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Based on Martha Wells’ “The Murderbot Diaries” and adapted for television by Chris and Paul Weitz, Apple TV+‘s sci-fi action comedy “Murderbot” follows a security construct (Alexander Skarsgård) who is placed on a dangerous mission to protect a team of hippie scientists exploring a new planet. However, this particular security unit isn’t exactly a company-grade issue. Tired of being subjected to the whims and orders of humans, the cyborg has overridden the module that forces it to obey commands. As a result, it’s given itself free will and a new name, Murderbot. With a newfound sense of self, Murderbot is forced to hide its disgust for human weakness and emotion. Though the series has promising aspects –namely because of Skarsgård’s performance, a flimsy plot and uneven pacing may fail to keep viewers tuned in.
The show opens as Murderbot successfully hacks and nullifies his Governor’s Module. In quiet celebration of his success, he eagerly downloads thousands of hours of dramas and soap operas, his favorite being “The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon.” (John Cho, Jack McBrayer, Clark Gregg and DeWanda Wise star in the cheesy space-set soap opera within the series.) Unfortunately, before Murderbot can indulge in the one thing it truly enjoys, it’s reassigned to travel with the scientists from the Preservation Alliance.
Led by Mensah (Noma Dumezweni), the group’s fearless leader, the mission consists of Arada (Tattiawna Jones), Pin-Lee (Sabrina Wu) and Ratthi (Akshay Khanna), who are in an awkward throuple. Dr. Bharadwaj (Tamara Podemski) is another team member as is Gurathin (David Dastmalchian), a tech-augmented human who is immediately suspicious of Murderbot. As a whole, the scientists are horrified by the idea that Muderbot is “enslaved” to them and are constantly asking about its feelings and perspective. Murderbot finds all of this appalling and disgusting.
“Murderbot” has several enjoyable elements. Skarsgård narrates and humorously portrays the security unit’s disdain for human emotion and obsession with what it calls “premium quality entertainment.” It also finds making eye contact particularly vile. Sexuality is especially revolting for Murderbot. After accidentally looking in on Arada, Pin-Lee and Ratthi in an intimate moment, it proclaims, “I don’t have a stomach, so I can’t throw up. But if I did, I would.” In Episode 5, Leebeebee (Anna Konkle), a member of another survey team on the planet, is dazzled upon seeing Murderbot’s face. (Security Units typically wear helmets at all times.) She then dives into a full-fledged fantasy about Murderbot’s genitalia, pondering its appearance and what it can do to amusing effect. (Spoiler alert: Murderbot very much gives Ken doll in that arena.)
Yet, even with the series’ humorous components and fascinating aspects, “Murderbot” doesn’t quite succeed because of its odd pacing and lack of plot. The show has unique settings, but it’s light on narrative, with a mystery at the story’s center feeling almost like an afterthought. Moreover, other segments of this capitalist-focused space society are presented without detail or explanation, which may confuse audiences who haven’t read Wells’ books.
Most of the 10 episodes run for 25 minutes or less, and in the majority of them, very little happens. At some point, viewers feel as if they’re being tugged along instead of eagerly anticipating the next turn of events. Additionally, while Murderbot, Mensah and Gurathin have substantial character arcs, the remaining characters act as background dressings in the show. The story likely would’ve been sharper in a 90-minute film format, giving the narrative the momentum it needed to sustain itself all the way through.
Still, the show’s tone offers audiences something atypical in the realm of sci-fi action. “Murderbot” addresses themes like artificial intelligence, enslavement, freedom and equality, but it’s not as dark and drab as others in the genre have depicted. Centering Murderbot’s particular albeit irritable perspective, introverts and others may certainly find a kindred spirit in the easily irked protagonist. Nevertheless, despite its memorable central character, “Murderbot” isn’t substantial enough for viewers to want to learn more.
The first two episodes of “Murderbot” premiere May 16 on Apple TV+ with new episodes dropping weekly on Fridays.
English (US) ·