understand, it is also equally true that man would be creative enough to invent such creatures and myths, something the documentary never ventures to suggest.

Indeed, most of the episodes here are based largely on speculation, photos and "eyewitness" accounts which may or may not be hoaxes, and on the theories of these "scientists," whose ideas come close to pseudoscience (beliefs which are presented as scientific but can't really be verified by any scientific method) while coming across as simply hokey.

Perhaps more of note are the religious claims that these people make. For example, a great number of things are said to be means of communication with aliens, from Jerusalem's Temple Mount, to even elements of the Catholic Mass. The Book of Mormon was really given to Joseph Smith by an alien. Even George Washington, when he went away in the forest to pray at Valley Forge, was visited by an alien who gave him a vision and the courage to continue the fight. And did you know that Jonah wasn't really swallowed by a big fish, but by a USO or unidentified submersible object? Right.

Again, most of these things will come across to people, especially Christian viewers, as so ridiculously far-fetched that they don't even merit discussion. And yet, people have a tendency to take what they see at its word, especially if it is presented as a History Channel documentary. So, while this series is surprisingly well-made, with pretty decent special effects and a compelling narrative, it also has the potential to be dangerously misleading about our history, our stories, and even our faith. Particularly disquieting is the overarching theory that humans themselves were created by aliens, and the idea of God Himself making man in His image comes from aliens genetically engineering or evolving humans in their humanoid likeness. That is where this series goes from merely amusing to disturbing.