Cupertino Season 1 Episode 3 Review: AI Takes Center Stage in "Juno"

Cupertino has set itself up as a show ready to talk about the less savory side of the new technologies being pumped out of Silicon Valley with little oversight from massive corporations and overeager startups. And the biggest target in its crosshairs is AI.

Episode 2 included a lawsuit where the smoking gun was actually an AI-powered drone that killed someone during a light show. Episode 3, titled "Juno," involves a court case where a tween committed patricide with the encouragement and instruction of an AI chatbot that he "loved."

Meanwhile, in the background, we learn more about the speculative fiction side of Cupertino's story: the supposedly sentient AI named Bo. This episode did little to help us learn more about our core characters. Christy continues to be quirky, funny, and resourceful, although I'm a little peeved with her for spending money she was explicitly told not to. Michael continues to build Olivia's confidence while being a leader, and Natalia remains an eccentric but intelligent woman who has decided to use her energy and resources to annoy her ex-husband.

The juiciest scene involves Michael and Natalia sitting alone after hours, enjoying some tequila in the newly finished conference room. Natalia reveals that she has a law degree. Could she be the third lawyer at Price, Siffre, and Associates down the line? Next thing we know, Michael and Natalia seem to be flirting. Not enough tequila has flowed for anyone to make any rash decisions, though.

Maybe next time? We'll have to see where this potentially interesting development goes. The episode clearly takes inspiration from real-world cases and allegations that have emerged recently, involving children committing heinous acts, including violence and self-harm, amid troubling interactions with AI chatbots. Cupertino's third episode makes it clear that, much like the fictional lawyer duo of Price and Siffre, the show has no qualms about judging the rampant and unpolished rollout of artificial intelligence.

People's lives are at stake, and real-world cases have raised serious questions about the potential dangers of AI chatbot interactions. This episode takes on that subject while skirting around the phrase "AI psychosis," a term often used by internet users. It's a fair choice, since the phrase isn't a formally recognized, distinct medical diagnosis.

Overall, I'm loving how Cupertino isn't pulling punches regarding ethical concerns in technology and companies with questionable morals. I think the writers could go deeper, but they have time to explore these issues as the season progresses.

The Bo storyline continues to muddy the waters, as it's speculative fiction at best. But at the end of the day, it's television. We're here for entertainment, and the story is fun and interesting. I'd bet good money that the supposed "domestic terrorist" Christy wants to find is going to become a client in the very near future.

The best part of Cupertino is that, with the topics at hand, it could be deeply depressing. And yet, the show has mastered a careful balance of comedic writing without diminishing the more serious material. The episodes feel fun, and I walk away energized rather than angry at the world.

I'm looking forward to whatever Episode 4 brings us next week!

What did you think?

• Loved it
• Hated it
• So/So