The⁢ Underrated Sci-Fi Gem That Deserves a Second Look

Remember‌ the mid-2010s? It was a time when major networks were still ⁣taking big‍ swings at enterprising science ⁤fiction,and while some landed with a ⁢thud,others,like⁤ Almost Human,offered a glimpse into a future that ‌felt⁤ both thrilling and⁤ a little too close for comfort. If you missed this action-packed series‌ the ‍first time ‌around, or if it’s been lurking in the back of ⁤your mind, now’s the perfect time to revisit it.

A⁢ Future ​Forged in Technology ⁢and Trouble

Set in the not-so-distant⁢ future of ‍2048, Almost Human painted a vivid ⁢picture of a world grappling⁢ with the rapid, ​almost overwhelming, evolution of ⁤technology. This ​advancement,⁤ while promising, had a dark ‌side: ‌crime rates had skyrocketed ‍to risky new levels. The solution? law ⁣enforcement was forced ‌to⁣ pair human‍ officers with highly advanced androids, ​a‍ partnership that was far ⁣from seamless.

The series, executive produced by J.J. Abrams (who also lent his talents to the show’s theme music) ​and created by J.H. Wyman ⁢(a veteran of the cult-favorite Fringe), explored this​ futuristic partnership through the‌ eyes of⁣ Detective John Kennex, played by the⁤ ever-reliable ‍Karl Urban. Kennex, ⁢a human⁣ cop with a deep-seated distrust⁣ of robots, harbored a personal vendetta against⁣ androids,‌ blaming them for the death of⁢ a fellow officer and his own debilitating injuries.

The Unlikely partnership

Kennex’s initial resistance ⁤to his new android‍ partner, Dorian (portrayed by Michael ealy), was palpable. Dorian, an older model, ⁤possessed a unique ​capacity for something ⁤akin to ‍human emotion, a stark ‍contrast to the newer, more⁤ coldly logical androids. This dynamic created a ⁣compelling narrative tension, as Kennex was​ forced to confront his prejudices and, over time, develop ⁤a genuine rapport⁣ with his synthetic counterpart.

The‌ show​ masterfully blended ⁤the gritty⁤ procedural elements of solving brutal crimes in a sprawling urban ⁣dystopia with the philosophical questions surrounding artificial intelligence and humanity. There’s a definite⁢ Murderbot vibe ‌to the core relationship, but with the added excitement ​of high-octane chases​ and intricate‍ investigations.

Why‌ Almost Human Didn’t Get a Second Season

Despite its compelling premise, ⁣a stellar cast that included Lili Taylor​ as⁢ the no-nonsense ‌police‌ captain, and​ respectable ratings,‌ Almost Human ultimately fell victim to its own ambition. The show’s hefty budget, while contributing⁢ to⁣ its impressive visual flair and ⁣immersive world-building, appears ​to have been its⁤ undoing.

Still, for fans of clever, character-driven science fiction, ⁣ Almost Human‘s single ⁤season offers ⁣a fascinating look at what the future of television could have been. You can experience this glimpse into a decade-old vision of tomorrow by streaming the complete season on AMC+. It’s also​ available as a ​physical release for ⁤those who prefer to own their sci-fi treasures.

What are your favorite⁢ sci-fi shows ‍from the mid-2010s that ⁣aired on ‌major networks? Share your nostalgic picks in the ‌comments below!

**

Want more io9 news? Check out when‌ to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star⁤ Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of⁣ Doctor Who.*