Real Humans

Real Humans
Episodes:	20
Year:	2012
Country:	Sweden
Seasons:	2
Seasons Breakdown:	(1) 10, (2) 10
Category:	Androids
Colour:	Yes
Format:	Series
Company:	Sveriges Television (SVT) and Matador Film AB
Creator:	Lars Lundström
Run Time (mins):	60
Language:	Swedish
Type of Show:	Live Action
Status:	Ended
Broadcaster:	SVT
First Aired:	January 22, 2012
Last Aired:	January 2, 2014

Summary

The story takes place in a version of present-day Sweden where the use of androids is commonplace. The androids, known as hubots (portmanteau of human and robot), function as servants, workers, companions, and even illicitly as sexual partners, with different models having specific features designed for their distinctive roles. While some people embrace this new technology, others are disturbed by it. A far-right political movement, the real humans, arises in opposition to the encroachment of hubots upon human society. Some members use the derogatory term Pacmans to refer to hubots.

Hubots are usually programmed to recognise and obey their owner and can learn skills and pick up knowledge through observation of humans. Hubots have begun to replace human workers in many industries, especially in the performance of repetitive tasks. Though they are designed to closely resemble humans, hubots are usually easy for humans to recognise as they have bright flawless skin, glossy hair and unnaturally bright (usually very blue or very green) eyes. All Hubots also have a USB-like port, in either the back of the neck or in their lower back, which is used for programming and data. The button to activate or de-power a hubot is located under the left armpit, as is a standard wall plug cord for recharging purposes. Hubots require only electricity to survive and must recharge regularly, during which they enter a sleep-like state. Hubot skin feels similar to human skin and is kept at normal human body temperature, but beneath the skin are metal components and a blue fluid/lubricant known as HubFluid.

Hubots are also programmed to be docile. They obey a set of rules called Asimov protocols that prevent them from harming humans. However, some hubots have been modified beyond the legal protocols to function as lovers or bodyguards. Such practices are illegal in Sweden and those who modify the programming of the hubots are known as home-brewers. A small, low-funded branch of the police is set up to investigate hubot related crimes, known as E-HURB. Hubot-human sexual activity is taboo but not uncommon and many hubots are programmed for limited sexual activity. Those who pursue sexual relationships with hubots are derisively called Hubbies.

Further, those hubots reprogrammed by original hubot creator David Eischer have started to develop feelings, desires and their own goals, attaining an apparent capacity for free will and independence from humans. Their code is designed to integrate and balance various emotions simultaneously as opposed to the one-emotion-at-a time code that standard hubots have. They are still often naïve and unworldly and sometimes fail to understand the nuances of complex human behaviour.

Cast

Inger Engman PIA HALVORSEN, Hans Engman JOHAN PAULSEN, Matilda Engman NATALIE MINNEVIK, Tobias Engman KÅRE HEDEBRANT, Sofia Engman ALINE PALMSTIERNA, Lennard Sollberg STEN ELFSTRÖM, Odi ALEXANDER STOCKS, Vera ANKI LARSSON, Anita LISETTE PAGLAR, Leo Eischer ANDREAS WILSON, Niska EVA RÖSE, Beatrice "Bea" MARIA ROBERTSON, Mimi LISETTE PAGLER, Roger LEIF ANDRÉE.