The age of the cyberpunk genre has not yet run its course, as indicated by the hit series Altered Carbon. The television drama made its debut back in 2018 with the entire first season available for streaming and now the full second season is also available. Altered Carbon is based on the novel of the same name, and it becomes clear from watching the first few episodes as to why it was developed into a series as opposed to a feature length film: there is entirely too much information to fit into a two to two and a half hour period. For those late to the party, here’s what can be expected.
This is a key basis for Altered Carbon, as the series takes place centuries into the future where some people have now lived for hundreds of years.
Imagine, a world where human beings could potentially live forever. Obviously it goes without saying that the wealthy would be able to take far better advantage of this, but the fact that it is even a remote possibility would change everything about how living life is viewed. This is a key basis for Altered Carbon, as the series takes place centuries into the future where some people have now lived for hundreds of years. In this new futuristic society, human beings have what are known as “stacks” which are implanted into the spine right about where the neck meets the head. Think of these stacks as flash-drives or storage disks that basically store the consciousness of every human being they inhabit. If the body is damaged but the stack remains unharmed, that stack can simply be placed into a new body (otherwise known as a “sleeve”) and it is as if life never ended. Many others saw an issue with this new potential future, and ended up fighting a war to attempt to prevent it. They are known as Envoys.
Altered Carbon begins when the Envoy ‘Takeshi Kovacs’ is awakened and released from prison where he had been serving a 250 year sentence; this was passed forth for fighting against the new world order in which the show’s current setting takes place. He has been leased as property by a filthy rich “Meth” known as Laurens Bancroft do one thing: solve his murder in exchange for his freedom in the new world. Reluctantly so, Kovacs takes the case. From there things get much more complicated, as Kovacs is not in the sleeve he was born in and must contend with others who recognize him someone else, a police detective with her own agenda, and Laurens himself who proves to be a much more difficult client than initially anticipated. Kovacs’ new sleeve isn’t without its advantages however. It is equipped with military training and combat muscle memory which allows him to defend himself more than effectively, along with his natural heightened abilities as Envoy, Envoys which are implied to have enhanced instincts and super deductive capabilities.
Much can be praised for what’s been laid out so far. Kovacs is first played by Joel Kinnaman, who sets the tone for the show and clearly prepared himself vigorously for the role being that his physical physique is in peak condition. The supporting actors are equally prepared, especially with the choreography of the fights scenes and even more so the intimate scenes. This overall should be contributed to the directing, and it sets the bar high for other shows that are on the market. Even the cinematography and FXs are something out of an alternate reality. The production team and Netflix have spent their money wisely and entrusted the right people in ensuring that this series was something of a visual spectacle only rivalled by filmmakers such as Zack Synder or Ridley Scott.
Netflix has both seasons currently streaming, and for those that have yet to take a look, be mindful. This series packs in an abundance of information and patience and attention to detail are necessary to follow everything that is going on. If a bathroom break is necessary, pause it, as information will likely be missed and it can then be difficult to piece the puzzle back together. Apart from that, it should be an interesting watch.
