Murderbot has officially concluded its debut season on Apple TV+, bringing to a close the adaptation of Martha Wells’ acclaimed novella, All Systems Red. Fans of the 2017 book can rest easy knowing that the show stayed true to Wells’ original ending while perfectly paving the way for the recently announced season two. Creators Chris and Paul Weitz hinted to io9 that this sequel has been part of their vision from the start.
The finale episode, “The Perimeter,” takes a somewhat different approach. It doesn’t pick up directly from where we last left off; instead, time has moved on slightly. The Preservation Alliance team has returned to the Corporation Rim, having survived their harrowing experiences largely due to the assistance of SecUnit, known as Murderbot (Alexander Skarsgård). This has fostered a growing attachment between them.
After witnessing Murderbot’s collapse during its valiant efforts, it’s reliever to see it revived by a pair of witty maintenance technicians. Meanwhile, the determined Dr. Mensah (Noma Dumezwani) from PresAux is pressing the Company for information about their SecUnit while Murderbot’s memory is forcibly wiped clean for a system update.
The factory reset not only requires it to obey human commands once again but also erases any recognition of the very individuals who wish to reconnect with it. While the Company may regard its robotic nature as merely equipment, PresAux understands Murderbot’s true worth, viewing it as more than just a tool.
Through careful negotiations, including the threat of a lawsuit over the Company’s dangerous blunder of sending another team to the same planet, they finally come to terms for the purchase of SecUnit. The team manages to save their metallic companion, leading to an emotional reunion.
However, Murderbot faces a significant hurdle: it cannot remember who they are.
An unexpected hero emerges in the form of Dr. Gurathin (David Dastmalchian), who initially harbored reservations about Murderbot. His prior experiences as a corporate spy had left him with a deep-seated distrust of anything associated with the Company. Yet, witnessing Murderbot’s selfless actions, particularly when it saved Mensah, gradually convinced him that SecUnit is indeed “a person.”
Leveraging his unique augmented abilities, Gurathin devises a plan to download the memories erased by the Company. He calls in a favor from a Company doctor grappling with guilt over his involvement in Gurathin’s previous drug addiction. By delving into a familiar resource—The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon—he identifies the essential data that would bring back Murderbot’s memories.
However, even after its memories are restored, Murderbot is different. There’s a sense of evolution that wasn’t there before, potentially due to missing code.
“I don’t understand what’s happening,” it admits to Mensah and the team, an expression of unease visible on its face. Though PresAux has acquired it with no obligations, the team is well aware of its discomfort when put into combative situations by the Company. This is a clear indication that it desires a different existence than merely carrying out commands.
Mensah, with an encouraging smile, promises to be its guardian, liberating it from servitude. The intention is for it to become a liberated entity, free to choose its path.
Murderbot, no longer just SecUnit, redefines its identity—simply becoming Unit.
As Murderbot contemplates its newfound freedom, it realizes that this is not the kind it had longed for. Gurathin, understanding its need for exploration, lets it slip away. Though the team in Preservation Alliance is quirky, they also represent warmth and care—qualities that are hard to resist.
Murderbot can feel the restrictive nature of their kindness, making it aware of the necessity for its own choices. “The perimeter” becomes symbolic of the boundaries it wishes to explore beyond the safety of PresAux.
In a clandestine move, it secures a passage to a remote mining facility while opting to disguise itself as another augmented human. “I don’t know what I want. But I know I don’t want anyone to tell me what I want or to make decisions for me… even if they are my favorite human,” it muses in voice-over as Mensah comprehends what has transpired and reacts with understanding, albeit with tears.
As it sets forth into uncharted territories, a subtle smile appears: “Murderbot—end message.”
For those familiar with the books, season two promises to delve into a haunting flashback that has continually haunted Murderbot, namely the mystery surrounding its prior mission where it tragically lost its entire human crew. This unresolved narrative is set to provide a deep backdrop for the next season.
The questions left unanswered are gripping, mainly, why did Murderbot snap? Why was it retained by the Company? These threads leave ample room for exploration in season two. And let’s not forget the multitude of plots from Sanctuary Moon waiting to unfold as well!
All episodes of Murderbot season one are available for streaming on Apple TV+.
What will happen next with Murderbot? Make sure to explore all the upcoming series updates, and stay tuned for more insights into your favorite shows. Visit Moyens I/O for all the latest news and updates!