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Altered Carbon (2018)

2018 · Action,Adventure,Drama · sci-fi-dystopian, sci-fi-speculative, crime-detective-puzzle

Altered Carbon poster

Altered Carbon is a high-concept US prestige sci-fi noir set in a far-future dystopia where human consciousness can be digitized and transferred between bodies ('sleeves'), enabling a stratified society where the wealthy are functionally immortal. Season 1 is widely regarded as exceptional — a densely plotted noir detective story layered over rich philosophical exploration of identity, class, and mortality, with cinematic production design, strong performances, and a gripping protagonist. The show rewards sci-fi enthusiasts and prestige drama viewers alike. Season 2 represents a significant quality decline that most reviewers acknowledge openly, making this effectively a one-season masterwork with a disappointing coda.

From the reviewers

It explores the effect of the stack technology on society and personal life from so many different angles: Many consciousnesses in one body, one consciousness in many different bodies, one consciousness in many cloned bodies, copying consciousnesses...
the images were beautifully done and were a feast for your imagination combining both futuristic concepts while still incorporating retro ideas and images
I loved the idea of the Raven hotel with its Poe A.I. host. Having the A.I/human hate to friendship allowed for some nice growth over the season.
Some of the rich vs poor social commentary was interesting and not as trite or black and white as you would expect.
I liked that they didn't insult the audience by explaining everything from the onset, it gave your mind things to puzzle out, which kept you engaged.

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