Almost Human 1 13 Review Straw Man

Okay, so let's talk about Almost Human. Specifically, episode 1.13. And this one? It's a wild ride. We're diving deep into the world of synthetic beings and the lines we draw. Seriously, it's like a philosophical playground disguised as a cop show.

This episode, titled "Straw Man," totally lives up to its name. It’s all about arguments, right? And how sometimes we build up these flimsy points to knock them down. But in the world of Almost Human, those flimsy points can get real. Like, life-or-death real.

Robot Buddies, Serious Problems

You know the drill with John and Dorian. One's a grumpy human cop, the other's a super-advanced android. They're the oddest couple, and that's why we love them. But in this episode, their partnership gets seriously tested. It’s not just about chasing bad guys anymore.

We're talking about the rights of synthetics. Big stuff! Are they just machines? Or are they, you know, people? This episode really throws that question in your face. And it does it in the most entertaining way possible.

The "Straw Man" Argument Gets Literal

So, the case itself? It's a doozy. Someone’s targeting synthetics. Not just any synthetics, but the ones that are almost human. The ones that look and act like us. This makes everything so much more unsettling.

The killer is basically creating a "straw man" argument in real life. They're building up these synthetic beings, making them seem like a threat, and then… well, you can guess. It’s a bit like a horror movie, but with more existential dread.

Imagine this: you see something that looks exactly like a person, but it's not. And then you find out it's been created for a specific purpose. This episode plays with that uncanny valley feeling in a big way. It’s super creepy, but also, strangely fascinating.

And the motivations behind it? That's where the "straw man" really comes in. The killer is making a point. A very, very violent point. It’s about how we perceive artificial life. Are we scared of it? Do we resent it? This episode dives headfirst into those messy feelings.

Dorian's Dilemma

Now, for Dorian. Our favorite synthetic. This episode is huge for him. He’s dealing with his own existence. He’s advanced, he’s got feelings (or at least, he processes things in a way that looks a lot like feelings). And he sees how humans treat synthetics.

He’s the perfect character to witness this "straw man" argument unfold. He’s literally caught in the middle of it. He’s a synthetic, so he’s on the receiving end of the prejudice. But he’s also working with a human, so he sees both sides. It’s a lot for one android to handle.

You can see the gears turning in his head. He’s trying to understand the human logic, or lack thereof. He’s questioning his own place in the world. And honestly, it makes you root for him even harder. He’s not just a sidekick; he’s a character with his own internal struggles.

One of my favorite parts is seeing how he reacts to the prejudice. It’s not always anger. Sometimes it’s just… sadness. A deep, almost human sadness. It’s in those quiet moments that you really feel the "almost human" part of him.

The "Almost" Factor is Everything

This is what makes Almost Human so compelling. It's not just about flashy tech and futuristic gadgets. It's about what it means to be alive. What makes us, us? And where do the machines fit in?

The "straw man" in this episode isn't just a plot device. It's a metaphor for how we sometimes create artificial enemies to justify our own actions or beliefs. We build up a simplified, often distorted version of something, and then we attack that version.

And in this case, the target is something that's so close to us. It’s the ultimate form of prejudice, when you can’t even tell the difference anymore, but you still decide one group is "less than."

John and Dorian: The Dynamic Duo

And then there's Detective Kennex. Our grizzled, reluctant hero. He's got his own issues, right? He's seen some stuff. He's got his cybernetic enhancements. He's definitely not a perfect guy. But he's got a moral compass.

His relationship with Dorian is the heart of the show. In this episode, Kennex has to confront his own biases too. Does he see Dorian as a tool? Or as a partner? The events of "Straw Man" push him to really think about that.

Their banter is always gold. Even when they're dealing with something heavy, they still manage to crack jokes. It’s that balance that keeps the show from getting too dark. Kennex’s dry wit and Dorian’s earnestness are a perfect combo.

Imagine Kennex rolling his eyes at some ridiculous synthetic-rights argument, and then Dorian, with all seriousness, pointing out the logical fallacy. It’s brilliant. It’s funny. It’s the stuff of great TV.

A Quirky Case with a Big Punch

The details in this episode are also super fun. The way they investigate. The futuristic forensics. The slightly absurd situations they find themselves in. It’s all part of the charm.

There’s a moment where they're examining some synthetic evidence, and it’s so… clinical. But then there's a human element that’s completely messed up. It's that contrast that makes it so engaging.

And the ending? Well, I won’t spoil it completely. But it definitely leaves you thinking. It’s not a neat and tidy resolution. It’s a reflection of the messy reality of the issues they’re tackling.

Why "Straw Man" is a Must-Watch

So, why should you watch this episode? Because it’s smart. It’s exciting. And it makes you question things. It’s not just another sci-fi show; it’s a show that’s asking real questions about humanity.

The "straw man" argument is a classic logical fallacy. But seeing it played out with literal synthetic beings? That’s something else entirely. It’s a clever twist that elevates the storytelling.

It’s a perfect blend of action, drama, and thought-provoking commentary. You’ll be on the edge of your seat, but you’ll also be having deep conversations with yourself afterwards.

Plus, the fashion is… interesting. The future is always a bit questionable when it comes to style. But hey, that’s part of the fun, right?

Honestly, if you’re a fan of shows that make you think, and you’re looking for a good dose of futuristic buddy-cop action, Almost Human episode 1.13, "Straw Man," is definitely worth your time. It’s a fantastic example of how good sci-fi can be. It's entertaining and it’s got something to say. What more could you ask for?