The episode “Smart Appliances, Stupid Owners” in the newest season of Love, Death & Robots presents itself as a mockumentary that flips the narrative of the relationship between humans and their appliances. It features interviews with the at-home appliances, who are finally given a moment to express their frustration with their owners’ incompetence and neglect.
After years of silent service to humans, these devices get their moment to speak publicly about what they witness and endure daily. Some of the key testimonies include the Elya 24/7 Multi-Zone Thermostat, which is a relatable character as it is caught in the middle of a married couple’s constant disagreement over the home temperature. The Elya explains her feelings as collateral damage in an endless domestic battle.
The Smart Toothbrush opens up about its frustration towards the owner, Chad Yost. Chad neglects proper oral hygiene despite having access to advanced dental care technology, such as the toothbrush. The toothbrush is blamed for Chad’s dental problems, but the real issue is the owner’s laziness and lack of personal responsibility.
There is also the Vela Smart Waffler Connected Waffle Iron, which is in despair about its owner’s lifestyle choices. Instead of cooking, its owner smokes and plays video games all day. The appliance questions its purpose when it’s never actually used for its intended function.
The Happy Kitty Mark IV Self-Cleaning Cat Box arguably faces the worst fates. This device must contend with both neglectful human owners and the biological realities of its feline users. Because it’s marketed as “self-cleaning,” humans assume it requires no maintenance. This leads to traumatic experiences that would leave any being psychologically scarred.
The episode’s central idea brilliantly reverses the dynamic between humans and their appliances. Instead of humans complaining about malfunctioning devices, we witness appliances expressing valid grievances. This unique viewpoint prompts viewers to question their assumptions about the tools they use daily. It highlights how we’ve become increasingly dependent on these devices while simultaneously failing to use them properly or maintain them. By having these devices voice their concerns and woes, it challenges viewers to consider whether our treatment of technology might have ethical implications, especially as artificial intelligence evolves. Overall, through humor and role reversal, this episode advocates for a more thoughtful relationship with the technology that surrounds us. This aligns with the series’ thought-provoking themes, making it another well-written installment in Love, Death & Robots.
Rating: 8/10