Love, Death & Robots

Genres : Sci-fi, Anthology, Thriller 

Writer : Surya Turaga 

Date : 18th April, 2023 

A beautiful masterpiece of a show, it’s probably one of my favorites simply because of how unique it is. So it’s hard to say what the show is really about. 

This is a Netflix sci-fi anthology series. That means over the three seasons so far, every single episode is a standalone story. The show has lots of different episodes. Each episode has its own unique style of animation, its own theme, vibe, cinematography, etc. Animation style varies from anime and comics, to even video games. 

Each episode is about something super unique and different from the other episodes. All the topics are certainly tied to sci-fi in some way or the other. But what I like about this show is that while it has sci-fi, it’s not defined by it in any way. The stories use a world containing sci-fi to convey a message or show an idea. I’ll get back to this. 

Of course, not all the episodes are deep or meaningful. Some are just straight up works of art, made for the beauty and aesthetic of animation and music. The topics covered are also not narrow and niche like in the case of most sci-fi shows. Here are some of my favorites, no spoilers. 

Three Robots : This episode is about three robots touring a post-apocalyptic city of humans. Funny and comical, it teases at the many quirky aspects of our lives today. Reflecting that, it has a modern style of animation and music. 

Sonnie’s Edge : A dark and occasionally violent episode shows a world with underground ‘beast fights’, where Sonnie, the protagonist, fights to stay on top of the game. There is a message, but I’d rather not spoil. What I like more in this one is the sci-fi underworld vibe, the red and gritty theme, and the amazing visuals and music. Top notch. 

Ice : Taken in a 1980’s comic book animation style, it shows a dystopian cold world, where the protagonist struggles to race alongside genetically enhanced individuals. This is a story about a person trying to fit into somewhere they clearly don’t belong. A great theme, appeasing bluish visuals, and of course, intriguing characters as always. 

Night of the Mini Dead : A senseless and funny episode about a zombie apocalypse. Taken in stop motion style, it’s probably the most chaotic episode you’ll see. 

I could talk for hours, but no. Here are honorable mentions. ‘Life Hutch’, ‘Bad Travelling’, ‘Mason’s Rats’. I’m not playing favorites in any way, just stating some things I particularly liked. But the show is a must watch. I’m not all that fond of animation and I’m still saying it. 

All in all, there’s something for everyone. Each episode is only 5 - 25 min long, so you can always scroll through, pick the episode you like, and watch it. All the characters are SO well etched out, and the visuals and music truly make this show deserve all its 16 Emmys! Nothing will ever beat the Volume 1 collection, but really, they’re all great. 

Surya-o-meter : 94%