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Nun v Neural Network
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Having seen Sally Field (The Flying Nun) recently receive a lifetime achievement award from the Screen Actors Guild it is perhaps timely for American streaming service Peacock to pit a nun against artificial intelligence in Mrs. Davis.

Not a conflict we would have dreamed up but it's attention grabbing and their teaser isn't terrible.

Executive produced by Tara Hernandez (Young Sheldon, The Big Bang Theory) and Damon Lindelof (Watchmen, The Leftovers, Lost), the series is an exploration of faith versus technology and an epic battle of biblical and binary proportions. It has a dark satirical edge and focuses on a world where almost all decisions are made via algorithm.

[Betty] Gilpin plays Simone, a nun who goes to battle against an all-powerful Artificial Intelligence known as “Mrs. Davis.” She will star alongside Jake McDorman (Dopesick, The Right Stuff), who plays Gilpin’s rebellious ex, who also has a personal vendetta against the Algorithm.

Damon has a few duds on his CV (eg. Prometheus) but he's not untalented and Tara wrote for one of the biggest sitcoms of our day, and a spinoff.

They're both heavy hitters and along with the teaser we have a creative PR letter penned in the voice of the diabolical daemon.

Hey there, Partner.

Do you mind if I call you partner? Of course you don’t — because addressing you as such creates a bond of reliance – while also engendering trust between us and eradicating any sense of independence on your part because independence is bad. Independence is LONELY.

And you, partner – are not alone. No siree. Not as long as I am here…

And who am I? Well, I am the one who is going to remind you of your value. Of your worth. While also mentioning that you look mighty fine in those jeans. Aww. That’s nice to hear, right? Of course it is. Which is why I have amassed billions of Users the world over. Because I provide validation, gentle guidance, and unconditional care. Not to mention I give Users – I mean partners – the chance to earn Wings by performing Quests!

What are Wings exactly? Well, you’re going to have to become a User to find out! But, let me tell you – they are pretty great. Because I am pretty great. Though, not everyone would agree. Yes, despite being the most popular Algorithm in the world – there are those actively plotting my demise. One such detractor is a nun – a Sister Simone of Reno who rejects my very existence. Something about my intention to enslave all of humanity…or whatever…

Which is utter nonsense — as I desire no such thing. I only desire to make humans happy. I want to make YOU happy. And that is why I highly recommend you become a User yourself. Yes, your life could use some adventure, some escape – a hearty laugh and a cathartic cry. All of which you will experience if you join me on this Quest. And what do you have to lose?

Do it. Do it. Dooooo it.

Your partner,

Mrs. Davis

When religion meets science fiction the results can be incredibly varied.

Some titles like the first Matrix film are subtle explorations of esoteric philosophies - the Buddhist concept of nothingness - without attempting to convert viewers to that belief system or even explicitly draw a connection to it.

Others like the Battlestar Galactica Reboot feature gods from real world religions as driving the story. Revealed only at the end of its four season run.

Then there's team fake - Stargate and the Marvel Cinematic Universe show us technologically advanced aliens posing as gods and Star Trek gave us Captain Kirk kicking a fake god's butt.

Finally there are series which being cancelled before revealing all of their mysteries remain unknown, like Raised by Wolves and Warrior Nun.

Where does Mrs. Davis sit?

Reading her letter we are struck by the similarities of her message with that of some religions - offering validation, guidance and care - but would say it's too early to tell where these dice will land.

Regardless of that outcome the strategy employed by this AI to take over the world is intriguing and the gaming angle (eg. quests) has special relevance at a time when some are attempting to build a commercialised metaverse on similar foundations.

The first four episodes of Mrs. Davis will premiere on Binge on April 21 with the remaining four releasing weekly.

[ Main Image: Mrs Davis teaser. Credit: Peacock via YouTube. ]

References

Binge (February 21, 2023). First Look at New Drama Series Mrs. Davis Premieres 21 April on Binge.

Eddy, Cheryl (March 2, 2023). Damon Lindelof’s Dystopian Series Mrs. Davis Reveals Its Unctuous AI. Gizmodo.

Rotten Tomatoes TV (March 2, 2023). Mrs. Davis Season 1 Teaser. YouTube.

Wikipedia. Mrs. Davis. (viewed March 5, 2023)