Fox is a curious Network, often taking a risk on a niche or genre show only to snatch away the chance at a longer run after a few low ratings and stirring up a small but rabid fanbase. See Firefly, Undeclared, Wonderfalls and Dollhouse to mention a few. Almost Human was a science fiction/crime drama created by J. H. Wyman (Fringe) with J. J. Abrams (Lost, Alias, Felicity) as an executive producer that aired on Fox in the 2013/2014 season before its cancellation after a single season. Its release at the Warner Archives allows for a look back and chance to answer the question as to whether it deserves reverence with the luminaries mentioned at the beginning of this review or Fox made a smart decision.
Set in 2048, a rapidly escalating crime rate has forced police forces in the states to embrace new technological advances to cope. Now, officers are partnered with synthetic android partners, faster and stronger but with clinical approaches to their roles. John Kennex (Karl Urban) returns to the force after a 17-month coma resulting from an incident where Kennex tried to save his last human partner, their “synthetic” partner abandoning him due to statistical logic, his partner’s death was a certainty so the android did not even try to save him. Suffering the loss of a leg, now replaced by a synthetic appendage, and some memory loss about the incident, he is unwillingly placed with a top of the line synthetic. Their partnership is short lived, he throws the synthetic from a moving car after coming under its scrutiny. His replacement partner is a “Dorian” model (Michael Ealy), a previous generation synthetic retired due to personality quirks/conflicts resulting from its “Synthetic Soul”, a piece of software allowing for emotional responses. With the new partners both dealing with emotional issues they strike up a bond and the show follows the development of their relationship and the continued presence of the more logical, modern synthetics in the police force while they investigate a massive city-wide conspiracy.
The ideas that are thrown into this endeavor are hardly original, mismatched cop drama with equal parts crime procedural, hints of Pinocchio and a smattering of Will Smith vehicle I, Robot. But the combination, cast and setting actually create a pretty interesting world. Visually it is outstanding, not an overly gritty or detached vision of the future. Instead it is bright, high-tech and slick, with technology very much embraced and integrated into our everyday lives. The show was even nominated for an Emmy Awards in Outstanding Special and Visual Effects after its short run.
While a procedural show at its core, the show largely revolves around the partnership of Urban and Ealy in their respective roles. Both do great work supporting by a host of familiar faces including Mackenzie Crook, Minka Kelly and Lili Taylor filling out the cast. Dorian’s exploration and handling of his emotions and understanding of humanity is a more nuanced counterpoint to Kennex and his aggressive and volatile tendencies, and playing off each other adds a great spark to the show. The one on one scenes together on patrol are both entertaining and fascinating to watch, reminiscent of Geordi La Forge and Data in Star Trek: TNG, if Geordi had major psychological and anger issues.
There are overarching ideas, mass corruption and possible connections to the company responsible for building the synthetic which possibly connect to efforts by Kennex to retrieve his memories lost during his coma as well as more standard police work. The procedural format dominates but there is enough to suggest the show would have grown beyond this had it not been cancelled. It is apparent Almost Human only lasted one season due to ratings rather than the innate quality of the show. There is much potential here, moments of excitement, and a rich world and characters. It’s a shame time wasn’t allowed to step beyond the expected and deliver something more memorable.
THE PACKAGEAlmost Human is presented via Made On Demand DVD, covering 13 episodes and special features spread over 3 discs. Sadly the presentation is not on Blu-ray but the tranfer is solid enough; coming from a new TV show shot on HD it comes across pretty well with little issues, good clarity and contrast. Its a good looking show with high-tech visions of the future and some nice flair; high-def would have been welcome. Features include a gag reel, deleted scenes as well as the full length Comic Con panel for the show from 2013. For die-hard fans of the show it may be somewhat lacking but packs some nice additions.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Overall, this set offers a interesting and entertaining glimpse into what may have developed into a more widely cherished show. Solid acting, great visual effects and engaging world building make for a great start to a sadly unsupported show. The partnership of Urban and Ealy is particularly rewarding. Sure it’s flawed in parts, generic in others but there was tons of potential here. Well worth checking out for any sci-fi buffs or procedural fans who want a slightly different take on a cop show.
Almost Human is available now from The Warner Archive Collection. The WB Archive is a source for classic movies and DVDs online offering pre-orders, new releases and replicated discs of out of print films and shows. DVDs are Manufactured on Demand (MOD). To order or learn more visit The Warner Archive Collection (www.WarnerArchive.com).
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