Review: Apple's Murderbot Series - Sci-Fi Fun With Existential Angst

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

4.1

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A Unique Protagonist: The Murderbot's Relatable Angst

The heart of the Murderbot series lies in its titular character: a SecUnit, a self-aware security unit, who would rather binge-watch its favorite shows than carry out its assigned tasks. This makes Murderbot a truly unique and remarkably relatable protagonist.

Exploring the Murderbot's Personality:

Murderbot is a masterpiece of character development. Its cynical humor, self-deprecating nature, and constant internal struggle with its own programming and identity make it instantly endearing. This isn't your typical heroic AI; Murderbot is flawed, grumpy, and utterly captivating.

• Self-preservation above all: Murderbot frequently prioritizes its own comfort and entertainment (especially its beloved TV shows) over its assigned missions, leading to hilarious and often chaotic situations.
• Existential dread: The struggle to understand its own existence and the nature of its consciousness forms a significant part of Murderbot's internal monologue, creating a relatable sense of existential dread that resonates with readers.
• Unexpected empathy: Despite its initial cynicism, Murderbot gradually develops surprising empathy and even affection for certain humans and other characters.

Keywords: Murderbot personality, relatable protagonist, anti-hero, AI consciousness, existential dread

The Murderbot's Relationship with Humans:

Murderbot's interactions with humans are complex and constantly evolving. Initially viewing humans with a detached, even contemptuous perspective, its relationships gradually become more nuanced and even affectionate. This unexpected character arc is a key element of the series' appeal.

• The relationship with Dr. Mensah: The bond between Murderbot and Dr. Mensah, a compassionate and understanding human, is a cornerstone of the series, showcasing unexpected loyalty and mutual respect.
• Navigating social dynamics: Murderbot's attempts to navigate complex human social dynamics often lead to comical misunderstandings and unexpected alliances, adding layers of humor and intrigue to the narrative.
• Evolving trust: Murderbot's journey involves a slow, cautious development of trust, demonstrating that even a self-described "murderbot" is capable of genuine connection.

Keywords: Human-AI relationships, social dynamics, SecUnit, interspecies relationships, character development

Compelling Plotlines and World-Building in the Murderbot Series

Beyond its captivating protagonist, the Murderbot series boasts thrilling plots and meticulously crafted world-building that keeps readers hooked.

Engaging Mysteries and Thrilling Action:

Each story in the Murderbot series presents engaging mysteries and thrilling action sequences that keep the pace brisk and exciting. Wells masterfully blends suspense, intrigue, and unexpected plot twists, ensuring every installment offers a fresh and engaging experience.

• Intricate mysteries: The mysteries Murderbot gets embroiled in are cleverly constructed, offering just enough clues to keep readers guessing until the satisfying conclusions.
• High-stakes action: The series doesn't shy away from showcasing intense action sequences, often with Murderbot utilizing its unique abilities to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.
• Unexpected alliances: Murderbot frequently finds itself forming unlikely alliances with other characters, leading to thrilling collaborations and unexpected outcomes.

Keywords: Sci-fi adventure, space opera, plot twists, action sequences, suspense

A Detailed and Believable Sci-fi World:

Martha Wells crafts a richly detailed and believable science fiction world, filled with diverse planets, fascinating alien cultures, and advanced technologies. This detailed world-building adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

• Vivid descriptions: The descriptions of different planets, their unique environments, and inhabitants bring the world to life.
• Complex societal structures: The series explores various societal structures and the complexities of interspecies relations in a future dystopia.
• Technological marvels and challenges: The series features impressive technological advancements, but also explores the potential downsides and ethical implications of such technologies.

Keywords: World-building, future dystopia, cyberpunk, alien cultures, space exploration

The Appeal of the Murderbot Series: Why Readers Are Hooked

The Murderbot series’ enduring appeal stems from its masterful blending of genres, its exploration of profound themes, and its incredibly unique protagonist.

A Perfect Blend of Genres:

The series seamlessly combines elements of science fiction, mystery, humor, and character-driven storytelling. This skillful genre blending makes it accessible to a wide range of readers while maintaining a unique identity.

• Witty dialogue and humor: The series is filled with sharp, witty dialogue and humorous situations, providing lighthearted moments amidst the action and suspense.
• Compelling mysteries: Each story presents an intriguing mystery that keeps readers engaged and guessing until the very end.
• Character-driven narrative: Despite the exciting plots, the series is ultimately character-driven, focusing on Murderbot's internal struggles and relationships with other characters.

Keywords: Genre blending, sci-fi humor, character-driven narrative, engaging storytelling

Themes of Self-Discovery and Existentialism:

Beneath the thrilling action and witty humor lies a deeper exploration of existential themes, including self-identity, the nature of consciousness, and the meaning of life. These thought-provoking themes add significant depth and resonance to the series.

• Self-identity in an artificial intelligence: Murderbot grapples with its own identity, questioning its purpose and place in the universe.
• The meaning of life and connection: The series explores the meaning of life, connection, and the importance of relationships, even for a seemingly emotionless SecUnit.
• The ethics of artificial intelligence: The series subtly touches upon the ethical considerations of creating self-aware artificial intelligence and its potential impact on society.

Keywords: Existentialism, self-identity, artificial intelligence, philosophical themes, humanity

Conclusion: Should You Read the Murderbot Series? A resounding YES!

The Murderbot series is a remarkable achievement in science fiction, offering a unique protagonist, compelling plots, and thought-provoking themes wrapped in a package of witty humor and thrilling action. Murderbot's journey of self-discovery is both entertaining and deeply moving, leaving a lasting impression long after you finish the last page. The series' deft blend of genres, its exploration of complex themes, and its incredibly relatable anti-hero make it a must-read for sci-fi fans and newcomers alike. Dive into the Murderbot Diaries, experience the Murderbot phenomenon, and read the Murderbot series today! You won't regret it.