Alexander Skarsgård’s Wry Robot Can’t Redeem Apple TV+’s Oddly Paced ‘Murderbot’: TV Review

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In the realm of science fiction comedy on Apple TV+, the show “Murderbot,” derived from Martha Wells’ “The Murderbot Diaries” and crafted by Chris and Paul Weitz, presents a unique twist: a self-aware security android (portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård) assigned to protect a group of free-spirited scientists on an alien planet. Unlike its intended purpose, this model is far from the norm, having rebelled against the commands that bind it to human control. Now calling itself Murderbot, it’s grappling with its newfound freedom and concealing its contempt for human frailty and sentimentality. Despite some compelling elements, the series may struggle to maintain audience interest due to a convoluted plot and inconsistent tempo.

The story begins by revealing that Murderbot manages to break free of its controlling Governor’s Module. Overjoyed at this achievement, it decides to reward itself by downloading countless hours of drama series and soap operas, among which “The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon” is a particular favorite. (This series features John Cho, Jack McBrayer, Clark Gregg, and DeWanda Wise in a campy space-themed soap opera within the narrative.) However, just as it’s ready to immerse itself in its beloved pastime, Murderbot is tasked with accompanying the researchers from the Preservation Alliance on their journey.

As a dedicated moviegoer, I find myself drawn into a captivating story led by the bold and resilient character portrayed by Noma Dumezweni. Accompanying her are Arada (Tattiawna Jones), Pin-Lee (Sabrina Wu), and Ratthi (Akshay Khanna), an unusual trio navigating their complex relationship dynamics. Alongside them, we have Dr. Bharadwaj (Tamara Podemski) and the technologically advanced human, Gurathin (David Dastmalchian). The latter swiftly expresses suspicion towards Murderbot, our non-human protagonist. The scientists, shaken by the notion that Murderbot is bound to them, repeatedly inquire about its emotions and viewpoint. However, Murderbot, who finds such human sentiments appalling and distasteful, remains unimpressed by their empathetic pursuits.

The show titled “Murderbot” offers numerous entertaining aspects. Skarsgård provides the narration and humorously embodies a security unit’s disdain for human emotions, its fascination with what it terms “high-end entertainment,” and its distaste for eye contact. It also finds sexuality utterly repulsive. After accidentally witnessing Arada, Pin-Lee, and Ratthi in an intimate moment, it expresses disgust by saying, “I don’t have a stomach, so I can’t vomit. But if I could, I would.” In the fifth episode, Leebeebee (Anna Konkle), a member of another survey team on the planet, is intrigued by Murderbot’s appearance. (Typically, Security Units wear helmets all the time.) She then indulges in a detailed daydream about Murderbot’s physical attributes, speculating about its form and potential functions. (Spoiler alert: Murderbot is quite ordinary in that regard.)

Despite its comical elements and intriguing features, the show “Murderbot” falls short due to its uneven rhythm and lack of a compelling plot. The series boasts captivating settings, but the storyline is sparse, with the central mystery feeling more like an add-on rather than a core element. Additionally, certain aspects of this capitalist-oriented space society are introduced without adequate context or clarification, potentially causing confusion for viewers who haven’t read Wells’ books.

In many of its ten episodes, this series tends to last 25 minutes or less, with not much happening to keep viewers engaged and excited for what’s coming next. Instead, they often feel like they’re being pulled along rather than looking forward to each twist and turn. Moreover, while Murderbot, Mensah, and Gurathin have well-developed character arcs, the other characters seem to serve as mere backdrops in the show. It seems that this narrative could have had more impact if it were condensed into a 90-minute film format, providing the storyline with the momentum it needed to maintain interest throughout its duration.

The show “Murderbot” offers a unique take on sci-fi action, exploring themes such as AI, slavery, freedom, and equality in a way that’s less grim than many similar shows. Viewers might relate to the main character, who has a grumpy personality that introverts and others may find familiar. However, despite its intriguing protagonist, some viewers may not feel compelled to learn more about the series.

The initial pair of episodes for the series “Murderbot” will debut on Apple TV+ on May 16, with fresh installments arriving every Friday thereafter.

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2025-05-16 16:16