The concept of having robots, so similar to humans, seems to be the hype in society today. As technology becomes more advanced, more and more writers are asking the question that is being pushed towards everyday. What is Human? Humans, following in the highly distinctive footsteps of other Channel 4 thrillers, such as Ex Machina, continues to revolutionize the way we look at ourselves, and the technology that is largely consuming us. Whilst not as dark and dubious as other technology-based flicks, Humans is a TV show that looks to be a steady build into the bigger questions of the ever-growing evolution of robotics - it's sure to be a raunchy and revengeful series.
Humans is a show that is pushed on by its characters - both human (ironic) and non-human. Unlike errors of other shows, the human-based characters are just as interesting as the non-human characters, which is fulfilling due to this astounding concept that may have been flawed by the lack of depth for the 'normal' characters, but Humans has enough heart to make the central family interesting and strangely relatable.
If you're like me, and many others, that were dearly sad when BBC Three decided to axe In The Flesh - even though it had many distinct and fascinating features, then Humans may help you move out of that purgatory stage. Humans seems to be following many themes, of childhood, parenting and the stereotypical nature of humans when regarding something abstract and sidetracked from the norm.
Whilst Hobb only had a small part in the episode, the idea of dissecting a Synth isn't the most pleasant idea, and the integral reveal of Fred being different to the others (is he...more human?) makes for very interesting television. However, I hope it pays off, too many series' fall lackluster with their attempts at developing villains, and especially adapting that villain to fall with grace within the whole spectrum of the show. On the other hand, I have faith in the show as the steady pace allows for rising amounts of darkness and dread, especially due to this premiere being quite slow, suggesting the writers have many more reveals that they're waiting to pull beneath us.
Humans does have the features of many thrill-driven shows, however it has its own unique style of setting the show in a parallel-London - no whimsical 'future' nonsense. Humans derives its fear from the juxtaposition of its themes with its setting, a place that many of us are familiar with, and a family that is largely relevant to anyone, allows the fear and mystery to seem more real and current. I'm sure, sat right with you is iPads and iPhones, as it is with me, but what happens if in a parallel, that technology is your own Synth? - an interesting concept that the writers can surely use to their own advantage as the horror continues.
I'm sure, like the gadgets consuming your space around you, that they get old and you get new ones, but another very diverse point Humans makes in the subtly meaningful premiere, is that what's old, becomes new, and as shown in Dr George Millican (William Hurt) and Odi (Will Tudor) sequence of events, humanity and technology can work together to share and hold memories - and they become beautiful to both. This could be the writers suggesting that goodness only comes from sharing and communication, that both hold a place in society and only corporations' need for more money is what seperates this bond? A deep and revealing thought, that only transcends how I feel when watching this intricate and suspenseful show - but is that separation soon to result in a prejudiced barrier between Humans and Synths? We'll have to find out.
What did you think of the premiere of Humans? Will you be continuing and watching the next episode? And what are your theories on how the show will continue? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
