'Murderbot' Review: Not Trying to Blow Your Mind—Just Keep You Mildly Entertained
- Elliot Lines
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
By Elliot Lines - May 12, 2025
TV - Premium TV
"How about freedom unit? Or Rogue bot? No, that sucks. Maybe, Murderbot?". The latest series to hit Apple TV Plus, a security android struggles with emotions and free will while balancing dangerous missions and desire for isolation, evading detection of its self-hacking as it finds its place.
The latest series to hit Apple TV Plus, Murderbot, treads carefully between action and comedy. With its sitcom-length episodes, it is designed to appeal more to casual viewers than to those seeking a deep, expansive sci-fi experience. The series offers a quick, accessible watch, but it may leave genre fans wanting more in terms of world-building and narrative depth.
At its core, Murderbot has a unique and intriguing concept, but it doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential. While the show does feature some action sequences, they are few and far between, and the series never fully commits to one style of action—whether it be high-octane thrills or more strategic, slow-burn tension. The lack of a clear direction in the action leaves the show feeling a bit uneven at times. Where the action is sparse, Murderbot tries to balance things out with comedic moments, but these too are inconsistent. Some jokes land, while others feel a bit flat, making the humor feel hit or miss throughout the series’ 10 episodes.
Despite these issues, Murderbot’s shorter episode length—around 23 minutes—makes it a relatively easy watch for those with limited time or for anyone looking for something more casual. The lack of complex sci-fi lore means that the storyline is easy to follow, with no need for the viewer to wade through dense world-building. This accessibility ensures that this will attract a certain kind of viewer—those who want a quick, enjoyable experience without getting bogged down in too much detail.
The series is narrated by Murderbot (Alexander Skarsgård) itself, giving viewers insight into its thought process, motivations, and its strange obsession with a TV show. While this narration can offer some amusing and thoughtful moments, it occasionally hinders the natural flow of the story. There’s a sense that if the plot were allowed to breathe a bit more freely, the series could have been more engaging. The frequent references to his favourite TV show are a fun touch, creating some interesting cameos along the way. However, the constant call-backs to the show can make the character’s obsession feel more annoying than endearing, detracting from the emotional depth of the storyline.
The relationships between Murderbot and the supporting characters are one of the more compelling aspects of the series, even if they aren’t explored as deeply as they could be. Most characters treat Murderbot with a mix of wariness—especially David Dastmalchian's Gurathin—and also curiosity, unsure whether to see it as a tool, a threat, or a reluctant ally. These dynamics occasionally give rise to meaningful interactions, particularly when characters attempt to connect with Murderbot on a more human level—something it resists with dry sarcasm and emotional detachment.
In the end, Murderbot feels just as conflicted as its titular character. The series never fully commits to being either an action-packed Sci-fi or a light-hearted comedy, instead opting to sit somewhere in the middle. The premise is certainly intriguing, and it offers some enjoyable moments, but the title may mislead viewers expecting a more traditional sci-fi experience. Casual viewers, however, may find more enjoyment in the series, especially given its short runtime and easy-to-digest format. It’s a show that doesn’t ask much of its audience, making it a good option for those looking for something light and entertaining.
Murderbot Episodes 1 & 2 premiere on Apple TV+ May 16
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