Altered Carbon is a science-fiction television series set in a dystopian future where human consciousness can be digitized and transferred between bodies, or “sleeves.” The series is based on the novel of the same name by Richard K. Morgan and was created by Laeta Kalogridis for Netflix. The series has garnered a lot of attention for its unique take on the sci-fi genre, and it’s been praised for its visual effects, action sequences, and compelling characters.
Altered carbon premiered in 2018 with its second season in 2020. Unfortunately, the thrilling Cyberpunk series would not be returning to our screens after it was cancelled by Netflix due to there Traditional Cost versus Viewership approach.
The series is set in the year 2384, and humanity has discovered a way to transfer human consciousness from one body to another. This has led to the creation of a society where the wealthy and powerful can essentially live forever by transferring their consciousness into new bodies. The main character of the series, Takeshi Kovacs (played by Joel Kinnaman), is a former soldier who has been brought back to life after being killed 250 years earlier. Kovacs is hired by a wealthy businessman, Laurens Bancroft (played by James Purefoy), to solve his own murder. The mystery surrounding Bancroft’s murder leads Kovacs on a dangerous journey that takes him through the seedy underbelly of this dystopian world.
One of the standout features of Altered Carbon is its visual effects. The series takes full advantage of the possibilities offered by its sci-fi setting, with stunning scenes of flying cars, towering skyscrapers, and advanced technology. The show’s use of visual effects is also essential in bringing to life the idea of digitized consciousness and transferring it between different bodies. Seeing Kovacs’ consciousness transferred from one body to another is a visual spectacle that is both impressive and unsettling.
In addition to its visuals, Altered Carbon is also notable for its action sequences. The series features numerous fight scenes which is the highlight of this series for me, and they are all expertly choreographed and executed. Kovacs is a skilled fighter, and the show does a great job of showcasing his abilities. The fight scenes are not just mindless action, though; they serve to move the story forward and reveal important information about the characters. The series produced the best fight scene I have seen in a while, the hand to hand compact looks very much real, and gun battles was outstanding.
The characters themselves are another strength of the series. Joel Kinnaman’s portrayal of Kovacs is excellent. He is a complex character with a troubled past, and Kinnaman brings a lot of nuance to the role. The supporting cast is also strong, with standout performances from James Purefoy as Bancroft, Martha Higareda as Kristin Ortega, and Chris Conner as Poe, an AI hotel manager.
The series also tackles some weighty themes. One of the most prominent themes is the question of what it means to be human. In a world where consciousness can be transferred between bodies, what is the value of a human life? The series also explores issues of power, corruption, and the dangers of unchecked technological advancement.
One criticism of the series is that it can be confusing at times. The show throws a lot of information at the viewer, and it can be hard to keep track of all the different factions and characters. However, this is a minor quibble, and the show’s strengths far outweigh this issue.
Overall, Altered Carbon is an impressive series that is well worth watching. Its stunning visuals, expertly choreographed action sequences, and compelling characters make for an engaging and thought-provoking viewing experience. The show’s exploration of weighty themes gives it a depth that is often lacking in sci-fi, and its unique take on the genre makes it stand out from the crowd. Fans of sci-fi and action should definitely give this series a chance.
Below are the trailer for Season 1 and Season 2 respectively.
