Humans - Episode 1.02 - Review : "A Mother's Instinct"

After last week’s elegantly triumphant pilot for new AI-based show Humans premiered last week, the show returns with episode two, which largely suggests something of "a Mother's instinct" , that specifically, a Mother would do anything for her child. Could Anita, the more-than-Synth housekeeper, begin to adopt those features that a Mother holds? Furthermore, the episode reveals how Synths and Humans are disturbing each other’s largely fragmented worlds, as evil in the form of revenge comes from anyone and we begin to see patterns of revolt from both sides - could a civil war between Humans and Synths be in an awakening?

Rumbles of mystery and pensive intensity continue to follow the Hawkins family, as Anita and Laura continue to battle to become the Mother figure of the house. Anita's deluded smiles are what makes the tension in this show, for her subtle physical activities only supplement our understanding about how human she is - she even gives me the shivers every time she gives a slightly cruel glance or allows spiders to crawl over her robotic hands - and that's saying something, because I'm not even particularly afraid of spiders! Gemma Chan is overpowering as Anita, and it seems, as with Alicia Vikander in Ex Machina, that an actor will excel themselves in roles as AIs - which, in itself, is a little spine-tingling. Laura is beginning to emerge as a danger to Synths and her own family; for how far will she go to stop Anita from regaining control of the family? Significantly, Anita already seems to have her contact lenses wired onto young Sophie and I highly doubt she'll be letting Laura take her back for repair...

The bonding between Mattie and Laura also makes for engaging viewing in the episode, for both seem to becoming agitated by the Synths. Humans is a show that is very real and emotionally entertaining, as technology today already is reinventing how jobs are allocated, and whether a computer can do something better than a human, which, for the most part, it can. For example, in most job applications today - not that I've ever applied for an actual job (so excuse me if this isn't the case), you, more than likely, you will have to have some degree in working on computers. Whether it's simply making an Excel spreadsheet - which isn't always that simple for those in older generations - or having accessibility to the internet, technology is beginning to replace and mould us in our futures. Mattie and Laura both have seemed to be replaced by the Synths, and this is where, I suspect, as the series continues we will see how the rage and jealousy mounts into something bigger and in retrospect, massive in terms of human evolution. If technology is evolving, that surely we must do the same if we wish to keep our lives as they are now? In other Hawkins news, Toby, learnt that er- maybe his views on Anita are a little muddled by his teenage stereotype er-, moving on.

After relentless determination not to get rid of his old Synth, George, instead, found in this episode that he would be forced to be allocated a new Synth - one that, oddly, isn't very compliant to George's specific needs, and will rather take orders from a 'higher corporation' (or the NHS...). This, in itself, ponders the question on whether Synths can be used as weapons, that they could be used in a way to force someone, enslave them, to do as they are needed to do by corporate organisations. This is an unusual attempt at Humans suggesting that humans could become slaves to Synths, with them being controlled by someone other than yourself - this is a grim concept, and one that was subtly suggested. It also allows me to understand whether Synths could be an evolved state of mankind, due to them constantly being able to 'recognize faults' in themselves and others - meaning they are, in their entirety, free from any negative health. So instead of them being replacing humans, they may, be a step forward for humans.

Probably the most roaring moment of the episode, was Niska leaving behind her slavery as a Synth as she marched away from the only humans she saw - vile creatures of mass violence, filled with horrendous imaginations and anger. If it was me, I'd have run as far away as I could, so it was unusual to be rooting for something so against human nature - but who can blame her? Humans is a show that is revolutionizing how we look at ourselves, how we understand what really is a 'human' and now, it seems the show is suggesting that this is the outside look on how we are perceived, the minorities of evil are shaping our society to being something rigidly cruel. Humans is obviously unafraid of boundaries, and it's so exciting to talk about, so excuse my deep thoughts on this contemplative subject (I hope I'm not the only one thinking this...). The scene was utterly horrific and brutal, but it really allowed the writers to remind us of the depth of cruelty in the world today. If you take out the Synths, then this cruelty will still be occurring, but with humans - and I'm sure anyone would be against that. Yet, it's happening in this parallel world, with Synths, and as any human would, Niska has had enough of it and I'm inspired to see where this takes her character.

Leo had some searing moments too, with the mouth-opening moment of him revealing to being a Synth, or at-least, half a Synth (don't ask me on the details of it). I'm not totally sure whether the writers pulled this moment off, as it was a epic revelation but due to the lack of explanation, it felt a little lacklustre compared to what it should have been. Nevertheless, this is certainly a twist in this ruthless tale, as it would suggest Leo has fully become human (unless he is an old-generation Synth, which is also interesting as therefore it may suggest there is more Synths that have human abilities, like him). In either case, it would suggest that there could be Synths who have become human, or are pretending to be, human. What does this mean for Synths? Would it allow them to integrate into society completely, without anyone even blinking in speculation? This would allow for mind-games between Humans and Synths, again, possibly implicating the idea of a civil war between the two closely linked species.

"He's the Mona Lisa. He's penicillin. He's the atom bomb." - A bold statement regarding Fred, made by our supremely evil Hobb. An emotional statement, to say the least. This is Humans, once again, taking a leap into the future, and doing it so brilliantly. If Fred, due to his human characteristics, is able to make such a drastic change in society (like that of Mona Lisa, penicillin and the atom bomb), then what does this mean for Synths such as Niska, Leo and Anita, whom all supposedly share these human abilities. For art and culture, goodness and health, or destruction and cruelty? The latter seems most plausible, but will Humans take us into another unexpected route? I suppose we shall continue to revel at secrets when Humans returns, next week.

Following in the footsteps of its pilot, Humans continues to succeed and revolt against the boundaries of television. Exciting, mysterious and contemplative, Humans once again allows me to ramble deep in my thoughts, whilst hopefully making some sort of sense about how integral and imaginative this show is. As it's now Channel 4's most successful drama in years, I'm hoping the success and positivity will continue to shine throughout the eight episodes, as we've definitely got a massive ride coming as we follow this diverse show.

Humans continues to grow, what were you thoughts on episode two? Do you think Leo is a Synth, or something completely different? And will George ever cope with his new health carer? Let me know in the comments below.

About the Author - Owen Bush

Owen likes to regard himself as a reviewer, photographer, graphical designer and obssessor over a large range of TV shows. He also takes large interest in acting and drama - so if you see him in a TV show in 2050, let him know. In The Flesh will always be dear to his heart.

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