As per the original 1986 broadcast, Alternates are intelligent lifeforms that use psychological warfare against their victims.
Where we deviate however is that you should not try to kill them yourself. They are not able to be shot or seemingly harmed physically at all. Simply hide in place and hope they go away or run away.
Complete assimilations are the hardest to visually detect. Their behaviours are usually their tell. If a person you know suddenly becomes highly focused on you without reason, that person may be an Alternate seeking its next victim. They also do not need to breathe, so check their chests for the proper moving of their lungs. If the weather is cold enough, they can also be detected as they will not produce an exhalation.
Flawed assimilations are easier to visually detect. The only way a flawed Alternate may be able to hide their flaws is under clothing. If you suspect a person to be an Alternate, bring them to a place where it is common for clothing to be lesser, such as the beach or a water park. If the person does not dress appropriately, it is likely they are an Alternate. Some Alternates are intentionally flawed to scare their prey, us.
Overdriven assimilations are the easiest to visually detect. They have highly exaggerated features, such as longer or shorter heads/limbs, enlarged/shrunken body parts, and obviously biologically impossible characteristics for humans. While there are not many examples of this type of Alternate, the few that are known are HIGHLY DANGEROUS. DO NOT APPROACH.
