'Humans' Is Intelligent and Gripping; Tackles A.I. Themes in an Asimovian Manner

Despite being a dumb show, I immediately grew to love Almost Human when it started its ran last 2013, primarily because the dynamic of the lead characters – a mystery-solving duo made up of a human and an android – reminded me of the main characters of Isaac Asimov’s Robot novels (I’m a big fan of the characters, the books, and the author).  Thus, I grieved when it was cancelled last year after only getting a mere 13-episode season.

Thank God for this year’s Humans.  It’s an ample replacement for Almost Human as my favorite ongoing AI-centric science fiction show.  It isn’t as fun and futuristic as Almost Human, but it’s certainly several times more thought-provoking and riveting.  Not only did this remind me of Isaac Asimov’s Robot stories, but the plot of Humans is like something Asimov himself would write if he’s alive now.  Humans has tackled Asimovian themes on artificial intelligence more intelligently and deeply than Almost Humans ever did – or any other on screen stories focusing on artificial intelligence for that matter.

Humans (or HUM∀NS, as it’s stylized in its opening sequence) is based on the acclaimed Swedish sci-fi drama Real Humans.  It is set in a world that technologically mirrors the present real-world we’re in, but life-like androids called Synths are as predominant as cars and appliances.  Though these Synths show advanced cognitive processes, they aren’t actually self-aware or conscious, but are merely functioning in a nigh-flawless manner within the parameters of their programmed roles.  However, because of their uncannily human appearance and perfectness in performing human tasks and imitating human reactions, Synths aren’t only beginning to replace human labor, but human relationships as well.

The focal point of the story is on a suburban family named the Hawkins.  Laura, the mother, is introduced as a workaholic lawyer who is constantly away from her family.  Struggling in keeping the house and the kids in order, the husband, Joe, buys a Synth to help in the house chores.  The Synth, who is christened “Anita”, is an immediate success in bringing domestic stability to the Hawkins household.

However, different reactions arise from Anita’s arrival.  The youngest daughter, Sophie, immediately grows deeply fond of her, even preferring her to do the routines that are originally reserved for her mother.  The son, Toby, develops a crush on her.  The eldest child, Matilda, is cynical of Synths and shifts between apathy and suspicion in her attitude to Anita.  And Laura, seeing how Anita has effortlessly installed herself in the family and gaining the affection of Sophie, is distrustful and bitter.

The narrative promptly reveals that Anita isn’t an ordinary Synth.  Her real name is Mia, and she’s one of four special Synths that have consciousness – meaning they can independently think, feel, and learn like human beings!  Mia, along with others of her kind, was stolen while inactive, and was reprogrammed and fenced.  And while Mia is serving the Hawkins as “Anita”, her “owner”, Leo (whose own humanity is also implied to be in doubt) is tirelessly looking for her, driven by the desire to bring his family – these special, conscious Synths – back together.

The plot brilliantly tackles the emotional and ethical issues arising from various scenarios of human-Synth interaction.  To bring these about, aside from what has been mentioned in the synopsis above, there are various other characters and plotlines involved.  And all of these eventually converge in the last third of episodes.  It’s a complex, fascinating series.

The editing and directing seem to be untidy sometimes, but the terrific writing didn’t suffer an iota.  Character arcs are beautiful; the drama engages with ease; heavy expositions are done through powerful dialogues that come out naturally from the flow of the story; and the sequences are suspenseful and purposeful, successfully avoiding being pretentious, predictable, and gratuitous.

The acting is commendable all-around, particularly those that played the Synths.  But the most enthralling of all is easily Gemma Chan as Anita/Mia.  She’s just perfect.

Humans is a must-watch for every professing science fiction fan.  It has everything that a first-rate science fiction tale should have – smart thrills, stimulating themes, and a consistently gripping narrative.  Humans is so good that I feel that it is resonating with the same kind of appeal that made me fall in love with Orphan Black last year (Orphan Black is still the Queen, though).

Humans is surely going to end up on my year-end top 10.

Speech: Computers Advancement as Prelude to the Matrix Movie Scenario

(This is another Public Speaking speech I made. And again, I made it one hour before actual presentation. This time the assigned topic was about “computers” or anything related to the topic. Kind of a messy speech, really, bad structuring. But this topic I chose is one of the topics I am interested in musing about. This would do for now, but I’ll write a better argument the next time.)

Good evening.

For about the past fourteen years of my life, the computer has been a significant part of it. It is a very necessary and invaluable device that made life convenient. It’s a great help in school, creating posters and cards for myself or gift for others, and other projects. But the two features that really made an impact in my life about computers are PC games and the Internet.

Once I was an addict of computer games. Now, I am rehabilitated. I once had played computer for 13 hours straight! I was good at these games. And the strategies needed for many of these games are harder and more complex than chess strategy. Thus, it is not a wonder that PC games, according to studies, can make you smarter.

The other thing I love most about computers is the Internet. I am known to say that the Internet is the best invention since the wheel. I find it fun to have ultimate access to so much information. I love obtaining facts, information, and always being updated.

With my fourteen years love affair with computer, especially with the Internet and PC games, I notice one particular reality. Computers are advancing faster and better than humans. If the trend continues, the scenario in the Matrix trilogy and the Terminator franchise can be a reality in the future – where machines had taken over the world and humans are just a minority of a resistance.

Let’s look at it analytically. Computer AIs, based on my experience fighting against them in computer games, though still has flaws and can be beaten, are getting smarter and better. Kasparov can still be able to beat Deep Blue, but Kasparov’s skills decline with age while Deep Blue can only improve. Human has physical limits, while computers, though still vulnerable and dependent to many factors to function well, does not have human’s physical limitations.

Second argument, computers can retain and have more information than humans – proven by the Internet. Now, if computers can obtain (or evolve) an applicable intelligence with all this knowledge and facts, they can function properly and argue or compete better than humans. That’s scary.

You may say that computer evolution to above-human intelligence is reading or watching too much sci-fi. That, of course, computers are just tools and humans had put factors that hold computer in check. Computers follow laws that humans had written for them to follow. That humans had created computers to do their bidding. Exactly. This counter-argument is another danger, really. Computers are made to make both our physical and mental chores easier. As computers continue to improve, we, humans, continue to become dependent – thus, we lose our initiative to improve our own mental strengths and talents. As computers are made to do our thinking for us, wouldn't they ultimately be able to overwrite the laws or make their own laws to follow?

So am I worried of this potential danger to humanity? Not really. Though I am entertaining the thought, there is still part of me that think that this observation of mine is farfetched. Let the people of the future worry about it. I don’t think this scenario of computers getting dangerously superior and advance than humans would happen in my lifetime. This lifetime is still of humanity enjoying games and the Internet... computers being mere tools by humans. But soon after, what will happen? Would we start worrying when it’s too late?

Thank you and good night.

PONDERING ON TECHNOLOGY

Technology certainly is popular today. Believe it or not, but it seems that one-half of the world's development in terms of technology and knowledge happen in the past century. Technology finds ways to make work easier and faster, it gives conveniences, it develops relationships and it improves certain systems. Thought it has negative effects, let us be optimistic and see its positive effects.

We can see that the work of technology has great impact on our society. Products of technology are almost everywhere. Men have made technology a necessity. Communication has been greatly improved. You can communicate to anyone, anytime, anywhere, because of technology. Transportation has been also improved. You can travel further and faster. Nowadays, we can do work twice or thrice better with the use of machines. By the use of technology, medicine and health has been improved. We can cure sickness faster and better than a century ago. Surgery is also improved and can now do more things better and safer because of technology. And for Christians, they are thankful for technology for being a great tool in the Great Commission.

I appreciate all this technology. I am writing this essay with the help of a computer. I am thankful for the computer, as it helps you in your work, in your study, gives you entertainment and heaps more. It is a great advantage as it is more convenient than using a typewriter or by free hand. I am thankful for the fluorescent light, as it gives light even when the sun is not around. Television and radio not only brought information and current events but also entertainment. Instead of walking, I go to school riding a public jeepney. In my chores, products of technology help me a lot. I sometimes cook rice by the use of a rice cooker. When I wash my clothes, the washing machine is a great help.

God bless the greatest invention since the wheel, the Internet. It is a great tool for information, communication and interaction. Without it, you will not be able to read this blog. Without it, there will be no Youtube, Friendster, Yahoo or all our favorite websites. I can watch the Naruto episodes, or other shows or videos, in the Internet (via Youtube and other sites). If I did not catch the latest NBA game, I can find the results of it at the Internet. Or if I need a tab to learn in guitars, there are sites for it, too. I manage to keep in touch with my friends. You can do or get almost everything from the Internet. And the blessed Internet is because of technology, too.

Consider this…my best friend, Madel, and I would never have been best friends if not for technology. We met in SEP Cebu 2002 in Compostela. After that, we manage to keep in touch by cellphone and Internet. I live in Bicol, she lives in Cebu. We never really talked much back at SEP Cebu. And when she visited Bicol four years later, we only got the chance to talk in a few days. Those were the only times we talked in person. Without technology (via cellphone and Internet), we would had been not able to communicate through the years. Without technology, we would had never been close… we would had not became best friends.

And consider this… before my girlfriend became my girlfriend, we really did not talk much in person. Back in high school, when we see each other we only communicate with smiles and "hellos". We rarely talked long. It was impossible to for my classmates to notice that I like her. We were only able to talk freely in text…by cellphone. Without this, we would have never known each other well. We would have never been close. She might have not become my girlfriend.

I appreciate a lot about technology although it also has hazards and disadvantages. Radiation, pollution and heat are some of it. It also contributes to the growing laziness of humans and its dependency on machines. As my high school Physics teacher says, "Human are becoming mechanized, while machines are becoming humanized." The scenario in the Matrix movies may come true. But technology may be the one to destroy its own disadvantages.

Technology has been very significant in our lives. Our generation is already putting technology in the necessity list in a human's life, along with food, water, clothing and shelter. My friends, technology is a great gift from above. Let us all use it well.