Murderbot is another great show on Apple + that at first I didn’t know what to make of it. While the story is based on a book, I have never read it so I went in “blind” with this show and not even realizing that it was actually a comedy mixed in with a little drama and a lot of heart. But that’s the thing about Apple +, they always seem to have the best written shows from comedies, to thrillers, to dramas, and especially science fiction. To say that I loved this show would be an understatement. I was pleasantly surprised by how great Murderbot turned out to be and that is in no small part due to Alexander Skarsgard who plays the Android that hacks his own system and gains free will. That’s the basic story, but there’s so much more to the Android. Just like Data from Star Trek who wanted to experience what it meant to be human, the Android in the Show who is affectionately known as Murderbot seeks to have that human experience, but through a science fiction soap opera he loves to watch. That’s where the comedy really begins. His idea of human experience is seen through the eyes of a show that is far from reality.
In order to hide his existence as an Android with free well, he goes on a mission with scientists and explorers who get into all sorts of trouble. I can’t say more or I will spoil the show and this is definitely a show you should check out on Apple +. Each episode is not long, it’s only about 30 minutes so you can binge watch the entire season in an afternoon. It’s the perfect amount of time to really tell this story because it feels like a long movie, but not so long and arduous that it’s boring. The best part of the show is the commentary by “Murderbot” with what he learns from his favorite soap opera has he tries to help the explorers he’s been tasked with. They soon discovered that he has free will and can’t decide whether to truly accept him or turn him in to the company that created the Android. It very much resembles Bicentennial Man, the Isaac Asimov story or the Robin Williams movie if thats how you’re familiar with it. But an Android learning to be more human always poses the philosophical question within sci-fi, what is it truly mean to be human. Is it merely having free will? Is it just being sentient? Even though the show is a comedy, it does explore these philosophical themes.
So why should you check out this show! The wonderful performances of Alexander Skarsgard and David Dastmalchian. Murderbot is funny, heartwarming, and the kind of dark comedy that keeps you wanting more. With each episode you will want to know more about the Android and his journey having free will as well as his connection to the explorers who become his friends. There’s plenty of action and even the death scenes which can be gruesome at times are funny. Overall this is just a great show that explores big themes with a lot of heart. If you’re a fan of Sci-Fi and comedy then this is a show that you need to check out. Plus the story within the story regarding the soap opera that “Murderbot” likes to watch is absolutely hysterical. This show is a hidden gem on the streaming platform and one more reason why you should subscribe to it. I’ve raved about the quality of storytelling on Apple + and with each new show that I check out, it just seems to get better and better. Murderbot is great and worth watching!
