Don’t be put off by the title. Murderbot, a new series on AppleTV+, is sci-fi, but it’s a comedy, not an apocalyptic, Terminator-type vision of our near-future where machines destroy humanity. Of course, as of this writing, only seven of the ten episodes of season one have dropped, so who knows what could happen. BUT, for what I’ve seen so far of Murderbot, it is a delightful, even goofy at times, warm and endearingly offbeat comedy about a service robot who has gained free will, and every indication is that it won’t go rogue like its main character.
The great Alexander Skarsgård plays the titular, newly-sentient robot, nicknamed “sec unit,” because he was initially programmed to be a security robot, designed to assist and protect humans on missions to distant planets. He is chosen to escort a group of scientists, whose leader, Mensah, played by Noma Dumezweni, selects him specifically because he strikes her as a little odd, a little different than all
the other, more polished, newer robots. That’s because he’s been refurbished—something happened in his past that had to be wiped from his memory, maybe this is where the series title comes from? Hmmm. But this is where the “glitch” may have happened that prompted our loveable sec unit to gain self-awareness. And it is here where Murderbot gains all of its momentum.
Murderbot is brought to us from the minds of Chris and Paul Weitz, the same pair of brothers who brought us films like American Pie and, more importantly, About a Boy, the dry comedy masterpiece with a strangely large heart. Murderbot has a lot of the same vibe as that 2002 Hugh Grant film, as its central character is a reluctant star in his own story, surrounded by well-meaning people who he really doesn’t want to be around, when all he wants to do is be left alone to do his own thing. I really loved About a Boy, which may be why I am enjoying Murderbot so much, but if you haven’t seen About a Boy or didn’t love it, you may still love Murderbot, for so many reasons. Ok, there’s one big reason: Alexander Skårsgard.
Of course you know Skårsgard. You know him as the murderous, sexy vampire from True Blood. Or you know him as the abusive, sexy husband from Big Little Lies. Or you know him as the deceptive, sexy takeover bidder in Succession. Well, be prepared to know and love him as an adorable, insecure and un-sexy robot who just wants to watch his stories. It is such a departure for an actor who has so carved out a reputation for serious and sexy dramatic roles, it’s so impressive to learn that not only does he have this kind of range, but that he can take himself this unseriously and deliver with such nonchalance and irreverence.
The show itself is also quite entertaining. Each episode goes by in a flash, 24 minutes each—sometimes they actually feel too quick. Apple has thrown a full budget behind it, giving it a full Star Trek feel, sci-fi elements fully in play. There are otherworldly explorations, alien interactions, spaceships, and yes, lots of danger. I could have done without some of the human drama from the supporting characters, but, thankfully, it’s not too distracting.
You come to Murderbot for Skårsgard, you stay for his great performance, the great writing and the truly entertaining and short episodes that leave you wanting more.
Murderbot’s first season is currently airing on AppleTV+. There is no word yet on if there will be a second season.