With “Murderbot,” Apple TV+ presents a deliciously disillusioned android
Apple TV+'s latest sci-fi series was released on May 16. "Murderbot" is the code name for a robot (Alexander Skarsgård) who hacked himself to gain free will. Tasked with ensuring the safety of a group of scientists, he often appears jaded or bewildered by the human race. The American press praised the overall humor.
It's a robot who loves watching TV. Murderbot: Diary of an AssaSynth, available on Apple TV+ since May 16, features an android (Alexander Skarsgard) who loves Sanctuary Moon —a sort of Star Trek -esque soap opera (only more kitschy) and an intriguing series within the series. However, this SecUnit, for "security unit," has the primary function of protecting the humans who hire its services.
But, as The Hollywood Reporter summarizes , this particular robot has managed to hack itself and unplug “the device that forces SecUnits to carry out orders, prevents them from harming their human masters and forces them to focus their energy on the mission at hand… instead of downloading thousands of hours of streaming programs.” And the same robot decides to hide from everyone that it has managed to access free will.
The story really begins when AssaSynth – the ironic nickname he chose for himself – is tasked with watching over a group of scientists on a study mission to a nearly deserted planet. This small, hippie-like community is “led by Mensah (Noma Dumezweni), a benevolent leader who refuses to treat him like a mere machine,” notes The Washington Post . There is also a trio of scientists: Pin-Lee (Sabrina Wu), Arada (Tattiawna Jones) and Ratthi (Akshaye Khanna). “This small group also includes Bharadwaj (Tamara Podemski), a researcher and former healer, and
Courrier International
