Bingeing

I've spent the past few days binge-watching the Netflix series, Altered Carbon.

It's enjoyable. Netflix has certainly stepped up their game in the wake of Stranger Things and it shows. I won't go into too many details other than to say it presents a particularly dystopian view of a not-so-distant future in which human consciousness can be transferred from body ("sleeve" in the parlance of the series) to body, essentially making one immortal—if you have the means.

And for those who do (the ultra-rich or "meths" as they're called), the story explores the kind of depravity that might result from such immortality, as well as tackling the new ways of policing, enforcing laws, and punishing  consciousness that can live outside a body in virtual reality.

The visuals are stunning, although it's obvious much of the aesthetic was borrowed from the original Blade Runner. The story—basically a gumshoe murder mystery—is quite convoluted and requires your complete attention to follow. (No staring at another screen while this is playing in the background, or you'll be hopelessly lost.)

The actors and actresses are uniformly handsome. There is plenty of full-frontal nudity of both sexes to go around. (Who knew James Purefoy was so amply endowed?) The projection of what A.I. can become is thought provoking—as is the whole premise of the series that consciousness can be transferred from one host to another, and theoretically exist in a virtual environment forever. But be warned: there is also a lot of blood and violence in this series.

You can read much more about Altered Carbon online, but if you have Netflix, I really suggest just diving in without much foreknowledge and enjoy all the twists and turns.