From big screen to small screen, directors and script writers around the world have been dazzling us with some intriguing plots surrounding Artificial Intelligence. The small screen is gradually following this fad with some nerve-wracking, mind-twisting TV shows. The transcendence of robots beyond the consciousness line has ever an interesting theme for directors of these TV shows.
The extent and the manner in which most of these shows brought in AI have been characteristically different over the years. Some introduced AI-based characters, while others introduced plots where the actors had to specifically solve and AI issue, or make use of the technology in overcoming an impediment. But with years, we have seen the inception of shows which are rather completely based on AI, yet these shows never fail to bring in something new and entertaining for the viewers in every episode. This article is a throwback to some of those well-directed televised programs which have successfully depicted AI is a more interesting theme.
Almost Human
In a near-distant future, around 2048, a detective named John Kennex wakes up from a 17-month long coma following the aftermath of a catastrophic attacked launched against the police department. As John recovers from the death of his old partner and loss of his memory and legs, he must partner with Dorian, an Android of a DRN model.
This action-packed cop drama has been directed by J.J. Wyman, represented a futuristic timeline, where every police officer is partnered with highly evolved human-like androids. Karl Urban and Michael Ealy play the respective roles of John and Dorian, respectively, in this 2013-produced hit TV series.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FV2ojHR40TQ
Battlestar Galactica
Created by Glen A. Larson and Ronald D. Moore, this show ran from 2005 to 2009. This is a magnificent sci-fi show, depicting the scenario when AI turns nasty against humans. The show focuses a lot on the tension and war between humans and robots.
The TV series stresses on the dark side of humans, while bringing out the humanity element in robots. The show has received exceptional reviews form Time Magazine, Rolling Guide, etc.
Caprica
The show revolves around two families, the Graystones and the Adamas, who live a peaceful life on the planet Caprica. But a breakthrough in AI brings about unforeseen consequences on the planet. The show is a spin-off from “Battestar Galactica,” and is set in a timeline 50 years prior to events of the original series. The show is filled with provocative, daring, and controversial ideas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccHORot0vNA
Humans
This British-American show was first released in 2015, and ran on Channel 4 in the UK and AMC in the US. This show is originally based on the popular Swedish production “Real Humans.”
The show draws in an alternate reality, where artificially intelligent robots, known as “Synths,” serve as highly-developed robotic servants. Humans presents the picture of a dystopian society, touching upon the psychological impact of AI – for both humans and robots, alike.
Intelligence
The plot for this intelligent show revolves mostly around the central character Gabriel Vaughn, played by Josh Holloway. As Gabriel, Josh acts as a high-tech intelligence operative who has brain implant containing a super-computer microchip, in this high-octane dramatic thriller.
The implant presents him with abilities to connect directly with the global information grid, giving him complete access to Internet, WiFi, telephone, and satellite data. Hacking into any data center and accessing key intel are some of his specialties, which he uses to defend US from its enemies. The show projects Josh as the first supercomputer with a beating heart, a secret weapon in States’ defence strategy.
Person of Interest
Created by Jonathan Nolan, the show aired successfully on CBS network from 2011 to 2016, and is essentially a science-fiction drama. The show starts renown actors like Jim Caviezel, Emmy Award winner Michael Emerson and Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson.
The plot revolves around a crime-fighting team who use AI to predict future murder instances. The team makes exclusive use of an AI program, the “machine” to apprehend possible criminals, before they execute their dreadful acts. Additionally, the show explores the relationship of humans with AI.
Small Wonder
This is yet another popular 80s sitcom about this family who create a robot, named VICI (Voice Input Child Identicant), and adopt her as their daughter. The actual identity of VICI is kept a secret throughout the show, and the AI never failed to amuse the audience.
VICI’s AI programming was imperfect, making her incapable of reflecting emotions. The central character was played by Tiffany Brisette. Small Wonder was created by Howard Leeds.
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
This series is a spin-off from the popular Terminator movie franchise, and the plot is based on a timeline, four years after the events of Terminator 2: Judgement Day. John and Sarah are hiding from the government and Skynet’s agents from future.
Skynet is the infamous revolutionary artificial intelligence system, designed originally to establish a new order of intelligence. The season moves on to Sarah realizing that hiding was a futile attempt, and they plan to destroy Skynet, in order to stop Armageddon. This show ran from 2008 to 2009.
Total Recall 2070
Directed by Art Monterastelli, this show came in 1999 and is about a dark, multi-cultural mega-city on earth in 2070s. The central characters of the plot David Hume and Ian Farve are plyed by actors Michael Easton and Karl Pruner, respectively.
David Hume is a smart and dedicated human and has to partner with Ian Farve against his wishes. Ian is an advanced android of mysterious origins as the show dictates. The central characters are part of Citizens Protection Bureau (CPB), who investigate crimes related to rogue or self-aware androids, advanced cyber technologies espionage, and illegal genetic experiments.
Westworld
The show from HBO managed to catch a much larger audience, last year, as it hit the screens. Artificial Intelligence is the central theme of the story, and it goes on to explore the relation of AI with human consciousness. The story is about a Western-themed futuristic park, populated with artificial intelligence, where high-paying guests go on to live their own fantasies, killing people in a frenzy. “Guest” are the real humans who visit Westworld, while the AI beings are termed “host”.
The show additionally delves on ideas such as what would happen if AIs started gaining consciousness. Remember, the “host” only act oblivious till they transcend the fine line of consciousness, which is basically the idea the show will move forth with in its second season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSuZrOfRLYE
