Humans Season 1 Review: Something More

"Humans" is a joint British/American collaboration which aired on Channel 4 in the UK and AMC in the US. Based on a previous Swedish drama entitled "Real Humans", it tells the story of "synths" (synthetic appliances) and their interactions with humans. Season 1 has eight episodes total. The show has also been renewed for a second season. We encounter several different synths (Anita/Mia, Max, Simon, Niska, Fred, Odi, Karen, Vera).

Niska

"Humans" explores what us makes us human/alive/conscious/sentient. If synthetics reach self awareness what rights do they have? What constitutes family and relationships in such a world? The show is of course not the first to examine these topics. The movie "Ex Machina" and Fox's canceled series "Almost Human" are two examples that come to mind. See my reviews of "Almost Human" at: Almost Human Season 1

AMC also has some fun collateral material to explore. Check out:

"Synth User Guide" at Persona Synthetics Synths bond with one primary user via skin contact (such as a handshake). They are fully activated when their eyes turn from blue to green. Synths can be switched off by pressing under the chin. If off, they cannot turn themselves back on. Synths (all synths are adults) can be placed into "adult mode" by installing an adult update. Not sure exactly how I feel about that. A synth can never hurt you or lie to you due to "Asimov's roadblocks".
"Synth School" at Being A Synth
"Synth Etiquette Advice Column" at Dear Synthia

The Hawkins Family

The series open with Joe Hawking buying a synth without consulting his wife Laura (who is out of town). His daughter Sophie names the robot. Their other teenage daughter, Mattie, doesnt initially think much of synths. The fifth member of the family is son Toby. Mia/Anita has a secret past that is later divulged. This doesnt matter to the Hawkins who love her like a family member.

Odi & George

Meanwhile retired doctor George Milikan takes his synth Odi shopping. He glitches and hurts someone. George is supposed to send him for recycling but cant bring himself too (since Odi helps him with his fading memories of dead wife Mary). George does not like his new synth Vera at all.

Leo is the son of David Elster (who invented conscious synths-- not to be confused with regular old synths). Leo is determined to unite all of his father's creations because they are his family. We later learn that Leo is part synth himself (after drowning as a a teenager).

When we first meet Niska, she is working as a prostitute. She dislikes humans (and kills a creepy john).

Speaking of creepy, Joe has sex with Anita. Laura eventually finds out (due to Toby and Mattie's snooping) and she throws him out. Is it cheating if one spouse has sex with a synth? Interesting question for sure.

There is also a movement against synths called "We Are People". Members are worried snyths will take their jobs. Hmmm, I think I would feel threatened by them too.

Leo, Fred, Niska and Anita/Mia end up at the Hawkin's house where they try to recharge Max. It's not working. He seems to be a goner. Meanwhile Karen shows up and brings a swat team with her. Everyone is arrested and that's where we are going into the season finale.

Team Synth Tries To Help Max But They Need Karen Too

In the finale, Professor Hobbs takes the 5 synths back to his lab. He wants to extract Elster's program (and kill everyone as a result)-- if "kill" is the right word. Laura contacts Hobbs saying they have Leo's memories downloaded to a laptop. If he frees the others, Hobbs can have the info. Hobbs makes himself the primary user of Fred (so thing's probably wont turn out for the Hawkins as planned). Leo secretly asks Karen to join them. She arrives at the hiding place. We're not sure if she's going to turn them in (again) or to assist with Max.

Fred Is In A Bad Spot

Karen begins to help but then starts shutting everyone down. Anita finally gets her to stop. All the synths are back to normal (including Max). Everyone hugs except Karen (who quietly leaves). The synths say their tearful goodbyes and separate. Fred is still off so he cant rat out their location. Niska gives the external drive with the complete code from all five synths to the person they trust most (Laura). What will she do with this info? Will she go public with it, destroy it or just keep it hidden away in her sweater drawer? But wait there's more. Niska also has a copy of the code. If she going to start turning thousands (if not millions) of mindless drones into conscious synths? Stay tuned to season 2 to find out.

Leo's Family

Grade: 3 3/4 Monsters (out of 5). An interesting thought provoking show. In the end, the humans were made ever more human after their interactions with the androids. A special shout out to the actors who played synths. I don't know how they did it but they were excellent! Just trying not to blink for long periods of time would have done me in.

Will I watch "Humans" next year? Not sure yet but I'l keep checking back. Please leave your thoughts on the show in the comments below.