“We can talk about this.” 

This phrase echoes throughout “Complementary Species,” the seventh episode of Murderbot. It acts as a recurring theme among the Preservation Alliance, highlighting their commitment to open dialogue. This approach seems effective in theory and might explain the crew’s strong camaraderie (as unveiled in the episode’s intriguing cold open, which shows their complex romantic interconnections). But what happens when dialogue meets a wall—someone who either can’t or won’t talk? At what point does an offer to communicate start to feel like an imposition?

Take, for example, the visible unease on Gurathin’s face in this week’s opening flashback. The scene, set just before the ill-fated journey to a dangerous unnamed planet, captures a dinner at Port Freecommerce. The team engages in a revealing game that mixes elements of therapy and Truth Or Dare, leading to uncomfortable public scrutiny and Gurathin’s embarrassment. While revealing emotional truths might be therapeutic (as Bharadwaj finds after sharing her unreturned feelings for Pin-Lee), the pressure from the group on Gurathin, an outsider, is palpable and problematic.

The tension culminates in a powerful scene featuring David Dastmalchian as Gurathin, who reveals under duress how he first met Mensah during a covert operation he was forced into, aimed at infiltrating a conference promoting free thought. This revelation not only draws parallels between Gurathin and Murderbot—showing how both are controlled by internal and external mechanisms—but also deepens his character’s backstory and his complex relationship with Mensah. Noma Dumazweni, portraying Mensah, listens to Gurathin’s confession with serene empathy, highlighting a pivotal moment of vulnerability and connection.

The release of sharing these ‘sweet’ moments seems liberating, yet Gurathin struggles with the ‘bitter’ truths, barely touching on his deep-seated fears regarding the mission’s dangers to Mensah, without delving into his intense personal feelings. It becomes clear that while open dialogue is possible for the group, it may not be so for him, as he grapples with emotions that continue to consume him.

Meanwhile, back in the present-day chaos on the planet, the situation quickly deteriorates. The scene shifts from emotional strife to physical danger as the Preservation Auxillary (PresAux) team evacuates under Murderbot’s terse commands. This episode strategically uses less screen time for Alexander Skarsgård, creating a distance that aligns viewers more closely with the PresAux crew, who now see Murderbot as a potentially hostile force. This shift reintroduces the eerie, horror-like elements that characterized earlier episodes of Murderbot, emphasizing the unsettling nature of its central character.

The tension peaks when their supposed safe haven proves dangerous. Murderbot’s solitary perimeter check—a tactic to avoid stressful human interactions—coincides with a moment of profound self-reflection, where it imagines its own demise in a quiet, green forest. This introspective moment is disrupted by the return of the giant bugs from the series premiere, which, instead of posing a threat, engage in a mating ritual on their ship. This sequence not only highlights Arada’s empathy but also underscores the show’s deeper themes of biological drives and sexual dynamics, particularly through Gurathin’s feverish, jealousy-fueled outburst towards Murderbot.

The episode’s climax sees a more advanced SecUnit attacking Murderbot, leading to a frantic battle only halted by the intervention of one of the large insects. The aftermath brings the crew temporarily closer, only for tension to spike again as Gurathin collapses, hinting at further complications.

Despite some minor issues, this episode deftly navigates the complexities of communication and the struggle for survival, setting the stage for a potentially explosive and emotionally charged conclusion.

Additional Remarks

• • My patience with Ratthi increases as it becomes clearer that he’s meant to be unlikeable, highlighted by his subtle antagonism towards Gurathin in the opening sequence.
• • No Sanctuary Moon videos this time, so my phone stayed in my pocket.
• • Murderbot’s gesture of covering Leebeebee’s body with a blanket went unappreciated. “What? I covered it!”
• • Gurathin’s backstory adds depth to his character, enriching the narrative with a darker glimpse into the ruthless Corporation Rim.
• • Akshay Khanna deserves credit for his comedic timing when discussing his awkward interaction with Murderbot.
• • Pin-Lee’s naive comment during a crisis underlines her character’s simplicity.
• • “I should have downloaded more shows.”
• • “There’s no reason to look at me; I’m not a sex-bot.”
• • “I’m grateful there’s someone experienced in combat here. We’re not.” “Unless you’re armed with a mining drill.”
• • Murderbot’s take on bug mating: “Honestly, it’s no more disgusting than what humans do to each other.”
• • Jones delivers a cool dismissal in response to Pin-Lee’s aversion to the bug eggs. “Babe, just go inside, then.”
• • The PresAux team’s attempts to “help” escalate into a comedic sequence, climaxing with Bharadwaj accidentally hitting Murderbot with a rock.