Movies

Commentary: ‘Murderbot’ is the latest show to explore how humans might coexist with robots and AI

BBG News

In the Apple TV+ show “Murderbot,” the main character doesn’t adopt the nickname Murderbot because it sees itself as a murderer; instead, it likes the sound of the name.

Murderbot, also known as “SecUnit,” is designed to safeguard humans. However, things get complex when Murderbot manipulates its governor module, thus gaining autonomy. Yet, this newfound liberty has limits – the robot must conceal its true identity to avoid being dismantled like disposable junk.

The character portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård, an android, frequently grows weary of humans and their irrational, self-sabotaging decisions. It prefers to immerse itself in endless hours of low-quality television programs rather than interact with its space-hippie crewmates it’s been assigned to. In the season finale on Friday, this security robot made a decision that could significantly impact its relationships with the Preservation Alliance team, and there’s potential for the series to delve deeper into these developments (as Apple TV+ announced on Thursday they’re renewing the show for another season).

Though ‘Murderbot’ stands out as a witty workplace satire unfolding on an alien planet, it shares themes with numerous contemporary TV shows exploring the complexities and potential perils of human-robot interaction, or scenarios where humans and artificial intelligence are embodied together.

Television

In a chat about Episode 6 of the sci-fi series ‘Murderbot’ on Apple TV+, co-stars Alexander Skarsgård and Noma Dumezweni share their thoughts on the autism-representative robot that lies at the heart of the show.

Shows like “Love, Death & Robots” on Netflix and last year’s “Sunny” from Apple TV+ explore similar complex technological issues that we find ourselves pondering in our everyday lives: Might an AI replace my job? How do I interact with the strange Amazon delivery robot when it drops off a package at my doorstep? Can I rely on a self-driving Waymo vehicle for my safety?

In modern TV series, robots are often depicted grappling with similar identity questions as their counterparts from older shows like “Lost in Space,” “Battlestar Galactica” (both versions), and even “The Jetsons.” The question then arises: How do we ensure that intelligent machines can peacefully interact with humans?

The robots will be designed to follow orders without causing harm and to prioritize human safety (similar to Isaac Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics). However, for dramatic effect, something may eventually malfunction or deviate from these rules. In the current era of television robots, they are typically connected to the cloud, sharing the same internet as humans, and powered by advanced AI.

In HBO’s “Westworld,” Evan Rachel Wood played Dolores Abernathy, a sentient android. (HBO)

In the series “Sunny” on Apple TV+, the robot character was created as a helpful and friendly companion for Rashida Jones’ character, Suzie. (Apple)

In many contemporary television series like “Humans” on AMC and “Westworld” on HBO, artificial intelligence entities often evolve beyond their programmed roles as servants or sex surrogates, rebelling against human oppressors to pursue lives of freedom. A common theme in these robot characters is that they will eventually gain enough intelligence to question their dependence on humans or even come to the conclusion that humans have been the antagonists all along.

In the realm of technology, businesses such as Tesla and Boston Dynamics, among others, are developing robots capable of performing physical tasks much like humans. It’s anticipated that Amazon will be one of the companies to reap these benefits, potentially having more robots than human employees in their warehouses soon.

Rapidly advancing AI technologies are outpacing both governments, users, and some of their developers at an unprecedented rate. This accelerated development raises concerns about whether tools like ChatGPT could be turning us into less active, less intelligent thinkers (similar debates have been ongoing regarding the influence of television for many years). The potential issues with AI are numerous and may extend beyond our current comprehension. As AI begins to dictate employment opportunities, shape your entertainment preferences, and potentially select a partner for you, how will your life be impacted?

Hollywood Inc.

Google is sponsoring short films exploring positive aspects of artificial intelligence, rather than focusing on apocalyptic AI-related narratives.

It can be challenging for some to grasp the concept of AI, given its vastness and diversity. AI is not just ChatGPT, but also voice assistants like Alexa and Siri, and it’s what tech giants such as Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Meta envision as the driving force behind our future interactions with devices, environments, and others. Just as the internet and social media have become integral parts of our lives, AI is becoming increasingly prevalent. However, many people are hesitant due to concerns about the potential negative impacts that constant online presence and toxic social media may have, alongside their advantages.

These past TV series like “Next,” “Person of Interest,” “Altered Carbon,” and “Almost Human” explored the misuse of AI and human responses to rapidly advancing technology. However, it could be argued that they were ahead of their time, not impacting as powerfully in the moment as “Mountainhead,” HBO’s current dark satire about tech billionaires playing a dangerous game while the world suffers due to hasty AI software deployment. The timely movie, directed by Jesse Armstrong from “Succession,” seems particularly relevant to our current feelings of excitement and apprehension about sudden societal transformation.

Many TV series don’t always manage to hit the mark perfectly when addressing contemporary tech fears, instead they frequently employ robots or artificial intelligence symbolically, portraying them as victims or antagonists to make statements about human nature. For example, “Westworld” overtly compared its robot stories to slavery, while “Humans” subtly explored the potential legal ramifications and societal turbulence that might arise if robots demanded equal rights with humans.

However, it’s possible that no other series might have explored the potential future of robots and artificial intelligence from various perspectives quite like Netflix’s “Black Mirror.” In past seasons, this series presented a deceased lover reborn in an artificial body, the ideal AI dating app experience, and a TV show constructed by algorithms that appropriated storylines from a viewer’s actual life.

For Season 7, launched in April, the series persisted with its sharp integration of digital avatars and machine learning as narrative tools, exploring themes like filmmaking, video games, and even virtual funerals. In one particular episode titled “Eulogy,” character Philip (played by Paul Giamatti) is compelled to face his regrettable life choices and reprehensible actions due to an AI-controlled avatar designed to gather memories of a past lover. Another notable episode from Season 7, “Bête Noire,” saw a proficient coder (portrayed by Rosy McEwen) manipulate reality using cutting-edge quantum computing to psychologically torment someone through gaslighting.

Shows on television provide insights into how emerging technologies could shape our future, especially since they’re rapidly becoming part of our daily lives. However, the overall message is unclear regarding whether AI and bots will enhance our quality of life or ultimately bring about its demise.

Based on television portrayals, both adorable assistants such as the one in “Sunny” and mistreated artificial laborers like Mia (Gemma Chan) from “Humans” merit our respect. It’s important that we treat them with kindness instead.

The robots and AI technologies from “Black Mirror?” Don’t trust any of them!

Instead of bothering SecUnit, known as Murderbot, let it enjoy its preferred program, “The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon,” undisturbed. It’s only fair and compassionate.

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2025-07-11 13:32

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