'Murderbot' review: Apple TV's sci-fi adaptation brings laughs instead of drama

Murderbot follows a security android, a.k.a a SecUnit, who has hacked its system — not to go rogue and go on a murderous rampage, but so it can watch futuristic soap operas at will. Murderbot has a disdain for humans because it doesn’t understand their nature and the emotions that drive their decisions, while its actions are purely determined by data and cold, hard facts.

This particular SecUnit is assigned to an expedition run by the Preservation Alliance, a group of scientists whose sole job is to protect the lives of this group. When Murderbot saves the lives of one of the crew from a huge alien creature, its human-looking face is exposed, creating an awkward dynamic between this SecUnit with free will and the group of scientists. The human look of Murderbot causes the humans to treat it more like a human, with emotions just like theirs. Fearing that his newfound freewill will be exposed, he obeys the human’s commands as if his system were still fully controlled by the corporation, forcing him to answer awkward questions about emotions he does not have.

The scientists try to welcome Murderbot in as a member of the team, even welcoming him to not wear his helmet, which Murderbot hates. It doesn’t feel the same emotions humanity does, but it does focus on protecting the well-being of this group, mostly so it can continue to enjoy its TV shows in peace. However, the expedition hits a snag, putting itself and the crew in grave danger.

‘Murderbot’ Tows the Line of Humor and Humanity

While Murderbot is a very close adaptation of its source material, there are still some pleasant surprises for fans who have read the novel. The series does a better job of fleshing out the members of the Preservation Alliance, allowing for moments of PTSD, and amplifying how rashly humanity can act in volatile situations. The danger of the expedition also plays out differently from the novel, allowing the name Murderbot to seem a bit more fitting.

Skarsgård’s role is much different from the stoic, brooding type fans are used to, but this leap into comedy is a great look for the actor. He delivers very straight, dry humor, especially with his opinions of how humans react to certain situations. Even with his supposed hatred towards human beings, you can see Murderbot grow fond of this crew, mainly because they treat it more than just a piece of equipment. David Dastmalchian plays Gurathin, an augmented human who serves as a frenemy to Murderbot, as he is the sum of both parties, robot and human. Even with all these positives, Murderbot lacks a real emotional spine to take this series from good to great.

Not that Murderbot is void of drama; the series has its share of action, which holds absolutely nothing back, displaying some pretty shocking gore. But even the brutality of the show adds to its comedic nature, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, yet it certainly left me craving more from the series as a whole. All in all, Murderbot is a super fun, easy watch, and the perfect palate cleanser to help heal the brain from all the heavy, dramatic content out there right now.

Murderbot debuts with two episodes on Apple TV+ on May 16. New episodes air Fridays. Follow the Agents of Fandom socials for the latest entertainment news and reviews.

'Murderbot' Review

3.5/5 Total Score

The Good

• Alexander Skarsgård's dry humor as the titular character is a welcomed surprise.
• The series is a great, funny palate cleanser compared to the heavy, dramatic content available.
• The exploration of free will via the lens of sci-fi is done in a very interesting way.

The Bad

• The series lacks emotional moments that really draw in the viewer.
• Even the brutal gore adds to the comedy, which can sometimes be a bit too much.