by Cookie N Screen
Our over reliance on technology has been the source of fiction and terror. Where does artificial intelligence and robotic servitude end? The answer is becoming a reality that draws closer every day. Highlighting the general fear that we all have, our cinemas and television shows are opening the doors for creative scientific exploration into the possibility of being replaced by metallic beings made to look like us, who are faster, smarter and have none of that messy “emotions” business. With X-Men: Days of Future Past, Ex_Machina and Chappie all recently devouring the semantics and resonance of sentience in machine, and Terminator Genisys coming up, Channel 4 has waded in on the debate with their stirring television series Humans.
Our over reliance on technology has been the source of fiction and terror. Where does artificial intelligence and robotic servitude end? The answer is becoming a reality that draws closer every day. Highlighting the general fear that we all have, our cinemas and television shows are opening the doors for creative scientific exploration into the possibility of being replaced by metallic beings made to look like us, who are faster, smarter and have none of that messy “emotions” business. With X-Men: Days of Future Past, Ex_Machina and Chappie all recently devouring the semantics and resonance of sentience in machine, and Terminator Genisys coming up, Channel 4 has waded in on the debate with their stirring television series Humans.
In an alternative reality, Humans revolves around machines or “Synths” (short for synthetic) who are humanoid servers placed into homes thanks to expanding technological advances. In three different threads, Anita causes upset to the Hawkins’ family when the husband buys her as a surprise. Leo has a pack of synths who, presumably, have developed a consciousness and his attempt to hide them fails when they are kidnapped and forced back into labour. George is an elderly man who has refused to update his malfunctioning synth despite it causing much more hassle. In an introductory episode, this has greatly set up the world of Humans.
The cast is absolutely phenomenal. With the likes of William Hurt, Katherine Parkinson, Gemma Chan, Neil Gaskell and Colin Morgan all playing the multiple facets of robotic life, the show is teeming with talent and never squanders them. Each have a character with a different developed personality that set into motion the ongoing future events. However, it is Chan’s soothing robotic tones as Anita, with an undercurrent of danger and intrigue that excel with the show's premise. She slowly develops Anita with this enthralling aurora that, as Parkinson’s Laura investigates her, the writers ensure the audience stays completely engaged with the character. But Chan looks to be a stellar piece in an excellent cast, all ripe with juicy story lines that will come dripping down to us soon.
The cast is absolutely phenomenal. With the likes of William Hurt, Katherine Parkinson, Gemma Chan, Neil Gaskell and Colin Morgan all playing the multiple facets of robotic life, the show is teeming with talent and never squanders them. Each have a character with a different developed personality that set into motion the ongoing future events. However, it is Chan’s soothing robotic tones as Anita, with an undercurrent of danger and intrigue that excel with the show's premise. She slowly develops Anita with this enthralling aurora that, as Parkinson’s Laura investigates her, the writers ensure the audience stays completely engaged with the character. But Chan looks to be a stellar piece in an excellent cast, all ripe with juicy story lines that will come dripping down to us soon.
The story and themes have merely been introduced though in this episode, though it has been done with great aplomb. Rather than just plonk the audience in this world and say “There you go,” it actually starts threading the intelligent and emotional sides of the story with seemingly little effort. Exploring both the love and the insecurity between humans and their Synths whilst extrapolating the elements of sentience and slavery. The most enthralling theme brought to light is replacing humans in laborious jobs and how children no longer aspire to work because they’ll easily be substituted by a smarter and more obedient robot. Whilst putting robots in the work place has somewhat been envisioned in movies, it’s interesting to see the effects it has on the upcoming generations.
On top of this, the soundtrack is absolutely stunning, evocative and futuristic. With hopes that themes will be fleshed out and the tension will mount, Humans has a promising life on television as a thrilling, engaging and smart series. As the threads are followed, this series brings science-fiction right into our homes. And much like the Synths, who knows where we are heading with them!
On top of this, the soundtrack is absolutely stunning, evocative and futuristic. With hopes that themes will be fleshed out and the tension will mount, Humans has a promising life on television as a thrilling, engaging and smart series. As the threads are followed, this series brings science-fiction right into our homes. And much like the Synths, who knows where we are heading with them!
RSS Feed
