TV Review: Humans: Second Half, Season One

In a parallel present, we have highly developed “Synths” as servants. Their presence has social implications, and fears have been amplified as the presence of sentient Synths becomes known. These characters find much opposition from humanity, but also some allies.

And the blurring of natural and artificial life has already started.

Cast and Crew

Directed by Lewis Arnold (Episodes 5 and 6), China Moo-Young (Episodes 7 and 8)
Written by Emily Balou (Episode 5) and Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley (last three episodes)

Gemma Chan as Mia / Anita
Tom Goodman-Hill as Joe Hawkins
Katherine Parkinson as Laura Hawkins
Lucy Carless as Mattie Hawkins
William Hurt as Dr. George Millican
Colin Morgan as Leo
Ruth Bradley as Detective Inspector Karen Voss
Theo Stevenson as Toby Hawkins
Jack Derges as Simon
Sope Dirisu as Fred
Pixie Davies as Sophie Hawkins
Emily Berrington as Niska
Rebecca Front as Vera
Sophie Gooding as Sally Synth
Ivanno Jeremiah as Synth Max
Danny Webb as Hobb
Neil Maskell as Detective Pete Drummond
Jill Halfpenny as Jill Drummond
Will Tudor as Odi

Premise

The Hawkins Family breaks apart over Joe’s use of Anita, but then comes together as the sentient Synths rally against the humans who want to destroy them.

High Point

The series features many dramatic moments. Mia’s discussion with Joe was strong; Odi’s reaction to Dr. Millican’s death proves the most touching.

Low Point

The audience for this series understands its thematic concerns. They did not have be lugged out and discussed in quite so obvious a manner in Episode Eight.

The Scores

Originality: 1/6 As with the first half of the season: Humans makes for great viewing, but it’s an adaptation of an existing property that recycled ideas that have been a part of SF since the beginning, and are ubiquitous now. I enjoyed the story, but it really does nothing new with those ideas.

Effects: 5/6 The effects are minimal but well-executed.

Story: 5/6 Much was made of the We Are People movement, and then the protesters and the rally play very little role in the story. Perhaps they will build on this element next year. As for the Synths, Niska demonstrates they can say one thing but do another, just like the rest of us.
Humans will continue next year.

Acting: 6/6 The acting remains strong throughout the series. Just how creepy was Sophie’s impersonation of Anita?

Emotional Response: 5/6

Production: 6/6

Overall: 5/6 Some of the actions surrounding Pete’s assistance feel a little forced and the ending, a little too pat but, overall, the first season holds up.

In total, Humans, the second half of Season One, receives 33/42

Final Thoughts

This 2012 Wired piece may hold interest for viewers.