Manipulative Artificial Intelligence, Disguised as a 'Murderbot', Masterfully Employs Deceptive TV Show Concept
Expanded Role of 'Sanctuary Moon' in Murderbot's Journey
Murderbot, the self-aware security robot from Apple TV+'s hit series, has a surprisingly mundane pastime: binge-watching space operas, particularly 'The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon.' This quirk, introduced in the Martha Wells novel 'All Systems Red,' has been expanded upon in the Apple TV+ adaptation.
'Sanctuary Moon' serves multiple purposes within the narrative. Aside from offering Murderbot a much-needed escape from its reality, the show also influences its decisions and shapes its interactions with humans. Murderbot's team might find its fascination unusual, but they wouldn't be surprised to hear Murderbot adapting lines from the show during conversations.
The fictional series is famous for its recognizable cast, with stars like John Cho ('Star Trek') and Clark Gregg ('Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.') featuring prominently. Despite its brash and campy nature, the soap opera-esque antics seen on 'Sanctuary Moon' resonate deeply with Murderbot, providing a contrast to its routine with the human survey team.
Murderbot also enjoys other series like 'World Hoppers,' 'Med Center Argala,' and 'Strife in the Galaxy,' finding entertainment in their plots. These shows contribute to Murderbot's understanding of humans and inform its conversations.
The use of in-universe TV shows is a familiar narrative device, seen in shows such as 'Galavant,' 'The Simpsons,' 'Seinfeld,' and 'The Truman Show.' Such shows add depth to the narrative, provide comedic relief, and contribute to character development. In 'Murderbot,' 'Sanctuary Moon' offers visual texture and reinforces the idea that it's okay to embrace the things we love, even when others might judge them.
Episode four of Murderbot drops on Apple TV+ this Friday. For more io9 news, stay tuned for updates on upcoming releases from Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC, and Doctor Who.
In the world of Murderbot, the self-aware security robot, the future of entertainment is filled with series like 'The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon', which is as influential off-screen as it is on, shaping Murderbot's decisions and conversations. Gizmodo and io9 might find interest in the impact of such in-universe TV shows, like 'Sanctuary Moon', on character development, as they do in other popular shows such as 'Galavant', 'The Simpsons', 'Seinfeld', and 'The Truman Show'. This week, fans can catch more of Murderbot's binge-watching habits in episode four, airing on Apple TV+ this Friday.
