TV Review: Almost Human (2013-14)

Set in Los Angeles in a not so distant future…2048, human cops and androids team up to protect you on Fox Network’s newest shows: Almost Human*.

Stylized as ΛLMOST HUMΛN, this American science fiction/crime drama series was created by J.H. Wyman (Fringe) for Bad Robot Productions and Warner Bros. Television. Wyman along with Bryan Burk (Super 8, Person of Interest, Fringe) and J.J. Abrams (Star Trek and Mission Impossible film franchises, plus Lost and Fringe) serve as executive producers. The series stars Karl Urban (Star Trek, Dredd) and Michael Ealy (Think Like a Man, Barbershop) in the lead roles, with Minka Kelly (Friday Night Lights), Mackenzie Crook (Pirates of the Caribbean film series), Michael Irby (The Unit), and Lili Taylor (Six Feet Under) as part of the supporting cast.

Picture a modern, futuristic world where police officers are in a losing battle against foreign, outside forces. The department begins to brainstorm creative ways to improve; and one method that is implemented is the use of robotic and/or android partners. In this particular series we follow the return of detective John Kennex, who intended to be teamed up with the latest android model, MX-43, capable of spewing infinite amounts of knowledge like a computer and lacking the emotional elements that destabilize previous, discontinued robots. However, since the department is “fresh out” of MX-43s, Kennex has been partnered (allegedly temporarily) with an older, discontinued model. This particular android’s name is Dorian (Michael Ealy) and his line was discontinued predominantly because they were manufactured to be “almost too human” – with feelings, moods, opinions, etc. This glitch is thought to be a flaw in the field, hence its elimination in later models.

As the show progresses we witness the slow cultivation of friendship between Kennex and Dorian. However, some slight concerns that arise in Kennex and Dorian’s relationship; the android subtly plays into the trope of the “magical negro,”(1) aiding the white cop in finding himself. Nonetheless, Urban and Ealy do have good chemistry that highlights their strong character interplay. I mark this as one of the show’s strengths, in addition to the overall cast’s acting and originality of the show. Both Urban and Ealy (via their characters) bring a degree of seriousness, wit and humor that allows them to both shine and be well-rounded characters and not one-dimensional. In addition, the “buddy cop” dynamic works well in this series, as both main characters are appealing and relatable.

Now, even though Almost Human may be set in the future, it offers a level of sophistication. Far from being a whitewashed version of the Starfleet organization, the show paints a picture of a civilization where technological development begins to outpace ethical considerations, very similar to that fellow FOX show Fringe. After watching just the first two episodes, viewers begin to realize that the title “Almost Human” is more than just a name but an overarching theme. For example, Karl Urban’s character, Detective Kennex, has a synthetic leg, and his partner is an android, a model that was discontinued because of a tendency to have human-like emotional outbursts. Since Dorian has been [supposedly] temporarily paired with Detective Kennex, this opens up various questions/discussions ranging from:
·      Will Dorian ever be accepted as an equal (human)?
·      What makes a person choose to become a police officer?
·      The idea of never really being a part of a stable family and/or relationship

Neither completely man nor machine, both characters feel like outsiders to the status quo. Furthermore, with these elements this makes Almost Human work as a promising and successful television series. It is also clear that creator and producer Wyman has been influenced and schooled in the style of J.J. Abrams as his narrative seems to provide a real sense of a mythological backstory to the Kennex character and the wider world. It also helps that the series functions as a weekly procedural thus quelling viewers’ fears of committing to an ongoing episodic narrative.  

In this first season, the episodes step away from the contrived television methods and offer a blended mix of storytelling methods, sci-fi action, and humor. If viewers simply looked at the ads, it would come off as a clichéd, stylized action drama, but it is so much more. Interestingly enough, the execution of the series is fresh and innovative as it further explores what will potentially happen in the real-life future along with further complicating human and alien dynamics. Additionally, Almost Human is an clever and thought-provoking series that within its storyline, provokes a variety of questions such as:
            ·      Can/will humans and androids be able to co-exist in society?
            ·      What does it mean to be “almost human” and what is this category’s relationship to race and the         alien/outsider/other concept?
            ·      How do we contend with the moral issues regarding technology potentially becoming “too” powerful?
These are all questions and issues that really do not have easy answers, however the journey to explore them is an electrifying ride for those willing to embark upon it. Also the fact that the series has a high production value is an extra boost.

All in all, it is not as if we need another sci-fi action/crime show on television, however Almost Human is an entertaining show with enough entertainment to keep viewers coming back for future episodes. One of its standout features is that it has a simple premise… ”Fighting crime with high technology.” With that said Almost Human is one of the few shows that has managed to grab my attention within the first few episodes of the just first season. One can only hope that the show will continue to engage and hold our interest. Only time will tell. 

When one really thinks about, it is noteworthy that Fox Network (of all networks) committed to such a well-written and produced show such as Almost Human considering past Federal Communications Commission (FCC) woes and the indecency controversy that surrounds the network (2). As a whole, Almost Human offers a healthy balance humor, drama, and a running commentary on human mortality and social identity that hopefully will push the network to renew for another season.

*Catch Almost Human on Mondays at 8 p.m. on Fox

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(1) The Magical Negro is a supporting stock character in American cinema, literature, and/or television who is portrayed as coming to the aid of a film’s white protagonists. These characters, which often possess special insight or mystical powers, have been a long tradition in American fiction He has no past; he simply appears one day to help the white protagonist. He is patient and wise, often dispensing various words of wisdom, and is “closer to the earth.” The magical negro will also do almost anything, including sacrificing himself, to save the white protagonist (Christopher, 2000; Okorafor, 2004; Colombe, 2002; Persons, 2005)  

 

(2) While Fox Network itself does not carry any national, regularly scheduled news programming other than Fox News Sunday, both this program and the network’s breaking news coverage are produced by the Fox News Channel, which are regular subjects of controversy. The network has also received some criticism for deciding not to carry scheduled news events (i.e. presidential speeches at times in primetime in order to air regular entertainment programming (such as a speech in September 2009 which would have jeopardized the long-promoted fall premiere of Glee had it aired). Also on various occasions Fox Network has been fined and taken to the U.S. SecondCircuit Court of Appeals for obscene language and content. In addition, The Parents Television Council has regularly criticized Fox Network for shows that they have perceived as indecent content (i.e. The Simpsons, American Dad!, Family Guy, Prison Break, etc.) 

Two Things I Learned From Watching 'Scandal'

Let me just say that I have been bitten by the Shonda Rhimes ‘bug’ as she has captured my soul with her latest ABC television drama Scandal. It is a brilliant story that I think every person can relate to in some sort of fashion. But last night’s episode was the nail in the coffin (in a good way) for me. Now for those that do not watch the show whether male or female YOU ARE MISSING OUT!! And I will not disclose any details, but trust me it sucks you in and takes no prisoners.

I will give you just a brief synopsis so that you can at least have a mental picture of the show. Pictures this…

Olivia Pope (played by Kerry Washington) dedicates her life to protecting the nation’s “high-profile” elite public figures, and she does this by making sure their secrets never get out. Pope is a former White House Communications Director for the president (basically she was running things), but left to start her own crisis management firm, Olivia Pope and Associates. Leaving the White House and starting her own firm, she hopes to begin a new chapter of her life, however there are certain parts that she cannot leave behind.. in the past. Olivia Pope is a person with great intellect, numerous resources, power, charm and a definite sensitive, soft side.

Alrighty back to last night…I would come to realize that there are two things that I have learned from watching this show, Huck is Dexter 2.0 and Women truly run the world!!

If there is one person that you want on your side through thick and thin that would be Olivia’s tech guy Huck. Huck is that guy that when you see him, you step back and let him do his thing. (“My bad you got this…”) He is the type of guy that does not get in the way, however he does not necessarily need to be caged, just controlled from arms length. Not only is he tech-savy, a former CIA agent and Black Ops, but most importantly he is loyal and trustworthy. He does just what you need without even asking him to do it. You need someone to “disappear” quickly…Huck is your man. When you need to hack into a high-security system…Huck is that guy!! This man is a twisted genius who takes pride and pleasure in torturing people, even though he tries not to. If you have ever watched the show Dexter on Showtime then you already know the mental state of Huck. Just know he is a man that you do not ever want to cross, not even on accident. Even though it would seem that his behavior is predictable with each episode I am consistently shocked, amazed, blown away, and at times fearing for my own life. I would not doubt that there are multiple pictures of him in the DSM-V, I’m sure he is a classic textbook case. When it all boils down, when sh@$# hit the fan, Huck will ALWAYS be on my team, mental craziness and all!!

Now this next lesson that I would learn sits near and dear to me. James Brown once sang that “this is a man’s World, BUT it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl.” Well Mr. Brown you were right on the money!! Now we already know that Olivia Pope is running things in and out of the White House. But she is not alone…and once again last night’s episode made that crystal clear. I mean it was all in your face!! The killer and twist of it all are the other female players in this game!! Who would have thought that a Supreme Court Justice, the president’s wife, and the president’s mistress (who also happens to be the token black player as well) would all be on the same team!! Hmmmmmm…makes you wonder what’s really good?!! Now I could never quite seem to put my finger on the relationship between Olivia and Mellie, I but I get it now. Poor President Fitz can’t keep anything under control, whether its personal or political. I am beginning to wonder if this is all an act or id this for real, for real. See that’s why it is critical to watch each episode week after week, God forbid I miss one…let’s just say the train will be derailed. At first I was 100% Team Olivia, but now I see that Mellie got some skills and knows how to strategically stay under the radar. Now that I think about it I would not mind having her on my team…well at least for special situations that is…If you only thought women were just “ornamental objects” well last night changed up that whole scenario!! As much as I hate to use this Beyonce line …”Who runs the world…Girls do!!”

Well folks that’s the lesson for the day! Crazy is as crazy does, and women are a force to be reckoned with at all times!! These are the type of folks that you can never underestimate…let’s just say they are full of surprises…GOOD and BAD!!

Your New Thursday Night Fix...Scandal!!

 Just to switch it up a little bit...From time to time I will showcase a TV review/commentary so today you are in for a special treat. ABC has a new drama titled Scandal that has become my new Thursday night fix....Check out my thoughts right here:

"Gladiators in a suit"... And Shonda Rhimes definitely has her 'gladiator suit' on with this new show...

Creator Shonda Rhimes (Grey's Anatomy) has a new ABC new provocative drama. It is sure to grab your attention and have you glued to the television screen. Scandal is based on George W. Bush former administrative press aide, Judy Smith (who also serves as Co-Executive Producer), it takes us into the world of former president aide and attorney turned team leader Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington, ‘Night Catches Us’) and her crisis management team. 

Pope is now a turned professional 'fixer' who is skilled in making problems go away before the public world even knows they exist.  Regardless of your military rank, judicial and or controversial status, or if you are the President of the United States, Olivia gets the job done. In essence, she is a borderline living legend in her field. In the midst of it all, regardless of how many fires Olivia and her crew are able to put out, there is bound to be some personal damage control that will arise. Each week they race against the clock to resolve titillating new problems before they have an opportunity to become full-blown catastrophes. In addition to the client’s problems the team has to deal with their own personal dilemmas.

Rhimes does an admirable job of writing a very direct, “no holds barred” show that is complete with a modern and hip twist. Men and women alike can expect a very relatable show that is bound to keep them on the edge of their couch. In addition to a great storyline, the casting is quite on point. There is everything from the ‘retired’ womanizer (Henry Ian Cusick), to the computer wiz with a CIA past (Guillermo Diaz), the quick-witted firm’s investigator (Darby Stanchfield), a smooth and proficient litigator (Columbus Short), and of course you got to have the fresh-faced rookie (Katie Lowes). As a whole all of the actors fit their roles and they do so with great chemistry. Scandal is complete with engaging plot points, fast-paced dialogue, traditional soap opera elements, penetrating story lines intertwined with the latest political deception. It is quite evident in just the first two episodes the story is clearly established. Each episode not only provides a new ‘scandal’ to hide, but within in each story there is also another layer that is peeled back to reveal the “ultimate” scandal.

After watching the first two episodes, one might say that Rhimes just might have another big hit on her hands. And if ABC commits to it fully, there is no telling the amount of ratings that it will bring to the network. For those of you who are in the search for a fresh mid-spring Thursday night fix Scandal. 

Finally A Black Woman Hero!!

Now I know I am deviating a bit from my normal film highlights blog post, but I just had to post this!! 


AMC's "The Walking Dead" closed out its second season in "spectacularly bloody and fiery fashion on Sunday night".  But one of  the highlights that would take place is the introduction of a mysterious, hooded character wielding a katana and leading two zombies around on chains. So you ask who is this  mystery woman...her name is "Michonne". I literally jumped out of my bed with excitement!! 


As you all know sometime ago I got on my soap box and gave my two cents on The Disappearance of the Black Female Heroine . And FINALLY Hollywood is beginning to take this role a little bit more seriously!! For years the Black Female Heroine has kind of just been thrown to the side. However with roles such as Michonne in "The Walking Dead" series and TNT Southland's Lydia (played by Regina King) there is a lot of potential waiting to be snatched up!! I guess I am going to have to rely on AMC and TNT and the sci-fi genre in order to see my black she-ro! 


And the icing on the cake is that the character in the original comic series is a black woman and will be played by a black woman...About time they get it right!! 

Background: Michonne, is a mysterious African American woman armed with a katana. She used to be a lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia. And her life is no where near simple (father, mother, brother, sister, an ex-husband, two daughters, a boyfriend, a mortgage, and a host of other things (courtesy of ComicVine ).  She's pretty cool and awesome if you ask me!


For those of you who read and follow the comic book series Michonne  first appears in "The Walking Dead" Issue 19 back in 2005. And her entrance in the comic series mirrors what  TV viewers saw her doing on Sunday night -- leading armless zombies on chains and slicing and dicing other zombies with her Katana blades.

As a comic book fan and reader this is truly exciting to see the pages of these books come to the television screen! Thank you AMC!! And I am looking forward to Season 3 where we will get to see Michonne in a major way!!

Idris Elba to Star as an Ancient Egyptian Renaissance Man!!

I must say Mr. Idris Elba is definitely doing his thing in the TV and Film arena. I can remember his breakout tv role as Stringer Bell in HBO series "The Wire" to starring in the BBC series "Luther"; and then making his mark on the movie/film screen with roles in Takers, Legacy, Rock-N-Rolla, and Thor just to name a few. 


Recently Elba has been given the opportunity to have a double-starring role in an adventure television miniseries "Ascension" , which focuses on the history and future of astronomy and mankind’s impulse for the stars. The shows creators, British producer Vivek J. Tiwary and writer Warren Ellis, have pretty much got him lined up to star as both the Ancient Egyptian genius Imhotep in 3000 B.C. as well as an extraordinary astronomer in the near future. 


Now this is a role that I can see him playing very well. In essence, this would be a natural fit for him and his career.


Elba, who recently starred in Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, will also starring in the upcoming sci-fi film Prometheus.


Go ahead Mr. Elba!!

You can catch me in 2 places now!!

Alrighty Good People!! Just wanted to let you know there is another spot where you can keep up with me!! Just recently I was added to the staff of  Medium Rare as one of their TV and Film Commentators. This is another awesome opportunity that has been presented to me and I am truly grateful!

Medium Rare is dedicated to highlighting the achievements of women and people of color in the television, film, and gaming industries. It is our mission to bring to the public dynamic interviews and review works by directors, writers, designers/developers and producers who may have been overshadowed and/or overlooked. Furthermore, Medium Rare believes that the visual arts suffer from mediocrity on occasion. As a result we act as a platform for other faces, voices, and viewpoints to be seen and heard as commentary on the state of the media industry both in content and delivery.

So far I have done reviews on the television shows "Whitney" and "2 Broke Girls" !! And there is more to come!! Make sure to check me out on  www.mediumraretv.org .

"Luke Cage" Project will hit TV before the Movie Theaters...See Why?

Check out this exclusive update on the Luke Cage project from Shadow and Act ...

In an interview with Hitflix  posted today, Melissa Rosenberg (Twilight screenwriter), who, as we've been following, is reportedly writing and executive producing the Jessica Jones TV series, has confirmed that not only will Luke Cage be "worked into the series" (which Marvel Head of Television Jeph Loeb revealed at Comic-Con earlier this year), but he'll in fact be a primary series character, and will be 1 of 3 central characters in the narrative - the other 2 being Jessica Jones (of course), and Carol Danvers (better known as Ms. Marvel, one of the most powerful members of The Avengers).

For those just learning about this, here's a quickie recap...

The new series will be titled, AKA Jessica Jones, the former superhero who retires after suffering post-traumatic disorder and decides to become a private detective; Marvel is prepping a live-action TV series based on the Marvel character.

So whats the connection to Luke Cage, you ask? Jessica Jones is a white female superhero, so, why should we care here on S&A? Well, comic book geeks will know that Jessica Jones was later known as Jessica Campbell Jones Cage. The last name should give you a hint as to where this is going...

Jessica Jones eventually marries Luke Cage, the African American superhero, whose name has been mentioned quite a bit on this site in recent months, with the likes of Idris Elba, Tyrese Gibson and Isaiah Mustafa campaigning to play the character in a big screen adaptation (who knows if that'll ever happen). In the comic book series, the couple had a daughter as well.

And so my main interest here is has been just how involved Luke Cage will be in this series; if Marvel planned to focus strictly on Jones' life prior to meeting Cage, meaning he'd likely be a peripheral character.
I can now say that he'll be a central character; though the series is still be called AKA Jessica Jones, so...

From Hitfix:

 

Based on Brian Michael Bendis comic series "Alias," the TV show would center on Jessica Jones a former superhero under the code name Jewel who has decided to give up tights and spotlight. Rosenberg confirmed the show would also have principal parts for Luke Cage (also known as Power Man and her eventual husband in the comics) as well as Carol Danvers (better known as Ms. Marvel, on of the most powerful members of The Avengers). The former "Dexter" scribe and producer confirmed the potential TV series would absolutely take place in the larger "cinematic" Marvel Universe that has been established by films such as "Iron Man" and "Thor,"" but admitted they can't reference everything. "It's very tricky navigation there. You can't mention one guy because Fox has the rights to that guy and Universal has the rights to the other one. There are a lot of boundaries on who you can and can't use," Rosenberg reveals. "I had Jessica Jones and Luke Cage and Carol Danvers [for the pilot script]. Basically, I wanted those three guys -- then I would have a series."

Rosenberg added that the series is very real, the pilot script is done, and now they're just waiting for a green light to shoot it.

I already know a few people who will be interested to see this! Kudos to Shadow and Act for this updated inside scoop!!