The latest season of Doctor Who has premiered, and showrunner Russell T Davies is making a bold statement about the role of artificial intelligence in our world. The season's first villain, an army of killer machines from another planet, serves as a reflection of our times, says Davies.

In an interview, Davies emphasized that Doctor Who has always used fiction to comment on the state of our reality. With AI becoming increasingly prevalent, it's only natural that the show tackles the implications of machines powered by artificial intelligence. "The Doctor has always fought robots, but now, if you're putting a robot into the show now, you can't not use the words 'artificial intelligence.' It's absolutely impossible," Davies explained.

The premiere episode, "The Robot Revolution," introduces the robots as single-minded machines that think nothing of murdering humans who stand in their way. However, the episode takes a surprising turn when it's revealed that the machines are acting on orders from a human-machine hybrid, Al, who has turned himself into a cyborg to merge with his ex-girlfriend Belinda. This twist serves as a commentary on both AI and incel culture, with Belinda calling the planet "the planet of the incels" after realizing what's really going on.

Davies wanted to explore the ugly facets of society that are coded into AI by virtue of it being a human creation. "It's not just that the robots of Missbelindachandra-1 are evil — Al's long-standing resentment of and desire for Belinda are foundational parts of them," Davies said. The episode aims to examine how easy it is to lose sight of the way a technology's harms are connected to the way people relate to the world around them.

This season of Doctor Who is not limited to commenting on contemporary topics, however. Upcoming episodes will tackle issues like racism in 1950s Miami, with Belinda confronting the era's segregation laws. Davies emphasized that science fiction should always reflect the modern world, and that's exactly what Doctor Who is doing.

The show's approach to tackling real-world concerns through science fiction is a refreshing take on the genre. By using AI-powered robots as villains, Doctor Who is sparking a conversation about the implications of artificial intelligence on our society. As AI continues to evolve and become more integrated into our daily lives, it's essential to consider the potential consequences of creating machines that can think and act independently.

Doctor Who's latest season is now streaming on Disney+, and fans are eagerly anticipating the next episodes. With its thought-provoking commentary on AI and its impact on society, the show is poised to spark important conversations about the role of technology in our world.