Almost Human

Almost Human is an intriguing and suspenseful science fiction television series that aired on Fox from 2013 through 2014. Starring Karl Urban, Lili Taylor, Mackenzie Crook, Michael Ealy, Michael Irby, Minka Kelly, and Gina Carano, it strikes a distinctive balance between a futuristic world and an understanding of what makes us human.

The show commences in the year 2048, a not-too-distant future where society is striving to keep pace with rapidly progressing technology. Law enforcement has been dramatically transformed, with human police officers paired with highly advanced android partners, reflecting an intriguing element of Artificial Intelligence in the law enforcement system.

Karl Urban portrays the character of John Kennex, a tough and dedicated detective who is struggling to recover from a catastrophic injury that claimed his leg and left him in a coma for 17 months. Initially, Kennex is shown expressing his rejection and resentment of the android partner he is paired with at the beginning. His android got destroyed due to a decision it took based on statistical logic instead of a human instinct to save him in a life-threatening situation.

The core storyline ignites when Kennex gets paired with a discontinued model - an android named Dorian, played brilliantly by Michael Ealy. Unlike the modern, logic-bound androids, Dorian was designed to be as human-like as possible – with the capability to exhibit emotions, ethics, humor, and a depth of understanding that resembles human intuition more closely.

Kennex and Dorian’s relationship is a central part of Almost Human’s appeal. Their partnership is filled with witty dialogue, complicated ethical dilemmas and mutual trust-building. The chemistry between Urban and Ealy brings a warmth and authenticity to their inter-species relationship that is both endearing and thrilling to watch.

Outside of Kennex and Dorian, there is a strong support cast. Lili Taylor plays Captain Sandra Maldonado, the leader of the police force who pairs Kennex with Dorian and supports their unconventional pairing. Minka Kelly portrays Detective Valerie Stahl, an investigator with a keen intellect and a hint of romantic interest in Kennex. Michael Irby plays Detective Richard Paul, who is often at odds with Kennex. Mackenzie Crook portrays the eccentric and brilliant Rudy Lom, the police department's resident tech expert and creator of the police androids. Gina Carano guest stars in one of the episodes as the villainous Danica, an advanced XRN combat android posing a dire threat to the city.

The procedural aspect of Almost Human combines elements of traditional buddy-cop series with unique sci-fi twists. The show features a crime of the week format, with each episode introducing innovative future crimes that are meticulously plotted and imaginative. The creators have also teased the looming, darker conspiracy; an underground organization known as Insyndicate was responsible for the assault that left Kennex injured and remains a constant unseen menace.

The most striking attribute of Almost Human is its splendid mingling of a dystopian future atmosphere with the moral paradoxes that arise from the relationship between humans and their manufactured companions. It poses serious questions regarding humanity, ethics, and the law – thereby opening up a dialogue about what it means to be human.

Aesthetically, Almost Human creates a convincing vision of the future. Together with interesting futuristic technology like DNA bombs, mind readers, and programmable matter, it also excels in its set designs, visual effects, and overall production value. It keeps a grip on creating a future that is a logical progression from our present, not so far-slung that viewers cannot find a point of relevance or connection.

Despite only running for a single season, Almost Human will be remembered as a show that dared to be different. It bravely confronted questions about humanity’s relationship with technology that are becoming increasingly relevant in our current era while offering up a good share of action, suspense, humor, and camaraderie. This show is a must-watch for any science fiction aficionado who savors a good blend of crime drama, suspenseful action, humorous banter, and exploratory metaphysics. It serves as a noteworthy signpost of how television can bridge the gap between near-future realism and thought-provoking science fiction.