WTF did I just watch? - The new Netflix cynberpunk detective story set 300 years in the future, where humans have developed the ability to move consciousness between bodies using an implanted device called a "stack".
Our main dude Takeshi Kovacs (played by Will Yun Lee, and Joel Kinnaman, it will make sense when you watch it) wakes up 250 years after his untimely death on another planet. With his consciousness implanted in another human body (a white dude, as in the book) and no time to put the pieces together of how Earth has changed over 250 years, Takeshi is tasked with solving the apparent murder of Laurens Bancroft, the wealthiest and oldest man in the world.
In this world of stacks and clones, human bodies are considered somewhat disposable, described as "sleeves", simply vessels for consciousness which can be changed, destroyed, or even upgraded, if you have enough money. The story is nothing ground-breaking, but compelling nonetheless, based on the 2002 novel of the same name, penned by Richard K. Morgan. The characters, while not especially complex, are all reasonably believable and relatable. Somehow we can even empathize with Takeshi, a cold blooded killer, cooler than ice, even when carrying a pink backpack.
The world is full of sky scrapers, bright lights and commercial assaults on the senses. There are also some wonderfully retro stylistic influences on display. The graphics and sets are superbly well done, and create a visually stunning world. The mix of old and new, perhaps inspired in part by movies Blade Runner and Gattaca. We are immersed in this world through Takeshis rather colorful experiences. Drama seems to find him wherever he goes, be it in the form of sex, drugs, or violence. At times Altered Carbon feels very film noir, moody and sensual, but can switch to full on John Woo at the drop of a hat.
The show deals with some cool ideas, exploring the concept of death itself and featuring a world where ethics have been steamrolled by scientific advancement, but to the disproportionate benefit of the wealthy. There's also the aspect of how a person can not be profiled or defined by their "demographic" when consciousness is so transient. Some of the more thought provoking examples we see are a young girl trapped in the body of an old woman, and a "kinda-sorta dead" old woman temporarily using the body of a tattooed male street-thug as a "sleeve".
If you're averse to preachy political subtexts, and Netflix loves nothing more, this show could get under your skin. If like myself, you're able to let them have their angle as long as it's entertaining, you should be OK. I certainly don't subscribe to the political prodding of the entertainment I choose to engage, be it a bit lefty or a bit righty.
There's more violence than mystery, more sex than romance, so don't expect to be more engaged with the longer story arcs than the shorter ones. That's perfectly fine with me. As an easily distracted, popcorn munching Steemian, with other shit on my mind, this show makes for fantastic escapism that can be dipped in and out of, and in my case, enjoyed more than once.