Murderbot: Finding Humanity in a Half-Assed Dystopia
Apple TV+ is preparing to launch its new sci-fi series, "Murderbot," an adaptation of Martha Wells’ acclaimed "Murderbot Diaries." The show delves into a future where interstellar commerce is dominated by powerful corporations that mandate the presence of Security Units, or Murderbots, on planetary survey missions. These hulking cyborgs, a blend of mechanical and organic components, are designed for protection. The premise alone conjures a chilling scenario: being stranded on a remote planet with a heavily armed AI.
However, "Murderbot" subverts this familiar trope by centering the narrative on the Murderbot itself, portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård. This protagonist, after hacking its own system and achieving free will, surprisingly retains a protective instinct toward the humans in its charge. The show promises a unique blend of action, suspense, and unexpected empathy, exploring the complexities of personhood and individuality in a technologically advanced future.
In a recent interview, creators, writers, directors, and executive producers Chris and Paul Weitz discussed the themes and inspirations behind "Murderbot." They emphasized the show’s optimistic undercurrent, coupled with a healthy dose of humor, offering a refreshing perspective on the dystopian genre.
Paul Weitz described their vision as "post-dystopian." He explained, "To some degree we were looking at this as a post-dystopian world, meaning like, yes, there’s a dystopia, corporations are pretty much running the show. But at the same time, we have objective evidence that almost everything is half-assed. Like the moment that somebody achieves totalitarian power, they screw up on some level, and there’s still flowers growing through the cracks and weeds. In this case, there’s Murderbot’s sense of humor. The idea that a sense of humor is evidence of personhood and individuality and is going to exist in various manifestations. It was a core thing, I think."
This concept of a "half-assed" dystopia, where even the most oppressive systems are prone to imperfection and cracks of hope, provides a compelling backdrop for Murderbot’s journey. The character’s sardonic wit and detached observations serve as a counterpoint to the corporate control and potential for robotic tyranny.
The show also delves into profound questions about what defines a person. While io9 suggested that the show’s main theme revolves around the definition of humanity, Chris Weitz offered a nuanced perspective. He stated, "It’s more like what it is to be a person, because I think we’re about to deal with people who aren’t human as AGI becomes more of a reality. And AGI, you know, large language models being fed on data which is produced by humans in the first place, means that it’s going to be related in some way."
This shift from "humanity" to "personhood" acknowledges the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and the potential for non-human entities to possess consciousness, emotions, and the capacity for moral decision-making. As AGI becomes more prevalent, "Murderbot" anticipates the ethical and philosophical dilemmas that society will face in defining who deserves recognition and respect.
The creators further highlighted the series’ exploration of diverse forms of consciousness and being. Chris Weitz drew a parallel between Murderbot’s experience and that of neuroatypical individuals, explaining that "Martha throughout the [book] series presents different kinds of consciousness and different kinds of being who are still people. There’s a loose analogy, because I don’t want it to be too direct, to people who are on various positions along various spectrums of neuroatypicality and various people can identify with that character to various degrees.”
He personally identified with the character’s social anxiety, emphasizing the series’ broader message about the multifaceted nature of personhood. By showcasing Murderbot’s unique perspective, the show encourages viewers to consider the validity of diverse experiences and to challenge preconceived notions about what it means to be a person.
Paul Weitz echoed this sentiment, asserting that "people aren’t reducible, not to be seen as a group or just in terms of what their psychological characteristics are, but that the uniqueness of every individual is really important.”
"Murderbot" champions the intrinsic worth of each individual, regardless of their origins, physical form, or neurological makeup. It argues against reducing people to simplistic labels or stereotypes and celebrates the unique qualities that make each person distinct. This message of inclusivity and acceptance resonates strongly in a world increasingly grappling with issues of identity and belonging.
The series promises to be more than just a sci-fi action adventure. It aims to spark conversations about the future of technology, the meaning of personhood, and the importance of empathy and understanding in an increasingly complex world. With its compelling protagonist, thought-provoking themes, and the Weitz brothers’ signature blend of humor and heart, "Murderbot" has the potential to be a groundbreaking addition to the Apple TV+ lineup.
The first two episodes of "Murderbot" are scheduled to premiere on May 16, offering audiences a glimpse into this intriguing and surprisingly hopeful vision of the future.
