But, to your first point, I think that in fact was the appeal---it was what made "Independence Day" such a good movie, that using good old human brain power, we found a way to defeat the super-smart evil octopi critters.
“...using good old human brain power, we found a way to defeat the super-smart evil octopi critters.”
It worked because it was in the script. I can pretty much guarantee that in a real-world situation we’d be toast. Or on toast if they wanted it that way.
But most sci-fi is really about the subplots. I worked with people (very smart people) who decried TWD because it didn’t involve killing zombies 24/7. This is what video gaming has done to people. :)
I really doubt, though, that there tech would be in any way shape or form compatible with ours.