Real Humans (2012– )
"Äkta människor" (original title)

In a parallel present the artificial human has come into its own. Robots no longer have anything robot-like about them. New technology and advancements in the field of science have made it ... See full summary »

Creator:

Lars Lundström

Stars:

Andreas Wilson, Lisette Pagler, Pia Halvorsen

Cast

Series cast summary:
Andreas Wilson	...	Leo Eischer (10 episodes, 2012)
Lisette Pagler	...	Anita (10 episodes, 2012)
Pia Halvorsen	...	Inger Engman (10 episodes, 2012)
Johan Paulsen	...	Hans Engman (10 episodes, 2012)
Natalie Minnevik	...	Matilda Engman (10 episodes, 2012)
Kåre Hedebrant	...	Tobias Engman (10 episodes, 2012)
Leif Andrée	...	Roger Pålsson (10 episodes, 2012)
Eva Röse	...	Niska (10 episodes, 2012)
Josephine Alhanko	...	Flash (10 episodes, 2012)
André Sjöberg	...	Gordon (10 episodes, 2012)
David Lenneman	...	Fred (10 episodes, 2012)
Saunet Sparell	...	Marylyn (10 episodes, 2012)
Camilla Larsson	...	Therese (9 episodes, 2012)
Johannes Kuhnke	...	Rick (9 episodes, 2012)
Fredrik Silbersky	...	Kevin (9 episodes, 2012)
Marie Robertson	...	Bea (9 episodes, 2012)
Thomas W. Gabrielsson	...	David Eischer (9 episodes, 2012)
Romeo Altera	...	Leo 10 år (9 episodes, 2012)
Alexander Stocks	...	Odi (8 episodes, 2012)
Ola Wahlström	...	Ove (8 episodes, 2012)
Christopher Wagelin	...	Max (8 episodes, 2012)
Aline Palmstierna	...	Sofia Engman (7 episodes, 2012)
Sten Elfström	...	Lennart Sollberg (7 episodes, 2012)
Anki Larsson	...	Vera (7 episodes, 2012)
Anna Sise Andersson	...	Pilar (7 episodes, 2012)
Jimmy Lindström	...	Malte (7 episodes, 2012)
Måns Nathanaelson	...	Jonas (7 episodes, 2012)
Peter Viitanen	...	Silas (6 episodes, 2012)
Jonas Malmsjö	...	Luther (6 episodes, 2012)
Peter Carlberg	...	Carl (6 episodes, 2012)
Sofia Bach	...	Åsa (5 episodes, 2012)
Ellen Mattsson	...	Eva (5 episodes, 2012)
Jennie Silfverhjelm	...	Maria (5 episodes, 2012)
Shebly Niavarani	...	Henning (5 episodes, 2012)
Özz Nûjen	...	Jorge (5 episodes, 2012)

Storyline

In a parallel present the artificial human has come into its own. Robots no longer have anything robot-like about them. New technology and advancements in the field of science have made it possible to manufacture a product - a kind of mechanized servant - that is so similar to a real human that it can often be considered a perfectly good substitute. The Human Robot (HUBOT) have also given rise to new problems and dilemmas. Thorny legal questions have increasingly started to occupy people's minds and are still waiting to be answered: Who is responsible for the actions of a hubot? Do hubots have some form of "hubot rights"? Should they be paid for their work? As an ever growing number of people form relationships with hubots, the boundaries between human and machine become blurred. When humans make copies of themselves, which are so close to the real thing they form emotional bonds, the questions arises - What does it really mean to be 'human'?

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Plot Keywords:

hubot | human rights | humanoid | artificial intelligence | transhumanism | 

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Taglines:

What does it really mean to be "human"?

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Genres:

Drama | Sci-Fi

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Details

Official Sites:

Sveriges Television (SVT) [se]

Country:

Sweden

Language:

Swedish

Release Date:

22 January 2012 (Sweden)

Also Known As:

Hubotit - melkein ihmisiä

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sveriges Television (SVT), Matador Film AB, Danmarks Radio (DR)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 60 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital (Dolby 5.1)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

16:9 HD

User Reviews

Where humanity and androids clash for supremacy.

This series is the first I know of to seriously examine and comment upon the potential reality of a world where humans and androids – robots that look just like you and me – exist together in a master-servant relationship.

This is a daring and dramatic fiction which examines the many societal, legal and human implications of living with human robots called Hubots. Significantly, this multi-layered story intelligently examines robot issues that Hollywood generally avoids like the plague: Hubot sexuality, Hubot pornography, Hubot rights, Hubot sex slaves, illegal trafficking in Hubots, Hubot freedom fighters, humanity's backlash, murder of humans by Hubots, and more.

Sure, that sort of narrative has been touched upon in The Stepford Wives (1975), Blade Runner (1982), Alien (1979), I,Robot (2004) and others. Real Humans is fresh, however: it looks in depth at the effect of androids within the family and work settings in AnyCity in AnyCountry. There are some comical moments for light relief, but the tone is usually deadly serious or seriously deadly as the different groups of humans and Hubots interact; and during the course of which, the famous Three Laws of Robotics are totally trashed. Humans and robots fight and die.

For the most part, the different narrative threads are well woven together so that viewers keep up with the many plot twists. But be sure not to miss any episode. The action is well paced, suspense is appropriate and believability is up there with the best. In fact, it's a realistic picture of what could happen when – not if – humanoid robots become commonplace in the future, and perhaps even this century.

I'd recommend seeing this series for that final reason alone. That said, it's a quality Swedish production also, with a fine cast of actors – particularly those who play the part of Hubots.

My only critique is that some of the many flashbacks are a bit abrupt, as are some of the cuts between scenes. But don't let such minor irritants stop you from seeing this series. Because, it can only get better, I think – the finale obviously leaves room for Real Humans, series 2.

Give this effort nine out of ten.

February 4, 2013