Apple TV+’s adaptation of Martha Wells’ bestselling series, The Murderbot Diaries, has finally arrived, and while it boasts a promising premise, it fails to deliver on its full potential. Alexander Skarsgård plays the titular character, a security robot struggling with social awkwardness after hacking his own governor module for freedom.
The show’s tone is a major issue, veering wildly between workplace comedy and sci-fi thriller without finding a consistent footing. The crew’s scientific fact-finding mission on a seemingly innocuous planet turns out to be shrouded in mystery, but the pacing of the plot suffers as a result.
Skarsgård brings his signature charm to the role, but even he can’t salvage the show’s narrative shortcomings. Characters like Mensah and Gurathin are given unnecessary traits that feel disjointed, while polyamory is reduced to an awkward B-plot.
The real problem lies in finding a balance between Murderbot’s acerbic wit and tone. While the books have received widespread acclaim for their unique voice, Skarsgård’s delivery may not be what fans envisioned. The show’s uneven tonal shifts can be jarring at times, making it feel flat.
Despite its flaws, the adaptation does offer some promise, particularly in its exploration of themes relevant to today’s audience. The series raises questions about artificial intelligence, corporate responsibility, and the ethics of creating humanoids for menial tasks. However, these ideas are only scratched on the surface, leaving room for growth in future seasons.
Ultimately, Apple TV+’s Murderbot adaptation is a mixed bag, with some enjoyable moments but a disappointing overall experience due to its tone issues and narrative shortcomings.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/the-reason-murderbots-tone-feels-off