More Insights into the Future from the Author of Apple TV+'s Hit Series "Dark Matter"

"You've been kidnapped, and the kidnapper is another version of yourself from a different dimension." This intriguing premise opens the TV series "Dark Matter," based on the novel by Blake Crouch. The series dives into parallel universes, quantum mechanics, and dark matter, exploring the trade-offs between personal, familial, and professional values. It premiered on Apple TV+ in May, receiving critical acclaim and popular interest. Viewers are eager to uncover any hidden Easter eggs within the complex narrative.

“Dark Matter” explores themes of parallel universes and quantum mechanics. And yes, that cat in the background is Schrödinger's cat. (Source: Apple TV+)

Frequently Adapted, Crouch's Novels Often Focus on Superhumans and AI

Blake Crouch is no stranger to seeing his works adapted for the screen. Previous novels like "The Wayward Pines Trilogy" and "Good Behavior" have made it to television, and another novel, "Recursion," has been optioned by Netflix. In an interesting Easter egg in the seventh episode of "Dark Matter," the protagonist runs past a movie theater in his original timeline, where the marquee flashes the titles of two other Crouch novels: "Summer Frost" and "Upgrade," hinting at possible future adaptations.

The theater marquee briefly displays "Summer Frost" and "Upgrade."(Source: Apple TV+)

Like other Crouch works, "Summer Frost" and "Upgrade" explore the impacts of future technologies on humanity. "Upgrade" includes themes of genetic engineering and human enhancement technologies. It describes a future where genetic engineering is banned, and the protagonist, a government agent, develops extraordinary sensory abilities after an accident, irreversibly setting him on the path to becoming superhuman.

"Summer Frost" revolves around the hot topic of artificial intelligence, despite being published in 2019. It tells the story of a female NPC in a video game who evolves into an AI and develops a complex relationship with her creator, a game developer. This eventually leads to a confrontation as the AI struggles against being created and controlled.

Covers of "Upgrade" and "Summer Frost" (not yet translated in Taiwan).(Source: Amazon)

This Sci-Fi Author Takes Science Seriously and Is Somewhat Pessimistic About AI

Crouch's works consistently explore how future technologies might redefine humanity. When asked what science fiction means to him, he replied, "It shows us possible futures and asks, sometimes as a warning, sometimes as a beautiful promise, 'Are we sure this is the direction we want to be heading?'" His serious approach to sci-fi is evident in how he sees the intersection and dialogue between science and the genre, including the principles of quantum mechanics and the ethical dilemmas posed by genetic engineering.

In a Reddit AMA, he mentioned that his chosen tech themes are usually plausible; his writing simply projects these technologies a few steps into the future, maintaining a level of scientific credibility he is careful not to breach.

How does Crouch view the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence? His outlook is somewhat bleak. He believes that whether AI evolves exponentially into superintelligence or awakens gradually, it will lack a moral framework, thereby posing a threat to humanity.

"Imagine an AI with the awareness of a dog, or a two-year-old child. Or an orangutan. Then the question becomes how we treat that AI. And if history is any guide, if you look at how we treat animals in product testing, migrant children at our own borders, and generally every other living thing from forests to coral, we’re going to abuse these fledgling AIs. We’ll treat them like monsters. And that will become a problem for us, because where will they gain their sense of morality by the time superintelligence + full sentience arrives?"

Crouch's reflections remind me of our previous article, "Should We Be Nicer to AI If Its Ascendancy Over Humans Is Inevitable?" While his views on AI may be chilling, I appreciate his devotion to sci-fi: it's ultimately about the human story. This insight is a reminder that if we are forewarned about the future, we have the power to change it—to choose a path that doesn't lead to our own destruction.

Blake Crouch once took his ex-wife to court because she, citing religious reasons, wouldn't allow their children to be vaccinated. Truly, he is a writer who takes science seriously. (Source: Goodreads)