Ever since Boston Dynamics started sharing videos of its four-legged robotic creations, the general human response has been less than enthusiastic. The initial association with a dystopian future was meant to be ironic, a nod to the rebellious nature of these machines in science fiction stories. Each video included a scientist kicking the robot, not to abuse it, but to demonstrate its impressive balance. Despite the intended message of obedience, it was hard not to interpret the kick as a demonstration of the robot’s potential to rise up against its human creators. While these thoughts were mostly in jest, recent events have made them more poignant.
In an episode of the high-tech dystopian series Black Mirror called “Metalhead”, the grimness and seriousness of the subject matter were apparent. The world portrayed in the episode is one where robotic dogs relentlessly hunt down the last remaining human survivors. The black and white cinematography, along with a powerful performance by Maxine Peake, creates a compelling survival tale. This episode, which originally aired in 2017, seemed far-fetched at the time, but recent developments have made it increasingly relevant.
Police departments in various American cities have started deploying Boston Dynamics’ “Quadriped Unmanned Ground Vehicles”, despite public objections. The viral tweet stating that Black Mirror will become a documentary series by the time our kids are old enough to watch it perfectly captures the gravity of the situation. The episode “Metalhead” opens with Bella, played by Maxine Peake, embarking on a supply run with her fellow survivors. They encounter one of these robotic dogs in an abandoned warehouse, and the relentless pursuit begins.
The design of the robotic dog in the episode is menacing, evoking imagery from Terminator, velociraptors, and even the character Anton Chigurh from No Country for Old Men. The dog kills two of the survivors and injures Bella, setting the stage for a tense and thrilling battle for survival. What sets “Metalhead” apart from other episodes of Black Mirror is its celebration of the human spirit. Amidst the show’s often bleak portrayal of humanity’s downfall due to technology, this particular episode showcases the lengths people will go to preserve their humanity.
Although “Metalhead” was not initially well-received, recent events have shed new light on its relevance. The use of these robotic dogs by police departments, particularly in the wake of the outcry against police violence, has sparked debates about the need for change in law enforcement. The comparison between real-life events and the fictional world portrayed in “Metalhead” has gained significant attention, with many drawing parallels between the two.
Art has the power to shape public opinion by providing a reference point to express certain perspectives. Whether or not Charlie Brooker intended “Metalhead” to be an argument against arming the police with robotic dogs is uncertain. However, the fact that the episode has become a touchstone in discussions about the militarization of law enforcement speaks to its impact. Good art captures people’s attention and allows them to engage with important topics, even if the artist’s intention was different.
In conclusion, the episode “Metalhead” from Black Mirror has gained renewed relevance due to the deployment of robotic dogs by police departments. The episode’s gripping narrative and exploration of the human spirit resonate with the current debates surrounding law enforcement. Art has the power to shape public opinion and provide a reference point for discussions on important issues. While it’s unclear whether the episode was intentionally meant as a critique of arming the police with robotic dogs, its impact on public discourse is undeniable.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
