HUMANS
Image: AMC
I am going out on a limb here and I have to say this is the best TV Show of the summer so far. It might even be the best of the year. The unfortunate part is that it is only 8 episodes.
Humans is a joint production with AMC (US), Channel 4 (UK), and Kudos(UK) and is based on a Swedish science fiction series called Real Humans.
The premise of the series is set in a parallel time to ours, with advanced robotic humanoid technology. The world is flooded with androids that are taking the place of human work both in the home and outside. These "Synths" have only one purpose; to take commands from their human owners and can do not harm. Except, there is a rogue group of Syths that have been programmed with emotion.
Even though the story is multi layered and deep it does not come across too complex. It posses a lot of questions as to the morality of humans when faced with machines that on one hand make their lives easier, but also threaten their livelihood and family bonds.
The plots weave together seamlessly and feature an amazing ensemble cast. Its dark, gritty and takes all the best parts of British filmmaking to cast you on a journey that leaves you wanting more. With each episode the story evolves and gets better each week.
The story is told from different perspectives featuring the following:
- A family that buys a Synth to help around the house. But, the working mother feels threatened that her role as "mom" is being taken over by a machine.
- A group of Synths that are separated and hunted because they are "special". They have been programmed with emotion and refuse to be slaves.
- One of the original Synth engineers who is now retired and refuses to give up his original Synth as the government tries to push on him a new fancy model to help take care of him.
- A Synth scientist and creator that has tremendous power and is hunting down the emotional synth to study and eliminate.
I promise i have not given anything away. Tune in to either AMC or Channel 4 on Sundays at 9pm to watch the best television has to offer.
