Murderbot takes time finding its pace—the first three episodes are bogged down by heavy narration, which isn’t always helped by Skarsgård’s deadpan delivery. But once it settles into its groove, the show turns into a delightful smorgasbord of different genres. It’s sci-fi, sure, but it’s also a workplace comedy, a thriller, and perhaps indirectly, a heartwarming tribute to how outcasts can find comfort in communities and found families. Don’t be fooled by Murderbot’s name: this is a sweet show, one where an anti-human killer robot (who presumably stands in for the pessimists among us) is eventually endeared to a group of quirky, lovable, and frequently funny humans.
Synopsis
In a high-tech future, a rogue security robot secretly gains free will. To stay hidden, it reluctantly joins a new mission protecting scientists on a dangerous planet...even though it just wants to binge soap operas.
Storyline
An outer space expedition is forced to accept a security robot for insurance purposes. But unbeknownst to them, the bot, who has named himself Murderbot (Alexander Skarsgård), has jailbroken from his company’s code and plans to go rogue soon.
TLDR
“Murderbot,” but he’s literally just an overworked employee practicing self-care by watching his little shows.
What stands out
Skarsgård and David Dastmalchian, as the two most awkward characters in the show, have the best chemistry. The show is at its funniest when they’re out-sussing one another.
