The Lensman Connection

While watching this, I got the feeling that the writers were
paying homage to the classic Lensman series by E.E. Smith.
Two powerful, ancient races with psychic powers fighting for
control of the universe using humanity (and other aliens) as their
pawns. Specifically the way the Dark Ones were able to apparently
kill instantly with their psychic power.
Anybody else notice this possible reference?

There's also the possibility that the muckleech was a reference
to Mister Mind, leader of the Monster Society of Evil who fought
Captain Marvel (Shazam) and turned out to be a tiny alien worm.
There was a parody of this in a Radioactive Man comic, so a tenuous
connection exists.
Any thoughts on these theories?