The Super Powered Fancast

Love Death + Robots

Netflix

Season 3

TV-MA

The third season of this series combines nine disparate stories that challenge the imagination by integrating mixed graphic arts with well thought out narratives depicting various situations that range from dark and disturbing, to humorous and ironic. Each stand-alone episode is less than 30 minutes. However, this short time span is enough to fully convey a series of well told stories, many of which convey themes of current day issues such as the nature of humanity and capitalism.

Three Robots: Exit Strategies
Run Time: 11 minutes
“Humans are the actual worst.” This episode takes cheeky look at a post-apocalyptic future where humanity is extinct. Told through the POV of three robotic life forms, these explorers give timely and relatable commentary on the current state of the world as they address greed, capitalism, and exclusionary practices.

Bad Traveling
Run Time: 21 minutes
An eerie tale regarding a monster, a group of ill-fated sailors, and a man of purpose. I found myself on the edge of my seat the entire episode and continually questioning which characters cared more for themselves than their fellow kind. This is an enjoyable watch featuring videogame quality graphics that are a visual treat.

The Very Pulse of the Machine
Run Time: 17 minutes
An astronaut exploring a harsh alien environment must find a way to communicate with her home base after an incident. This chapter uses poetry and mind-bending animation to show both the actual and metaphysical experience had by explorer Martha Kivelson during a perilous journey. I was really impressed with this storyline.

Night of the Mini Dead
Run Time: 7 minutes
After a couple have an intimate experience in a cemetery, an unusual disturbance unearths a group of zombies that eventually wreak havoc on the entire world. Even though the topic presented is serious and should feel frightening, the toy model animation style and high-speed voices gives the scenes a whimsy that belies the plot. I found myself both amused and horrified.

Kill Team Kill
Run Time: 13 minutes
When a US Special Forces team find something shocking on a mission, they learn of a CIA secret operation and it’s out of control weapon. This is a humorous, and brutal, high-octane action adventure that kept me chuckling as the characters spewed timely one-liners in the most deadly of situations.

Swarm
Run Time: 17 minutes
Realistic computer graphics frame this intergalactic thriller featuring a group of scientists studying an alien species called “The Swarm.” Themes of slavery and weaponize machinery are explored as well as the idea of humankind’s destructive and manipulative nature. The symbolisms involving the characters are also worth taking note of, and I was really appreciative of their inclusion.

Mason’s Rats
Run Time: 10 Minutes
When Mr. Mason finds a group of armed rodents on his property, he seeks the help of an extermination company with an unusual practice. Evolution and technological advancement are explored in this bloody action thriller. I was particularly struck by an unexpected emotional connection with the characters.

In Vaulted Halls Entombed
Run Time: 15 minutes
A US Armed Forces team goes on a mission to rescue a hostage, but quickly finds themselves battling against a terrifying threat. Soon, they must face a mysterious enemy with a worrisome request. This episode is both terrifying and ingenious. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire story.

Jibaro
Run Time: 17 minutes
A soldier from a bygone era encounters a deadly mythical creature. The video game quality graphics were done in an interesting manner as the characters movement switched between choppy and fluid. I was especially impressed by the well-coordinated fighting sequences and the rhythmic dance between the protagonists. Overall, I found this a fitting conclusion to an extraordinary season.