In 2013, fresh off his role in “Riddick,” Karl Urban re-teamed with J.J. Abrams to launch a new sci-fi series, Fox’s “Almost Human.” Based on their previous collaborations, “Star Trek” and “Star Trek: Into Darkness,” as well as their recent solo projects (Abrams had just wrapped the criminally under-appreciated “Fringe”), it seemed like the series was bound for success. Set in 2048, “Almost Human” takes place in a world where police officers are forced to work with android partners to combat a crime rate that has spiraled out of control, largely due to advances in technology. It had shades of “Blade Runner,” which is probably what attracted Urban to the project — Ridley Scott’s seminal sci-fi film is one of his “all-time favorite films,” Urban said in a 1998 interview. “It’s a masterpiece.”
“Almost Human” built a modest following and earned decent reviews from a number of critics, but Fox decided not to renew the show for a second season. Despite some aspects — most notably the pacing — failing to wow audiences, “Almost Human” had some memorable sci-fi moments. Urban is brilliant as John Kennex, an android-hating detective. His patiently unfolding relationship with fellow officer (and android) Dorian was a series highlight, and it promised much for future seasons. But, ultimately, “Almost Human” will be best remembered as yet another casualty in Fox’s campaign to end excellent sci-fi shows before their prime. Like “Firefly” and “Terra Nova” before it, fans were furious when the show got canned.