Real Humans (100% Humain)

The Swedes have achieved something unique with this show. Real Humans is about a reality where human-like robots are commonplace in today's world and perform such roles as home assistants, companions to lonely souls, workers of all types and, of course, sex toys. The show follows a selection of different people as they live in this world, from the family with the curious teenage boy, to an old man needing home assistance, and a lonely man who's job is threatened by them, and a woman in love with one. It also follows a group of obsolete and disowned "hubots" who are a quest to avoid being scrapped and recycled. The day-to-day coexistence between humans and hubots provides often amusing situations but there's also a darker side in each episode which makes you feel for them. I'm not ashamed to admit it's a soap, but a very intelligent one, and a very open one. Strictly for older kids and adults.

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

I found it 'different' then other SF with 'androids'. Many clean spacious shots. Good cast / actors. Nice story, not all action, running, shooting, escaping, but 'intelligent' scenes. So, different, but in a very good way. I have not seen a Scandinavian production i liked so much, since i was very young, pippi long stockings.

An Oscar should go to the 'chinese girl' for best actress playing a non humanoid 'humanoid' i.m.o.

It has humor, suspense, good storyline, and i think if plugged well it might even be a small international success. The whole way of filming, locations, dialogs, all, top level story telling/filming/playing.

And perhaps even a glimpse of a real feature, we are now, busy creating these machines. Not as smart and strong as data in star trek, but very much like real humans.

no statistical scenes, no fancy fighting, no fancy lights, explosions, no expensive effects, no fancy nothing.. no propaganda, and no bloody Apple ads.

its a simple but brilliant and gorgeous show that should be a good lesson to mollywood film and show makers.

writing is excellent, chronology of events and how they stitched together is excellent, acting is excellent for a show, i would think the budget is nothing big, but the makers did an excellent job in keeping everything as real as can be without spending millions.

please share and let all your friends across the world know about this show, i feel obliged to spread the news and get everyone hooked on this excellent work so we can see more seasons coming, and do hope to see more good sci-fi shows from all over the world, where all cultures can contribute their own unique thinking patterns to film making

So far, I have watched 7 episodes with a further 3 to come. What strikes me about this series is how accessible it is for non sci-fi buffs. It is about how robots can or would evolve within a human environment. With the self actuated robots, there are elements of Blade Runner, but as with most things about TV, this is a great canvas in which to explore plots and character development. I'm so looking forward to the final 3 episodes. This is sci-fi which is not too removed or unimaginable from our current time. It also explores how humans interact and use this technology from all sorts of angles. Looking forward to how the series further unfolds and hope that they don't make another series if they have nothing further to add to this current series. However, at the moment, I can't wait for the next episode.