The first episode of AMC's new series "Humans" is ambitious, covering a lot of ground in a broad subject--artificial intelligence (and the nature of humanity).
The story, set in the not too distant future, starts with a family that buys a synth, a human-looking robot (android) that is programmed to accomplish domestic tasks, like cooking and cleaning. The father, Joe (Tom Goodman-Hill), hopes it will allow his wife to spend more time with him. As might be expected, the android, christened "Anita", becomes a source of assistance and a source of irritation.
Then a flashback takes the viewer from what was a seemingly predictable story to a revelation that Anita is part of a much larger and more important story, with similarities to "Blade Runner".
Then, back in the current time period, "Humans" gives us an ingenious scene about an older man, George (William Hurt), who owns an older model synth named Odi to which he is very attached. As George's memory fails, Odi has become a repository of memories, especially regarding his deceased wife, Mary. Our memories define us, but George finds his humanity in the circuitry of a synth.
So much more is covered in this episode. The story touches on many basics of robotics and artificial intelligence for those not well versed in the subject.
Reference is made to "Asimov blocks", a nice nod to Isaac Asimov's laws of robotics, which primarily prohibit robots from harming humans.
The acting is excellent. The actors who play synths do a good job. The beautiful Gemma Chan, who plays Anita, seems the perfect choice for her role.
The stage has been set for some interesting and insightful drama from this show that has already exceeded my expectations.
Update 7/15/15: This show is doing a good job of illustrating the issues that surround the use of synths, given the human propensity for anthropomorphizing. Also, the real threat of government interference and government usurpation of individual rights in the name of "our best interest" through smart systems (robots or software) is being explored. I am raising my grade to "10".
The story, set in the not too distant future, starts with a family that buys a synth, a human-looking robot (android) that is programmed to accomplish domestic tasks, like cooking and cleaning. The father, Joe (Tom Goodman-Hill), hopes it will allow his wife to spend more time with him. As might be expected, the android, christened "Anita", becomes a source of assistance and a source of irritation.
Then a flashback takes the viewer from what was a seemingly predictable story to a revelation that Anita is part of a much larger and more important story, with similarities to "Blade Runner".
Then, back in the current time period, "Humans" gives us an ingenious scene about an older man, George (William Hurt), who owns an older model synth named Odi to which he is very attached. As George's memory fails, Odi has become a repository of memories, especially regarding his deceased wife, Mary. Our memories define us, but George finds his humanity in the circuitry of a synth.
So much more is covered in this episode. The story touches on many basics of robotics and artificial intelligence for those not well versed in the subject.
Reference is made to "Asimov blocks", a nice nod to Isaac Asimov's laws of robotics, which primarily prohibit robots from harming humans.
The acting is excellent. The actors who play synths do a good job. The beautiful Gemma Chan, who plays Anita, seems the perfect choice for her role.
The stage has been set for some interesting and insightful drama from this show that has already exceeded my expectations.
Update 7/15/15: This show is doing a good job of illustrating the issues that surround the use of synths, given the human propensity for anthropomorphizing. Also, the real threat of government interference and government usurpation of individual rights in the name of "our best interest" through smart systems (robots or software) is being explored. I am raising my grade to "10".