Pluto: Intrigue, Androids, and a Gripping Tale

Pluto episode 1, part of the highly anticipated Astro Boy adaptation, was finally released on October 26, 2023 after several delays and much anticipation. The entire eight-episode series can now be streamed on Netflix, with each episode running for at least one hour. In this first episode, the foundation is set for the remaining storyline, focusing on the captivating tale of The Greatest Robot in the World.

The story unfolds with the heart-wrenching discovery of the legendary Swiss robot Mont Blanc, a beloved environmentalist, brutally dismantled amidst a devastating forest fire. Tragically, this is followed by the shocking murder of renowned robot rights activist, Bernard Lanke. As the investigation unfolds, Europol detective Gesicht embarks on a thrilling manhunt to apprehend the elusive killer.

Several twists and turns are made as Pluto episode 1 continues along from there.

Pluto episode 1: A murder mystery involving robots begins

Connections to Astro Boy

The original Astro Boy episode versus Pluto episode 1 can be seen in the image below (Image via Our Website).

Astro Boy, which debuted in 1963, was one of the pioneering anime series to achieve international success. Despite its manga starting 11 years earlier, Astro Boy has spawned numerous series and spin-offs from the 1960s to 2003. Among them is Pluto, a manga written by Osamu Tezuka that was published from 2003 to 2009.

Pluto can be likened to Wicked in relation to The Wizard of Oz - a different perspective and context on the same story. In this case, Pluto adapts The Greatest Robot in the World, which itself is based on The Greatest Robot on Earth from 1964. This storyline focuses on the killer robots and Astro's efforts to stop them, with Gesicht playing a secondary role.

Interestingly, Astro (known as Atom in localized versions) does make an appearance in the series. He is introduced at the end of Pluto episode 1 when Gesicht meets him in Japan. While Detective Gesicht takes the main protagonist role for now, audiences should view Astro/Atom as a significant secondary character.

Pluto episode 1 effectively achieves this by introducing Atom towards the conclusion, while intertwining the murder investigation involving the highly regarded environmentalist Mont Blanc, beloved by many. The narrative cleverly presents different viewpoints, encompassing the perspectives of a butler and his employer, as well as a notorious serial killer.

Two murders, two investigations

In Pluto episode 1, there are two intriguing murder cases that Gesicht, the esteemed android investigator, embarks on. The first case involves the tragic deaths of Mont Blanc and Richard Lanke. Mont Blanc, a widely adored environmentalist, was hailed as "The Guardian Angel of the Alps" throughout Asia, with numerous volunteers creating a memorial to honor his memory. On the other hand, Richard Lanke, an advocate for robot rights, was known for his strong opinions and had amassed many foes.

The only link between the murders was the presence of metal attached to the victims' heads, resembling devil horns. Gesicht suspects that Mont Blanc's death was not caused by humans, natural disasters, or accidents, based on testimonies from Mont Blanc's creator and experts. Lanke's killer left no trace behind.

During a related case involving a drug addict attacking a cop and a robot constable named Robby, Robby's wife scans the memory chip of her deceased husband and captures a blurry image of something or someone jumping from one apartment to another at the time of Lanke's murder. The only thing they could determine from the footage was that it was not a robot.

Pluto episode 1 delves into a variety of captivating themes. These include exploring the effects of PTSD and trauma on individuals, contemplating the distinction between humans and robots through transhumanist perspectives, examining the intricacies of crime scenes and evidence, and contemplating the emergence of sentience and dreams in artificial intelligence beyond their original programming and purpose. Notably, the cases of Brau 1589 and North No. II exemplify these thought-provoking themes.

An interview with a killer

In Pluto Episode 1 (Image via Our Website), a striking scene reminiscent of Silence of the Lambs unfolds. Here, Gesicht interviews Brau 1589, a robot killer imprisoned and in utter disarray, with a massive spear impaling him. Surprisingly, despite adhering to the equivalent of Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics, specifically the International Laws of Robotics, article 13, this compliant robot became the first to commit the grave act of taking a human life.

Brau (1589) provides Gesicht with enigmatic information that sheds light on the potential identity of the murderer, particularly concerning the significance of the horns on their head. These horns are typically associated with devils and Brau 1589 specifically mentions figures like Herne the Hunter, also known as The Horned King, Hades, the Greek god of the underworld, and his Roman equivalent, Pluto. This aligns with Gesicht's earlier observation that there is a "devil" residing within the killer.

Moreover, this entire scene not only pays homage to various films that involve seeking insights from serial killers but also hints at the identity of the killer through its mention of Brau1589. Furthermore, Brau1589 warns Geischt that if Mont Blanc could be effortlessly destroyed like a child's toy, then the other seven formidable robots, including Geischt and Atom, are potential targets.

The frightening reality of Brau1589 lies in the fact that his AI underwent a thorough defect scan, yet no imperfection or flaw was detected. This seems to extend to the murderer as well, who proceeds to target his next prey: a butler robot named North No. II and his assigned individual, Paul Duncan.

North No. II and Paul Duncan

The original Astro Boy story merely used the various robots as disposable characters for the killer, but Pluto takes a more personal approach by delving into their lives and experiences. Episode 1 of Pluto exemplifies this brilliantly with the captivating story of North No. II, the devoted butler to the visually impaired composer Paul Duncan.

North No. II, a seasoned soldier from the 39th Central Asian Conflict, carries an incessant loop of memories from his combat experiences. This narrative delves into the longing of North No. II to transcend his role as a mere instrument of destruction, juxtaposed with Paul Duncan's resentful sentiments towards his mother, his visual impairment, and his growing reliance on technology for music and mobility.

The tragic undertones of this bond highlight its evolution, as Paul Duncan shifts from bitterness towards the world to finding acceptance from North No. II. Through their connection, North No. II prompts Paul to reconsider his relationship with his mother, cultivates his musical abilities, particularly in singing and playing the piano, and genuinely leaves a positive impact on Duncan's life.

Then a private mansion is engulfed by a colossal storm. North No. II valiantly takes action to safeguard Paul but tragically loses his life while combating the assailant amidst the tempestuous fury. The final mention of North No. II in Pluto episode 1 is underscored by the poignant and captivating melody from Duncan's dreams, a gentle lullaby that his mother once used to soothe him, as an explosion disperses the turbulent skies, signifying the demise of North No. II.

Atom

In episode 1 of Pluto, the story concludes with Gesicht coming across Atom in Tokyo. They meet on a rainy day, where Gesicht observes Atom examining a snail. Despite their initial encounter, there is no animosity between them. Atom appears as a typical child, slightly older than the familiar youthful appearance often associated with Astro.

The rain-soaked rendezvous between two characters, discussing a case, is a quintessential aspect of noir and detective narratives. Typically, it is the protagonist detective who meets with contacts under the cover of night. However, in this particular scenario, the meeting occurs during a rainy afternoon, involving two individuals comparing their findings.

Ending on this note in episode 1 of Pluto, it serves as a compelling hook for the audience, enticing them to continue watching the subsequent episode. It reveals that Detective Gesicht is not the sole participant in the case, and he is not the only one being targeted. If North No. II's story failed to establish this fact definitively for the viewers, this scene certainly confirms it.

After all, if a robot butler and conservationist, along with a pro-robot human advocate, can be targeted, then nobody is off limits, not even a child hero or a detective.

Final Thoughts

Pluto episode 1 feels more like the beginning of a captivating movie rather than a typical anime episode. With a runtime of around 70 minutes, this first installment effectively captures the audience's attention by expertly setting the stage. While a few intriguing enigmas remain, such as the nature of the 39th Central Asian Conflict and the significance of Gesicht's flashbacks, the episode does a commendable job of introducing the overarching mystery.

In this episode, several theories can be formed regarding certain aspects. It is evident that Gesicht's memories are linked to a distressing event, indicated by the presence of blood on the ground. Atom's role will mirror that of the original story, as both he and Gesicht strive to locate and thwart the killer.

You can now stream the first episode of Pluto on Netflix, which sets the stage for a captivating storyline centered around the murders of robots and pro-robot individuals.