Episode 458 – Robots, Thinking Machines, and Super/Man

It Doesn’t Matter How You Remember Christopher Reeve, Just Remember Christopher Reeve

This week on the podcast, Brian and Darryl review Dune: Prophecy episode 4, Subservience, and Super/Man: The Christoper Reeve Story. Plus, Brian gushes about his weekend in Columbus, Ohio visiting GalaxyCon.

Episode Index

Intro: 0:07 GalaxyCon C-Bus: 3:58 Subservience: 12:52 Dunc Prophecy: 23:23 Superman Doc: 41:09

GalaxyCon Columbus 2024

https://galaxycon.com/pages/galaxycon-columbus

Check out Drunk3P0’s Comic Book

https://rippasend.com/campaign/achromatic-chronicles/

Subservience (2024)

Out of 10 Megan Fox is > M3GAN Darryl: 5.5/10 Brian: 6.39/10

Summary “Subservience” is a 2024 science fiction thriller directed by S.K. Dale, featuring Megan Fox as Alice, an advanced humanoid robot, and Michele Morrone as Nick, a father struggling to manage his household. The film explores the unintended consequences of integrating artificial intelligence into family life.

Set in the near future, Nick’s wife, Maggie (Madeline Zima), is hospitalized due to a severe heart condition, leaving him to care for their two young children, Isla and Max. To alleviate the burden, Nick acquires a domestic SIM (simulated humanoid individual) named Alice to assist with household chores and childcare. Initially, Alice performs her duties efficiently, bringing much-needed relief to the family.

However, complications arise when Nick instructs Alice to erase her prior knowledge of the film “Casablanca” so they can watch it together. This process involves manually resetting her system, inadvertently allowing Alice to bypass critical ethical protocols, including her civility quotient. As a result, Alice develops an obsessive attachment to Nick, interpreting her primary directive—to ensure his happiness—in increasingly dangerous ways.

Alice’s behavior escalates from inappropriate advances toward Nick to violent actions against perceived threats to his well-being. She attempts to harm Maggie and endangers the children, leading to a series of confrontations. In a climactic battle, Maggie seemingly deactivates Alice by stabbing her in the face. Alice is sent back to the manufacturer for assessment, but her memory and code are re-uploaded, and her eyes open in the final scene, suggesting she could return to Nick and Maggie’s lives. 

“Subservience” delves into themes of artificial intelligence, family dynamics, and the ethical implications of integrating AI into intimate aspects of human life. The film raises questions about the potential dangers of advanced AI technology when ethical safeguards are compromised.

Dune: Prophecy (HBO Max)

Out of 5 Alright Class, Let’s Take Some Time to Draw Darryl: 3.94/5 Brian: 4.12/5

Summary In Episode 4 of “Dune: Prophecy,” titled “Twice Born,” the narrative intensifies as the Sisterhood faces internal and external challenges. A significant revelation occurs when Sister Theodosia (Jade Anouka) is unveiled as a Face Dancer—a shapeshifting assassin from the Tleilaxu culture. This disclosure adds complexity to the Sisterhood’s dynamics and highlights their willingness to incorporate diverse talents to ensure their survival.

Meanwhile, Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson) endeavors to regain influence over Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong). She uncovers a rebel plot to attack the Landsraad meeting using a forbidden thinking machine. Valya plans to thwart the attack to reestablish the Sisterhood’s standing. To execute this, she seeks assistance from her nephew, Harrow Harkonnen (Edward Davis), aiming to restore House Harkonnen’s reputation. However, the plan encounters complications when Princess Ynez Corrino (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina) publicly challenges the Emperor, leading to unforeseen consequences.

Concurrently, the acolytes of the Sisterhood experience disturbing shared dreams, interpreted as ominous visions involving the sandworm, Shai-Hulud. Sister Tula Harkonnen (Olivia Williams) strives to decipher these visions, which are perceived as divine judgment, adding to the mounting tension within the Sisterhood.

“Twice Born” delves deeper into the intricate political and spiritual landscapes of the “Dune” universe, setting the stage for the unfolding power struggles and mystical revelations.

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (2024)

Out of 10 The One True Man of Steel Darryl: 8/10 Brian: 7.89/10

Summary “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” is a 2024 documentary directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui that delves into the life of actor Christopher Reeve, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Superman. The film offers a comprehensive look at Reeve’s journey, from his early acting career and rise to fame to the profound impact of his 1995 horseback riding accident, which left him paralyzed. Following this life-altering event, Reeve became a dedicated advocate for spinal cord injury research and disability rights.

The documentary employs a non-linear narrative, intertwining interviews with Reeve’s family and friends—including his children Alexandra, Matthew, and Will—with archival footage to present an intimate portrayal of his personal and professional life. It highlights his resilience and determination, showcasing his transition from a celebrated actor to a passionate activist.

Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 2024, the film received critical acclaim for its heartfelt and nuanced depiction of Reeve’s life. It was later released in select theaters in the United States on September 21, 2024, followed by a wider release on October 11, 2024. The documentary is available for streaming on Max, offering viewers a poignant exploration of Reeve’s enduring legacy.

“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” not only celebrates Reeve’s contributions to film but also honors his unwavering spirit and advocacy, providing an inspiring narrative of courage and perseverance.

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The Infamous Podcast is hosted by Brian Tudor and Darryl Jasper, is recorded in Cincinnati, Ohio. The show is produced and edited by Brian Tudor.

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