Sunny series is a thrilling robotics drama set in Japan of the future. Interestingly, this science fiction is about a highly evolved and autonomous mobile robot named Sunny.
This riveting Sci-Fi series is based on two novels – The Dark Manual (2018) and Sunny (2023) by Colin O’Sullivan. And as the ending of season 1 suggests, there is more to come.
“Sunny” – Rashida Jones Is Impressive, But We Loved The Sweet Home Robot In Futuristic Science Fiction Set In Japan
Trailer: Sunny (Season 1/2024) Series
Spoiler Free Review: Sunny (Season 1/2024) Series
Synopsis/Summary/Plotline/Storyline
In Kyoto, Japan, American woman Suzie’s (Rashida Jones) life is dramatically disrupted following the mysterious disappearance of her Japanese husband Masa and son Zen in a plane crash. As a means of comfort, she is presented with Sunny, a domestic robot developed by her husband’s electronics company.
Initially, Suzie is resistant to Sunny’s attempts to fill the emotional gap left by her loss; however, over time, an unexpected camaraderie blossoms between them. Together, they embark on a journey to uncover the sinister truth behind the incident involving Suzie’s family, leading them into a perilous world that Suzie had been unaware of. So, in this mysterious Sci-Fi show, both Suzie and Sunny try to uncover the dark truth of what happened to Suzie’s husband and son who disappeared in a mysterious plane crash.
It is apt that the setting of the story is Kyoto, Japan
Japan has been the leading provider of industrial robots to the world for last so many decades. So, it is apt that this science fiction tale is set in Kyoto, Japan.
Although the story is set in the future, this Sci-Fi tale seems believable and realistic. Maybe, we have seen so many seasons of the Sci-Fi “Black Mirror” that even the “Sunny” robot looks cute buddy. The ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) and associated technological advancement is simply mindboggling. For instance, the current generation of home robots is evolving at a faster pace. Also, AI and machines (like drones) are being used to carry out nefarious attacks on fellow humans. So, in a way, this tale offers a peek into the future of machines and robotics. And what could go wrong with the technology falling into the wrong hands?
Kudos to Writer Colin O’Sullivan, Creator Katie Robbins, Actress Rashida Jones, etc.
We must praise the novelist Colin O’Sullivan for using her vivid imagination to create a world where the lines between humans and machines have been blurred. Thankfully, the creator Katie Robbins bring this science story of robotics onto our small screens. The “Sunny” robot looks like a true friend and perfect companion that we all need in our lives.
Playing an emotionally distraught protagonist Suzie opposite a robot Sunny is a challenging role indeed. But the leading actress Rashida Jones smashed it out of the park with her fascinating and evocative acting performance. Her portrayal of a woman going through the unbearable pain of death and the different stages of grief is commendable. In addition, her numerous (sad, angry, funny, abusive, etc.) interactions with the robot “Sunny” are the highlights of this drama. She never loses her foul mouth and her real self.
The rest of the ensemble cast consists of talented Japanese performers – Hidetoshi Nishijima (Masa Sakamoto), Judy Ongg (Noriko Sakamoto), Annie the Clumsy (Mixxy), Shin Shimizu (Tetsu), Fares Belkheir (Zen), You (Hime), Jun Kunimura (Yuki Tanaka), etc. all of them were good too. Amusingly, we found the voice of Joanna Sotomura (Sunny) calming and soothing. Wish, we could have a home robot like her in our lives.
This well-made Sci-Fi forces us to confront the future roles of AI, Robotics, Gadgets and other Machines in our lives. We are moving towards a tech.-driven world at a high speed.
The conclusion
These robotics machines like “Sunny” are gaining greater sentience and they might change our perceptions about them. And, if they fall into the hands of bad elements, then they could pose a much greater threat. We liked this sci-fi series very much. Now we wish that Apple TV + renews “Sunny” for the second season so that we get a clear idea about Masa, Sunny, Mixxy, Yakuza, The Dark Manual, etc. Till then, enjoy season one of Sunny.
Rating:
| FM Rating | 3.65/5 |
Poster:
Key Details:
| Genre | Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller, |
| Original Language | English & Japanese |
| Season | First (1st) Season |
| Episodes | Ten (10) Episodes |
| Creator | Katie Robbins |
| Writers | Colin O’Sullivan, Katie Robbins, Sarah Sutherland, Julissa Castillo, etc. |
| Directors | Lucy Tcherniak, Colin Bucksey, Dearbhla Walsh & Makoto Nagahisa |
| Cast | Rashida Jones (Suzie), Hidetoshi Nishijima (Masa Sakamoto), Judy Ongg (Noriko Sakamoto), Annie the Clumsy (Mixxy), Joanna Sotomura (Sunny), Shin Shimizu (Tetsu), Fares Belkheir (Zen), You (Hime), Jun Kunimura (Yuki Tanaka), Anam Sekiguchi, etc. |
| Network | Apple TV+ |
Spoiler Alert: Summary of Ten (10) Episodes Of First (1st) Season
Summary of Ten (10) Episodes of the First (1st) Season
He’s in Refrigerators (S1, E1) | 34 minutes
In a near-future Kyoto, Suzie struggles with profound grief and is given a domestic robot to assist her.
Don’t Blame the Machine (S1, E2) | 35 minutes
As she tries to figure Sunny out, Suzie unearths memories of her husband, Masa.
Mmmm, Hinoki (S1, E3) | 29 minutes
Suzie, Sunny and Mixxy make a discovery. Noriko pressures Suzie to have a proper funeral for Masa.
Sticky (S1, E4) | 32 minutes
The Yakuza make themselves known. Suzie searches for the truth about Masa’s lineage.
Joey Sakamoto (S1, E5) | 36 minutes
Sunny and Suzie flee Kyoto with Mixxy to take refuge at her family’s farm.
Kyoto Manju, So Delicious (S1, E6) | 30 minutes
Suzie officially meets Himé and her friends. Noriko learns to master the game of shogi.
There’s Been a Shift (S1, E7) | 35 minutes
Mixxy is sucker-punched by the realities of her friendship with Suzie. Himé confronts Jin.
Trash or Not-Trash (S1, E8) | 36 minutes
In the past, Masa slowly emerges from hikikomori.
Who’s in the Box? (S1, E9) | 35 minutes
Sunny looks inside herself.
The Dark Manual (S1, E10) | 31 minutes
After learning the truth, Suzie fights for what matters most.
Ending Explained in the Tenth (10th) & Final Episode of the First (1st) Season
What happened at the Setsuban festival?
In the series finale of Sunny series, we are introduced to the ‘Setsuban’, a traditional Japanese festival during which participants throw soybeans at Oni, the malevolent demons believed to threaten dreams and families. With so much happening at the said festival, including the murder of the Yakuza leader Jin by Hime; Suzie and her young son Zen manage to elude the dangerous Yakuza.
Amid the chaos and confusion at the said festival, Suzie comes across Sunny, who is ready to leave, explaining that her departure is crucial for their safety. In a moving scene, Sunny and Zen meet for the first time, forging a significant emotional connection. Moreover, before they go their separate ways, the best friends partake in a poignant moment where Suzie endearingly calls Sunny a “dumbass,” reflecting the distinctive nature of their bond.
Is Masa going to come back alive?
Finally, Suzie and Zen escape to safety, they make their way back to Hiromasa’s cabin. When they are safe, we hear the following narration (dialogues) from Masa.
“I don’t know if the oni will win. I don’t know if they’ll get the metal club. Worse, I don’t know what you’ll think of me, but I pray you’ll understand, I did this for you. I pray it will have all been worth it. And then again, if you’re reading this, maybe it’s not too late. Maybe there is hope. Maybe I’ll get a chance to tell you how much I love you.”
Masa Sakamoto (Hidetoshi Nishijima)
Sunny sacrifices himself for the safety of Suzie and her family
In the climactic scene, Sunny chooses to sacrifice himself for the well-being of Suzie and her family. Furthermore, Mixxy suggests that they can save Sunny by deleting her code, while Hiromasa informs them that they can transport her to Tokyo for the procedure. However, they must separate to avoid being pursued by the Yakuza.
Is Mixxy a friend or a foe of Suzie?
Despite Suzie’s fears for Hiromasa’s safety, Mixxy offers to take Sunny to Tokyo. The robot proposes they use Tanaka’s truck, but an unexpected twist arises: Tanaka is also in the truck, and Mixxy is conspiring with him. Although Mixxy appears to be upset, it seems she has been helping Suzie collect information to send to Hime.
The future – second season?
So, in case the Sunny series is renewed by Apple TV+ for its second (2nd) season, we might see Masa making a comeback into Suzie’s life, just like their son Zen.
What will be the fate of Sunny and Mixxy?
Featured Image of Sunny (Robot) and Suzie (Rashida Jones).
Poster, Featured & Other Images of Sunny (Season 1/2024) Series | Pictures Credit: Apple TV+.