Apple TV’s Neuromancer Show Will Avoid A Fatal Mistake

After seeing the second teaser, Apple TV’s Neuromancer has clearly avoided a dire mistake that could have ruined the entire show. The streaming giant has taken on many ambitious projects, and one of the most anticipated and nerve-wracking is Neuromancer, based on the book by William Gibson. As a fan of the source material and the cyberpunk genre as a whole, I’m dying to see a good adaptation of Neuromancer. It’s such a seminal piece of fiction, and I’m shocked it took 42 years to bring it to life onscreen.

That said, I think it’s a little too soon to know whether Neuromancer will be successful. There’s so little material to judge from. Apple TV has been coy with its promotions, showing a few promo still shots and two teasers. Based on their track record as the best producer of sci-fi TV, there’s good reason to have hope. Plus, Gibson is actually involved in the project, providing them with his vision and expertise.

This has already proven beneficial. One decision, updating the technology, could have completely ruined the story. Luckily, they avoided that fatal mistake, giving the Apple TV+ show a better chance at thriving.

Neuromancer Updating To Modern-Day Tech Would Have Ruined The Story

Neuromancer came out in 1984, and the futuristic elements included were extensions of existing technology. However, the technological landscape has drastically changed since then. Computers and TV monitors are significantly less bulky. Most folks either have cellphones or smartphones, and payphones have become anachronistic. William Gibson coined the term cyberspace, and it’s now widespread. The internet is accessible almost everywhere in the world. AIs have become the norm, whether we like it or not.

The creative team on Neuromancer could easily have fallen into the trap of updating all the technology for modern audiences. After all, for the non-initiated, Neuromancer might feel derivative of newer media like The Matrix. However, Neuromancer was the pioneer of the genre, alongside Blade Runner. I would find it a bit blasphemous to change the story just because later media drew inspiration from the book.

On top of that, modern-day technology would fundamentally change the story and lessen the stakes. The greatest cyberpunk book imagines a future based on 1984, not based on 2026. Why would jacking into the Matrix be dangerous if everyone could do it all the time? The idea of everybody getting on the internet at all times would diminish the danger of Case jacking into cyberspace. I want the cassette-futuristic alternate future imagined from the 1980s book, even if it means having to suspend disbelief while watching.

Neuromancer’s Retrotech Already Looks Incredible From The Teasers

So far, Apple TV+ has given us two teasers for Neuromancer. The first one shows Chatsubo with the neon-noir aesthetic. The basic idea roughly matches up with expectations. It has a retro look with the pinball machine, jukebox, and the neon red-and-blue sign. The bar looks a little cleaner than I would’ve imagined. That said, the set is completely bare, as if it were just made. It doesn’t look like an actual scene, so there’s no reason to be concerned. It will most likely look grimier when Chatsubo is filled with props, cast members, and some dirt. All in all, it feels like it’s on the right track.

The Neuromancer second teaser gives a better idea of what to expect when it comes to technology. We see the 70s TV monitor connected to the Tessier-Ashpool computer. The buzzing and clicking of the technology is audible. The writing is in an 80s-style font. Then, they actually show static fuzz, which is a throwback for those of us old enough to remember that.

Ultimately, the retrotech is already looking fantastic. It seems like a blend between the 70s and 80s. The whole thing looks a little more polished, but it isn’t a sheen either. There’s popcorn and dust. It doesn’t have that glossy, new feeling that would have absolutely destroyed Neuromancer.

Network

Apple TV+

Showrunner

Graham Roland

Directors

J.D. Dillard

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  Peter Sarsgaard

  John Ashpool