If you’re tuning into Murderbot on Apple TV+, you’re in for a treat—especially with episode four set to drop this Friday! One of the standout characteristics of the main character is its quirky addiction to the galaxy’s most outrageous television shows.
It may seem unusual for a self-aware security robot, one that has hacked its own consciousness to gain free will, to spend its time binge-watching sci-fi soap operas. Yet, Murderbot‘s SecUnit finds immense joy in consuming an endless array of these entertaining dramas, particularly enjoying The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon.
This unique trait is rooted in Martha Wells’ source material, All Systems Red, which is the first book in her acclaimed Murderbot Diaries series. The adaptation on Apple TV+ has successfully expanded this storyline, enriching the overall narrative.
Characters You Recognize and Love
The fictional show within Murderbot features familiar faces from various genre shows, such as Star Trek‘s John Cho and Agents of SHIELD‘s Clark Gregg. These deliberate casting choices add an amusing layer to the narrative. While the bright, campy escapades of Sanctuary Moon contrast sharply with Murderbot’s typical day spent with a human survey team on a desolate planet, the antics of the show actually influence critical decisions made by the character.
The Impact of Binge-Watching
Murderbot’s viewing habits go beyond mere distraction. The shows it indulges in—including World Hoppers, Med Center Argala, and Strife in the Galaxy—not only entertain but also shape its understanding of human nature. It may surprise its human companions to discover how often it incorporates dialogue from Sanctuary Moon into everyday conversations.
A Timeless Narrative Device
Incorporating a show’s storyline into the main narrative is a well-loved trope. Fans often delight in seeing characters who, like them, are fervent enthusiasts of fictional worlds. For instance, Community playfully featured Inspector Spacetime, a humorous homage to Doctor Who. Similarly, Twin Peaks cleverly integrated the nighttime soap opera Invitation to Love, showcasing a genuine love for the genre.
Exploring Fake TV Shows
Sometimes, creators engage audiences through shows that highlight how good it is that they don’t exist. In Black Mirror’s “Joan Is Awful,” a woman’s uninspiring life becomes fodder for a show, leading her to navigate an increasingly surreal reality. This mirrors other narratives, like Channel Zero’s first season, Candle Cove, which turns a forgotten children’s program into a dark haunting of its former fans.
A Brief Look at Movies
The realm of fake TV shows isn’t limited to series. Galaxy Quest, a cult classic from 1999, perfectly parodies sci-fi fandom. The film depicts a Star Trek-like show misinterpreted as reality, bringing its aging stars into an unexpected intergalactic battle.
The Emotional Core of Fandom
Recent explorations, such as I Saw the TV Glow, dive deep into how a single show can shape lives. Focusing on two friends whose bond over the eerie The Pink Opaque distorts their adult realities, this narrative addresses the fine line between nostalgia and obsession.
Murderbot may not delve into these complex themes, but it still offers an enjoyable viewing experience. Beyond its quaint costumes and humor, The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon enriches the show’s visual language and reminds us to embrace our interests unapologetically. Most importantly, it underscores the power of sci-fi and its endearing ability to entertain. As Sanctuary Moon reminds us, “Boldness is all!”
Catch new episodes of Murderbot every Friday on Apple TV+ and immerse yourself in this sci-fi adventure!
Are you wondering what other shows are worth watching? Many are exploring similar themes of fandom and nostalgia, so stay tuned for more updates. To stay in the know about upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases or what’s next for the DC Universe, visit Moyens I/O.