Humans

Creepy catnip for sci-fi fans who enjoy smart food for thought, Humans has more to offer than typical space shoot-'em-ups. In a modern world where people are increasingly reliant on -- and affectionate toward -- the machines that make our lives run more smoothly, the jump to a perfect humanoid servant seems a natural one. Wouldn't we all like a second pair of hands? Humans' premise is that the machines we've invented will offer just that -- but a lot more too. Watching Anita and her composed robot brethren interact with humans, performing tasks such as picking up garbage or washing dishes, is unsettling. But what's really unsettling is the gradually revealed idea that somehow she and a few other cyborgs have gained consciousness, with memories, thoughts, and feelings. Equally creepy: The Hawkins and other humans are developing feelings right back, treating the robots variously as sex slaves, substitute family members, and co-parents.

It's an interesting and timely idea, and well-executed, too, with great writing, tense plotting, and fine acting from a cast that will be mostly unknown to American viewers (with the exception of William Hurt, who relies on his synth "son" to spark beautiful memories of his late wife). Humans will give most viewers a chill and make them think, the mark of the very best sci-fi.