Murderbot Season 1 Episode 6 Review: Command Feed

Murderbot Season 1 Episode 6, “Command Feed,” is an explosive, narratively rich outing, bolstered by strong performances from the cast. Anna Konkle, in particular, shines, showcasing her versatility as an actor. The heel turn is quite impressive. She’s going against type here. 

A Hostage Situation 

Leebeebee finally shows her hand as an antagonist and takes the PresAux crew hostage. Konkle deftly zeroes in on the complexities of this character. Sure, she’s a villain, but there’s clearly a desperation that punctuates Leebeebee’s actions. Unfortunately, just as we dip our toes into the deeper mystery’s waters, our titular bot explodes her head. 

This unlocks a shift in the collective dynamic between SecUnit and its clients. They already know it’s rogue. However, its ability to kill quickly without remorse gives the group pause. Could it inevitably turn on them? Would it slaughter them if they made it angry? 

Of course, SecUnit admitting to us that it enjoyed exploding Leebeebee’s head is a red flag. The series is clearly exploring the darker parts of our favorite sentient construct. It’s as complex and layered as the humans it serves, and it’s embracing its innate humanity more than it would like to. 

Sharing Is Caring 

Alexander Skarsgård and Noma Dumezweni are a delight together. Murderbot and Mensah have crucial bonding moments in “Command Feed,” particularly when it shares its favorite series with her. As a human and pop culture fanatic, if I share my favorite shows, you’re pretty damn important to me. It’s my love language. 

That’s how Murderbot operates, too. The panic attack scene is surprisingly tender, with SecUnit tending to Mensah’s needs. It learns to go inward rather than simply protect its clients’ physical selves. We also get more character depth to Mensah, and it’s a blast watching Dumezweni tap into Mensah’s anger. We don’t normally see her in that state. 

Really, “Command Feed” tackles how we humans react in times of crisis. Mensah has a panic attack or is quick to anger. Pin-Lee laughs out of fear and discomfort. Ratthi, well, vomits. Bharadwaj appeals to Leebeebee’s humanity, offering her sanctuary on Preservation Alliance. It’s a clever study on trauma and our responses to it. 

Bodily Autonomy 

Additionally, the outing addresses consent and autonomy via the sentient construct debate. Those from the Corporation Rim believe that if you buy it, you own it. You can do whatever you want to it. However, the PresAux crew believes that everyone, even SecUnits, deserves to have ownership of their bodies.

What a relevant discussion, considering what’s happening to certain people’s rights in this country today. “Command Feed” doesn’t beat around the bush. 

Keep It Movin’ 

Like every episode of this inaugural season, “Command Feed” squeezes the narrative juice (or SecUnit lubricant) out of every second of its 26-minute runtime. It’s an action-packed, high-octane, tense, and darkly humorous thrill ride. May the Powers That Be always keep the episodes this short. It helps keep the pacing at a steady clip.

And, more importantly, it ensures we’re left wanting more. 

Stray Observations:

• Leebeebee telling Ratthi he “sounds great” before immediately giving Bharadwaj a grimace is such a hilarious blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment. 
• “I don’t watch serials to remind me of how things are; I watch them to distract me.” Amen, SecUnit, amen. 
• Reason #247 Why Murderbot Is Relatable: it deletes important life details to make room for useless TV show knowledge. Although is it really that useless if a Sanctuary Moon episode helps Mensah work through a panic attack? I think not. 
• Ratthi has it bad for Pin-Lee and Arada. Well, mostly Pin-Lee. I’m here for this messy love triangle. 
• Bharadwaj is too pure for this world. She’s a sweet soul. 

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Murderbot drops new episodes every Friday on Apple TV+.

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