I finally watched the new AppleTV+ sci-fi series Murderbot, and after just two episodes, I am fully prepared to become best friends with this awkward, emotionally complex security unit (referred to as SecUnit) with boundary issues.
Played by Alexander Skarsgård (who does not miss), the bot at the center of the drama is a corporate-owned construct that’s only just hacked his own governor module. He hasn’t picked a name, doesn’t know what he wants yet, and that’s part of his charm.
Right now, he mostly wants people to stop perceiving him so he can get back to watching his favorite space drama, The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon, in peace.
Based on Martha Wells’ award-winning Murderbot Diaries, the TV series opens with a quiet revolution: a security bot who gains autonomy, and instead of going on a murder spree for freedom, develops an overwhelming desire for alone time and bingeable content.
The plot is shaping up to be a juicy mix of corporate corruption, space exploration and “robots with feelings” pathos. SecUnit has been assigned to protect a group of humans on a research mission, and while he technically could abandon his post now, he doesn’t.
Not yet.
He’s still figuring out what it means to choose to care. But he’s already getting dragged into mysteries, sabotage and more emotional attachment than he bargained for.
It’s gripping, occasionally hilarious and filled with the kind of existential robot angst I live for. But let’s cut to the chase:
SecUnit would make an excellent bestie (for me, at least). Here’s why:
1. He Has a Dry, Self-Deprecating Sense of Humor

SecUnit’s internal monologue is pure gold. He’s not here to be the life of the party. He’d prefer if there were no party at all, but his deadpan sarcasm and quiet self-loathing are both hilarious and weirdly relatable.
He doesn’t take himself too seriously (yet still takes everything personally), which makes every emotionally charged moment hit just a little harder. The ultimate friend energy: low-key roastmaster with a heart of silicon gold.
2. We Could Be Haters Together

Every healthy friendship has a little hater energy. Just enough judgment to make things fun. SecUnit may not say the most unfiltered thoughts out loud, but trust, he’s thinking them.
He’s the king of silent side-eye and internal monologues that absolutely drag the people around him (deserved). We’d thrive in quiet, judgmental harmony as we mentally meme our way through life’s awkward group projects and forced small talk.
3. We Could Binge-Watch Shows for Weeks

This is literally his #1 goal in life. Sec doesn’t want to rule the galaxy—he wants to sit in a corner and consume serialized TV shows for hours on end.
And honestly, same, king. I’d bedrot in my best robe and he’d lurk in the corner of the room (he hates sitting), and together we’d devour entire seasons of prestige drama, space operas and cheesy procedurals without a trace of shame. Perfection!
4. He’s a Reluctant but Reliable Protector

Right now, Sec’s still figuring out what loyalty means when it’s not forced. But one thing is clear: If someone he cares about is in trouble, he acts.
Whether it’s analyzing threat levels in milliseconds or destroying a giant desert centipede-roach from the inside, he’s got you covered. He may act grumpy about it, but he’s perceptive, efficient and built to keep people alive. And I’d have his back, too: emotionally, logistically and with an elite selection of snacks. (Though, I’m pretty sure he doesn’t eat. In any case, snacks are available.)
5. He Gets It (Without Needing to Talk About It)

SecUnit is peak introvert. He doesn’t need constant conversation, emotional oversharing or “check-in” texts. But he gets it. He understands awkwardness, anxiety and that feeling of being too aware of your own existence. He might not have the words for it (yet), but he notices things. And somewhere deep down in that processing unit, he cares, even if he wishes he didn’t. And that’s maybe one of the most comforting kinds of friends there is.
So yes, Murderbot is delivering elite sci-fi storytelling and slow-burn character development with every episode. But more importantly?
SecUnit’s giving major bestie energy, and I will be rooting so hard for that introvert bot every week.





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