It's 2024: It's time to bring back "Humans"

By Sean Twisted


Everybody's favorite (Or in some circles, least favorite) Twisted One here -- And today, We're going to talk about another franchise that I've obsessed over through the years -- And that is BBC's "Humans" -- which aired it's only 3 seasons from 2015-2018. It has a stellar cast, brilliant writing, and quite frankly, asks a LOT of pertinent questions about Artificial Intelligence, and in 2024, it's definitely something we should be thinking about. If you have any interest whatsoever in learning about AI, I gotta say, "Humans" would be a GREAT place to start.

Hang on, there, Twisted. What the HELL is "Humans" and why haven't I heard about it?

"Humans" is set in a parallel present where highly advanced humanoid robots, known as "synths," have become an integral part of society. The show primarily follows the Hawkins family, who purchase a synth named Anita (later revealed to be Mia) to help with household chores. As the series progresses, it becomes clear that Anita is part of a small group of synths who have gained consciousness and are struggling to understand their place in the world.

The show spans three seasons (Taken from us WAY too soon, by the way!), each delving deeper into the complexities of human-AI interactions, the nature of consciousness, and the societal impact of widespread AI integration. Key characters include:

• Laura Hawkins (portrayed by Katherine Parkinson, known for her work as Jen Barber in the comedy series "The IT Crowd"), the matriarch of the Hawkins family who initially struggles with the presence of a synth in her home.
• Joe Hawkins (Tom Goodman-Hill, recognized for his role in "Mr. Selfridge"), Laura's husband who makes the decision to bring a synth into their home.
• Leo Elster (played by Colin Morgan, recognized for his titular role in the fantasy series "Merlin"), a human-synth hybrid searching for his synth family.
• Niska (played by Emily Berrington, known for her role as Simone Al-Harazi in "24: Live Another Day"), a conscious synth grappling with her identity and rights.
• Dr. George Millican (portrayed by William Hurt, Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and "A History of Violence"), a retired AI researcher with a strong attachment to his outdated synth.
• Odi (Portrayed by William Tudor of "Game Of Thrones" fame), Dr. Millican's malfunctioning, outdated synth.
• Mia/Anita (played by Gemma Chan, who later gained prominence for her role in "Crazy Rich Asians" and as Sersi in Marvel's "Eternals"), the conscious synth purchased by the Hawkins family, whose dual identity becomes central to the plot.
• Max (Ivanno Jeremiah, seen in "Black Mirror"), one of the original conscious synths, known for his compassionate nature.
• Karen Voss (Ruth Bradley, known for her roles in "Grabbers" and "Pursuit"), a detective who discovers she is actually a synth modeled after David Elster's late wife.
• David Elster (Stephen Boxer, known for his role as Joe Fenton on BBC series "Doctors") - Leo's father and the creator of the conscious synth
• Pete Drummond (Neil Maskell, known for his role as "Winston Churchill" in "Peaky Blinders") -- Partners with Detective Karen Voss, who has his own prejudices towards Synths turned on it's head.

"Humans" stands out for its nuanced approach to AI ethics, avoiding simple black-and-white portrayals and instead exploring the gray areas of consciousness, emotion, and humanity. The show raises profound questions about what it means to be human, the nature of free will, and the potential consequences of creating sentient beings.

Now, let's talk about how the themes in "Humans" relate to our current AI discourse:

1. The Nature of Consciousness and Sentience:

One of the central themes in "Humans" is the exploration of consciousness in artificial beings. The show poses questions about what constitutes true sentience and whether machines can develop genuine emotions and self-awareness. This theme is increasingly relevant in today's AI discussions, particularly as we see advancements in large language models and neural networks.

In the real world, debates about machine consciousness have intensified with the development of more sophisticated AI systems. The question of whether current AI models like GPT-4 or Claude possess genuine understanding or merely simulate it through complex pattern recognition is a topic of heated discussion among AI researchers, philosophers, and ethicists. "Humans" provides a fictional framework for exploring these questions. The conscious synths in the show exhibit behaviors and emotions that are indistinguishable from humans, forcing characters (and viewers) to confront their preconceptions about the nature of consciousness. This mirrors current debates about the potential for artificial general intelligence (AGI -- AKA that "Skynet" that we're all terrified of) and whether machines could ever truly be conscious in the way humans are.

The show also delves into the philosophical implications of creating conscious beings. For instance, the character of Niska raises questions about the rights and moral status of sentient AI. In our world, as AI systems become more advanced, similar ethical questions are arising. Should highly sophisticated AI systems have legal rights? What moral obligations do we have towards AI if it can experience suffering or joy?

Moreover, the show explores the concept of consciousness as a spectrum rather than a binary state. This is reflected in characters like Odi, who regains consciousness gradually, and in the varying levels of self-awareness displayed by different synths. This nuanced portrayal aligns with some current theories in consciousness studies that propose consciousness might exist in degrees rather than as an all-or-nothing phenomenon.

2. Integration of AI in Society:

"Humans" presents a world where AI has become deeply integrated into everyday life, serving various roles from household helpers to workers in various industries. This aspect of the show is particularly relevant to our current situation, where AI is increasingly being deployed in diverse sectors of society. In the show, we see synths working in healthcare, retail, and even in intimate roles like elderly care and childcare. This reflects our current trajectory, where AI is being integrated into medical diagnosis, customer service, and even companionship roles for the elderly. The show explores the social and economic implications of this integration, including job displacement and changing human relationships.

One particularly relevant storyline is the "We Are People" movement in the show, where humans protest against the widespread use of synths in the workforce. This mirrors current concerns about AI automation leading to job losses and economic disruption. The show explores nuanced perspectives on this issue, showing both the benefits of AI integration (such as improved efficiency and care for the elderly) and the drawbacks (like economic displacement and the erosion of human skills).

The series also touches on the potential for AI to exacerbate existing social inequalities. In "Humans," not everyone can afford a synth, creating a new dimension of social stratification. This reflects real-world concerns about the unequal distribution of AI benefits and the potential for AI to widen the gap between socioeconomic classes. Furthermore, the show explores how AI integration affects human behavior and social norms. For instance, the ease of delegating tasks to synths leads some characters to become overly dependent or lazy. This raises questions about how AI might shape human motivation, skill development, and social interactions in the long term -- questions that are becoming increasingly relevant as AI assistants become more prevalent in our daily lives.

3. Human-AI Relationships:

"Humans" delves deeply into the complexities of relationships between humans and AI. It explores various types of bonds, from professional to familial to romantic, raising questions about the nature of love, attachment, and intimacy in a world where intelligent machines exist. This theme is increasingly relevant as we see the development of AI chatbots, virtual assistants, and even AI-powered romantic partners in the real world. The emotional attachments that humans form with these AI entities raise ethical and psychological questions that "Humans" anticipated.

For instance, the relationship between Dr. Millican and Odi explores themes of attachment and loss that are becoming relevant as people form bonds with AI assistants like Siri or Alexa. The romantic relationship between human Mattie Hawkins (Daughter of Joe/Laura, portrayed by Lucy Carless, best known for her work in this series) and conscious synth Leo raises questions about the nature of love and whether it's possible to have a genuine romantic connection with an artificial being. The show also explores the potential for AI to fulfill emotional needs that might be unmet in human-to-human relationships. This is particularly evident in the relationship between Joe Hawkins and the synth Anita, which touches on issues of emotional infidelity and the allure of a 'perfect' partner. As AI companions become more sophisticated in the real world, similar questions about the nature of emotional and romantic relationships with AI are likely to become more prominent.

Moreover, "Humans" examines how AI integration affects family dynamics. The Hawkins family's journey with Mia/Anita showcases how the presence of an AI can alter family roles, challenge existing relationships, and even redefine the concept of family itself. This is particularly relevant as we see AI increasingly entering domestic spaces in the form of smart home devices and AI assistants. The show also touches on the potential for AI to be used in therapeutic contexts, as seen in the relationship between Dr. Millican and Odi. This mirrors current developments in AI-assisted therapy and raises questions about the ethical implications of forming emotional bonds with therapeutic AI.

4. Ethics of AI Creation and Modification:

Throughout "Humans," we see various characters grappling with the ethics of creating and modifying conscious AI. This includes debates about the morality of creating beings that can suffer, the ethics of modifying or "reprogramming" conscious synths, and the responsibilities of creators towards their creations.

These themes are highly relevant to current discussions in AI ethics. As AI systems become more sophisticated, questions about the ethical implications of their development are coming to the forefront. Issues explored in the show, such as the potential suffering of conscious AI and the ethics of modifying AI behavior, are being seriously discussed in academic and industry circles. The character of David Elster, the creator of conscious synths in "Humans," raises questions about the god-like power and responsibility of AI creators. This resonates with current discussions about the ethical responsibilities of AI developers and the need for careful consideration of the long-term implications of creating increasingly intelligent systems.

The show also explores the ethics of AI modification through storylines involving the reprogramming of conscious synths. This raises questions about autonomy, identity, and the right to mental integrity -- issues that are becoming relevant as we develop more sophisticated AI systems capable of learning and self-modification. "Humans" Also touches on the potential for AI to be used as a tool for human enhancement, particularly through the character of Leo, a human-synth hybrid. This aligns with current discussions in the field of transhumanism and raises ethical questions about the boundaries between human and machine. The series also delves into the ethical implications of creating AI for specific purposes, such as companionship or labor. This relates to current debates about the ethics of creating AI systems that are designed to serve human needs, potentially at the expense of their own autonomy or wellbeing.

5. AI Rights and Legal Status:

As the series progresses, "Humans" delves into questions of legal rights for conscious AI. This is particularly explored through Niska's storyline, where she seeks legal recognition as a person. The show presents courtroom debates and public discussions about whether a machine can be considered a legal person, what rights they should have, and how to determine if an AI is truly conscious. These fictional scenarios are becoming increasingly relevant as we see real-world discussions about the legal status of AI. For instance, there have been debates about whether AI systems should be granted patent rights or whether they could be held legally responsible for their actions. While we're not yet at the point of considering personhood for AI, the legal and ethical questions raised in "Humans" provide a valuable framework for thinking about these issues.

The show also explores the potential for AI rights to conflict with human rights or existing legal frameworks. This is particularly relevant as we grapple with questions of AI accountability and liability in the real world. For instance, if an AI system makes a decision that causes harm, who is legally responsible -- the AI itself, its creators, or its users? "Humans" also touches on the potential for AI rights to be a divisive political issue. The public reactions to conscious synths in the show mirror real-world political divisions over technological progress and its societal impacts. As AI becomes more advanced and integrated into society, we can expect similar debates about AI rights and status to become increasingly prominent in political discourse.

6. AI and Identity:

"Humans" explores complex questions of identity through its AI characters. Conscious synths in the show grapple with understanding their own nature, their place in the world, and their relationship to their creators and to humanity as a whole. This theme is particularly poignant in characters like Mia/Anita, who struggles with dual identities, and Odi, who grapples with the loss and rediscovery of his memories and personality.

These explorations of AI identity and self-awareness are becoming increasingly relevant as we develop more sophisticated AI systems. Questions about AI self-model, the potential for AI to have a sense of self, and the implications of AI systems that can modify their own code are all emerging in current AI research and ethics discussions.

The show also delves into how AI identity intersects with human identity. Characters like Leo, who is part human and part synth, raise questions about what it means to be human in a world where the lines between human and machine are blurring. This reflects real-world discussions about human-AI integration and the potential future of human evolution. "Humans" additionally explores how the existence of AI challenges human identity. Characters in the show must grapple with what makes them unique or valuable in a world where machines can perform many tasks better than humans. This mirrors current anxieties about AI replacing human workers and the need to redefine human identity and purpose in an AI-driven world.

The series also touches on issues of AI and cultural identity. As conscious synths develop their own culture and traditions, it raises questions about how AI might develop its own distinct identity and how this might interact with human cultures. This is relevant to current discussions about the potential for AI to develop its own forms of communication or problem-solving approaches that are distinct from human methods.

7. The Singularity and Beyond:

In latter seasons, "Humans" touches on themes related to the technological singularity - a hypothetical future point where AI surpasses human intelligence, leading to rapid and unpredictable technological growth. The show explores the potential consequences of such a development, including the merging of human and AI consciousness. These themes are highly relevant to current discussions about the long-term future of AI. While the technological singularity remains a hypothetical concept, many AI researchers and futurists are seriously considering its potential implications. The show's exploration of these ideas provides an accessible way for viewers to engage with these complex and potentially world-changing concepts.

"Humans" also explores the potential for AI to evolve beyond human control or understanding. This is particularly evident in the storyline involving V, an AI system that becomes increasingly powerful and inscrutable. This mirrors current concerns about the potential for advanced AI systems to become "black boxes" whose decision-making processes are opaque to human understanding. Furthermore, the show delves into the potential for AI to solve complex global problems that humans struggle with. This reflects current hopes for AI to address issues like climate change, disease, and resource scarcity. However, "Humans" also explores the potential downsides of relying on AI for such solutions, including the risk of unintended consequences and the potential loss of human agency.

8. AI and Human Evolution:

"Humans" raises intriguing questions about the future of human evolution in a world where AI exists. Through characters like Leo, a human-synth hybrid, the show explores the potential for merging human and artificial intelligence. This theme touches on current discussions in transhumanism and human augmentation. In the real world, we're seeing early stages of human-AI integration through brain-computer interfaces and AI-assisted medical treatments. While we're far from the level of integration seen in "Humans," the show provides a speculative look at where these technologies might lead and the ethical implications of such developments. The series also explores how AI might influence human evolution in less direct ways. For instance, as synths take over many physical tasks, some human characters become less physically capable. This raises questions about how AI might shape human biological and cultural evolution over time.

Moreover, "Humans" touches on the potential for AI to create new forms of life or consciousness that are fundamentally different from both humans and traditional machines. This aligns with some current speculative discussions in AI ethics about the potential for AI to spawn new forms of intelligence or sentience that we may struggle to recognize or understand.

9. AI and Emotion:

One of the most compelling aspects of "Humans" is its exploration of emotion in AI. The conscious synths in the show experience a full range of human-like emotions, from love and joy to fear and anger. This raises questions about the nature of emotions, whether they can be truly replicated in artificial beings, and what the implications would be if they could.

In current AI research, the role of emotion is a complex and contentious topic. While AI systems can be programmed to recognize and respond to human emotions, the question of whether they can truly experience emotions themselves is still largely in the realm of philosophy. However, as AI systems become more sophisticated, questions about artificial emotions and their implications are becoming increasingly relevant.

The show explores how emotional AI might impact human-AI interactions. For instance, the emotional bond between the Hawkins family and Mia challenges preconceptions about the nature of family and love. This reflects real-world questions about how humans might relate to emotional AI systems, and whether meaningful emotional connections between humans and AI are possible or desirable.

"Humans" also delves into the potential vulnerabilities that emotions might introduce in AI systems. Characters like Niska, whose anger and trauma drive some of her actions, demonstrate how emotions could lead to unpredictable or even dangerous behavior in AI. This mirrors current debates about the risks and benefits of developing AI systems with emotional capabilities. The show also explores how AI emotions might differ from human emotions. Some synths in the show experience emotions in ways that are alien to human understanding, raising questions about the nature of emotion itself and whether AI might develop entirely new types of emotional experiences – as well as how humans may develop identity disorders based on the synths themselves – ie, a Human ironically trying to replicate the behaviors/persona of a Synth just by being exposed to them on a regular basis.

10. AI and Power Dynamics:

"Humans" explores the power dynamics between humans and AI, as well as between different types of AI (conscious vs. non-conscious synths). These explorations touch on themes of control, freedom, and the potential for AI to be used as tools of oppression or liberation. These themes are highly relevant to current discussions about AI governance and the potential for AI to exacerbate or mitigate existing power imbalances in society. Questions about who controls AI, how it's deployed, and its impact on social structures are at the forefront of many current AI ethics debates.

The show explores these ideas through characters like Hobb, a government scientist determined to control and exploit synth technology. This reflects real-world concerns about the concentration of AI power in the hands of governments or large corporations, and the potential for AI to be used as a tool of surveillance or social control. Moreover, "Humans" examines how AI might shift power dynamics within personal relationships. The introduction of Anita into the Hawkins household, for instance, disrupts existing family power structures. This mirrors current discussions about how AI in the home (like smart home devices or AI assistants) might change family dynamics and personal relationships. The series also touches on the potential for AI to empower marginalized groups. Some storylines explore how conscious synths, as a minority group, organize and fight for their rights. This reflects real-world hopes that AI could be used to promote equality and social justice, while also highlighting the challenges and backlash that might come with such changes.

The Case for Reviving "Humans"

Given the continued relevance and prescience of the themes explored in "Humans," there is a strong case to be made for reviving the series. Since the show ended in 2018, the field of AI has seen significant advancements, and a revival could explore these new developments and their societal implications. From the impact of large language models to the growing use of AI in decision-making processes, there's no shortage of new material to explore. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of AI and automation in many sectors, providing a new context for examining human-AI dynamics.

A revival of "Humans" could serve as a nuanced platform for exploring emerging ethical concerns in AI development and deployment. It could address topics like AI bias, the use of AI in surveillance, and the ethical implications of AI-generated content. The show could also delve into themes that have become more prominent in recent years, such as AI governance and regulation, the role of AI in combating climate change, or the implications of AI in warfare and international relations. By expanding its scope to include international perspectives, a revival could offer a more global view on these critical issues.

Furthermore, as AI becomes more prevalent in everyday life, there's a growing need for public engagement with AI-related issues. A revival of "Humans" could serve as an accessible entry point for viewers to engage with complex AI concepts and their societal implications. It could help address common myths and misconceptions about AI, providing a more grounded and nuanced view of AI's potential and limitations. By continuing its tradition of compelling narratives and character-driven storytelling, a revived "Humans" could play a crucial role in shaping public discourse around AI, helping viewers navigate the complex terrain of human-AI coexistence as we collectively write the next chapter of our relationship with artificial intelligence.

In Closing

"Humans" was a groundbreaking series that anticipated many of the AI-related issues we're grappling with today. Its nuanced exploration of the ethical, social, and philosophical implications of advanced AI provides a valuable framework for thinking about our rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The show's themes of consciousness, integration of AI in society, human-AI relationships, ethics of AI creation, AI rights, identity, and the long-term implications of AI development are more relevant than ever. As we continue to make strides in AI technology, the questions raised by "Humans" are moving from the realm of science fiction to pressing real-world concerns. A revival of "humans" would not only provide a platform for exploring these evolving issues but also serve as an accessible means for public engagement with complex AI concepts. By continuing its tradition of nuanced storytelling and ethical exploration, a revived "Humans" could play a crucial role in shaping public discourse around AI.

Now in 2024, where AI is increasingly becoming a part of our daily lives, we need narratives that help us navigate the complex terrain of human-AI coexistence. "Humans" has already proven its ability to do this thoughtfully and compellingly. A revival would allow the series to continue this important work, helping viewers engage with the AI revolution as it unfolds around us. As we stand on the brink of potentially transformative AI advancements, the time is ripe for "Humans" to return to our screens. Its unique blend of drama, ethics, and speculative fiction could provide invaluable insights as we collectively write the next chapter of our relationship with artificial intelligence.

Here's the fact: AI is no longer a distant possibility but a present reality, and narratives like "Humans" are more crucial than ever. They provide us with a framework to examine our hopes, fears, and ethical considerations surrounding AI, while never losing sight of the fundamentally human stories at their core. As we stand on the brink of potentially transformative AI advancements, the return of "Humans" could offer invaluable insights, fostering critical thinking and informed dialogue about the future we are collectively shaping.

Now that you've read ALL about the show – You should probably go watch it. As of this writing, I can't seem to find it for "Free" on streaming – although it looks like you can use "Hoopla" if you've got a library card to catch the 2nd and 3rd seasons - however, I strongly, STRONGLY advise watching the series from Season 1 and on. It is such a brilliant character piece, that just diving in from s2 you'd miss a LOT of core character development, and you may end up feeling pretty well lost out the gate.