Watching it reminded me of the movie Her from 2013, although I don't find David's performance slightly more cynical and rough. It has a Christopher Ecclestoness to it , not only the clothes but the emotional delivery feel blunt, almost brutal in comparison with everything else I've seen of David's early work.
Tyler's supposed to be pretty apathetic about technology in particular - and he's not a big fan of the world in general, either, given he regularly deals with the "bad" side of it with cheaters and liars. I think David certainly does a good job of portraying those feelings.
Jim [McClellan] does mention 'Her' later on in this series of posts about Only Human....and it's funny to think that 'Only Human' was a full decade earlier than that movie!
Having watched Only Human once-through, not only was watching a young DT acting in a role that was utilizing new technology a treat for the senses, but the backstory is proving to be fascinating as well. I was not aware of him until I saw him as Doctor Who, when that series began playing on BBC America. And he was singularly riveting to behold then. Thank you for being such a gifted researcher and writer.
You're welcome - it's such a pleasure to share what I've learned in my decade of research, and what I keep on finding. And thank you so much for your kind words. :D
The backstory of 'Only Human' is absolutely fascinating, and what's more - we've got four more parts to go! Believe me, we haven't even dipped our toes into the deep waters yet. I cannot wait to reveal the rest!
The first thing that struck me was the music (because, of course). The intro (and whoever the singer was?) and the outro sounded highly stylized and slightly suggestive in the delivery of a James Bond film (I'm thinking 'Octopussy' lol). But the incidental instrumentals were comically retro, almost intentionally organic.
And David - wow. I really enjoyed his almost guttural approach, slightly worn around the edges, cynical and raunchy, yet highly engaging with a believable script and a very convincing character that ironically has no narrative in the pilot (as I'm guessing all of his voiceover handles that thread, minus human co-stars). To the point, he is exclusively engaged with Ada - only. But I see where his enthusiasm comes from as a Doctor Who fan, in all this sci-fi-ness.
I tip my hat to you for this deep dive trek. Again as we play a game of 'what if...' in another round of David Tennant roles!
Ah, yes - the music! That opening track is really catchy, isn't it? I admit I find myself singing it around the house. In Pt. 2, Jim [McClellan] and I talk a little bit about the music - specifically who the artists are and how he chose it. I thought he did a good job with what he had to hand, especially since this was not supposed to be a pilot released to the public.
You've also keyed in on a few of Tyler's principle characteristics - slightly cynical, disillusioned with technology, and a loner. Jim wanted these traits to pop out at the viewer, so I can tell him he did it right - though he's said David really did well putting all that across. He's not wrong! David's great in it. Par for the course for him, I'd say! And Ada...isn't she interesting, too? I love their chemistry.
I can't wait for the next four parts. It's gonna be a wild ride!
Ha, I hadn't thought about how perfect 'Only Human' slots in with 'Dot And Bubble', as both reflect different aspects of "othered" reality (though to be fair, 'Only Human' thankfully doesn't include the racism the entitled brats in 'Dot And Bubble' demonstrate). Though it's quite possible 'Only Human' might've explored those sorts of topics...but maybe more like how they were represented in the X-Men (mutants vs. anti-mutant hate groups, such as the Friends of Humanity).
I've been thinking to ask Jim [McClellan] if he would entertain the idea of doing a Q&A of sorts, for fan questions about 'Only Human'. If so, this would be a GREAT question: "Would humans in the OH world have grown to distrust and despite creations like Ada?"
I find this really fascinating. The show reminded me of two other AI type stories - in Season 4 of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., there is a female AI creature called AIDA - however weirdly everyone (notably several British folks including AIDA's creators) pronounce her name as "Ada"! (if you're interested in watching this I suggest starting in Season 3 because that's when the concept was introduced - you'll get more backstory). And then there was that movie Ex Machina a few years back. Both were female characters that seemed very realistic but ended up being sinister or evil.
It totally doesn't surprise me that David was so keen. I mean he was steeped in Dr Who as a child so it makes sense.
...and Blake's 7, too! He did enjoy sci-fi from the get-go!
I love how 'Only Human' was an early entry into that virtual character/AI world, and that David was so keen to do it and immerse himself into it. And he does, believe me. He was very keen on working with the tech to try and see what could be made from it. I go into that in much more depth in Pt. 2. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I had watched this once before; it was an interesting concept for a series yet perhaps a bit ahead of its time? I did enjoy seeing so much of David and his reacting to Ada. The man has a way of creating little quirks that he often carries from one character to another. Such as the way he rolls his eyes and looks over his shoulder when exasperated. Or The Sniff, which he used a lot of as the Doctor and a few other roles (Crowley, for one). He uses a lot of facial and body language interacting with his CG co-star and it works well.
Watching it reminded me of the movie Her from 2013, although I don't find David's performance slightly more cynical and rough. It has a Christopher Ecclestoness to it , not only the clothes but the emotional delivery feel blunt, almost brutal in comparison with everything else I've seen of David's early work.
Tyler's supposed to be pretty apathetic about technology in particular - and he's not a big fan of the world in general, either, given he regularly deals with the "bad" side of it with cheaters and liars. I think David certainly does a good job of portraying those feelings.
Jim [McClellan] does mention 'Her' later on in this series of posts about Only Human....and it's funny to think that 'Only Human' was a full decade earlier than that movie!
Having watched Only Human once-through, not only was watching a young DT acting in a role that was utilizing new technology a treat for the senses, but the backstory is proving to be fascinating as well. I was not aware of him until I saw him as Doctor Who, when that series began playing on BBC America. And he was singularly riveting to behold then. Thank you for being such a gifted researcher and writer.
You're welcome - it's such a pleasure to share what I've learned in my decade of research, and what I keep on finding. And thank you so much for your kind words. :D
The backstory of 'Only Human' is absolutely fascinating, and what's more - we've got four more parts to go! Believe me, we haven't even dipped our toes into the deep waters yet. I cannot wait to reveal the rest!
The first thing that struck me was the music (because, of course). The intro (and whoever the singer was?) and the outro sounded highly stylized and slightly suggestive in the delivery of a James Bond film (I'm thinking 'Octopussy' lol). But the incidental instrumentals were comically retro, almost intentionally organic.
And David - wow. I really enjoyed his almost guttural approach, slightly worn around the edges, cynical and raunchy, yet highly engaging with a believable script and a very convincing character that ironically has no narrative in the pilot (as I'm guessing all of his voiceover handles that thread, minus human co-stars). To the point, he is exclusively engaged with Ada - only. But I see where his enthusiasm comes from as a Doctor Who fan, in all this sci-fi-ness.
I tip my hat to you for this deep dive trek. Again as we play a game of 'what if...' in another round of David Tennant roles!
Ah, yes - the music! That opening track is really catchy, isn't it? I admit I find myself singing it around the house. In Pt. 2, Jim [McClellan] and I talk a little bit about the music - specifically who the artists are and how he chose it. I thought he did a good job with what he had to hand, especially since this was not supposed to be a pilot released to the public.
You've also keyed in on a few of Tyler's principle characteristics - slightly cynical, disillusioned with technology, and a loner. Jim wanted these traits to pop out at the viewer, so I can tell him he did it right - though he's said David really did well putting all that across. He's not wrong! David's great in it. Par for the course for him, I'd say! And Ada...isn't she interesting, too? I love their chemistry.
I can't wait for the next four parts. It's gonna be a wild ride!
I know you've been really excited about this one. Super excellent!
I always thought it was the coolest little short just so far before it's time. You releasing this the day after Dot and Bible aired is so perfect too.
Ha, I hadn't thought about how perfect 'Only Human' slots in with 'Dot And Bubble', as both reflect different aspects of "othered" reality (though to be fair, 'Only Human' thankfully doesn't include the racism the entitled brats in 'Dot And Bubble' demonstrate). Though it's quite possible 'Only Human' might've explored those sorts of topics...but maybe more like how they were represented in the X-Men (mutants vs. anti-mutant hate groups, such as the Friends of Humanity).
I've been thinking to ask Jim [McClellan] if he would entertain the idea of doing a Q&A of sorts, for fan questions about 'Only Human'. If so, this would be a GREAT question: "Would humans in the OH world have grown to distrust and despite creations like Ada?"
I find this really fascinating. The show reminded me of two other AI type stories - in Season 4 of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., there is a female AI creature called AIDA - however weirdly everyone (notably several British folks including AIDA's creators) pronounce her name as "Ada"! (if you're interested in watching this I suggest starting in Season 3 because that's when the concept was introduced - you'll get more backstory). And then there was that movie Ex Machina a few years back. Both were female characters that seemed very realistic but ended up being sinister or evil.
It totally doesn't surprise me that David was so keen. I mean he was steeped in Dr Who as a child so it makes sense.
...and Blake's 7, too! He did enjoy sci-fi from the get-go!
I love how 'Only Human' was an early entry into that virtual character/AI world, and that David was so keen to do it and immerse himself into it. And he does, believe me. He was very keen on working with the tech to try and see what could be made from it. I go into that in much more depth in Pt. 2. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I had watched this once before; it was an interesting concept for a series yet perhaps a bit ahead of its time? I did enjoy seeing so much of David and his reacting to Ada. The man has a way of creating little quirks that he often carries from one character to another. Such as the way he rolls his eyes and looks over his shoulder when exasperated. Or The Sniff, which he used a lot of as the Doctor and a few other roles (Crowley, for one). He uses a lot of facial and body language interacting with his CG co-star and it works well.
It does - and wait until Pt. 2, when you find out just how all the interacting with his virtual co-star was handled!