In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing and infiltrating various industries, the third and final season of 'The Comeback' serves as a cautionary tale, warning us of the potential apocalypse that AI could bring to the entertainment industry.
The show's creator, Lisa Kudrow, has always had a knack for satirical prescience, and this season is no exception. With a focus on AI, 'The Comeback' takes a deep dive into the potential consequences of relying on AI for creative endeavors, particularly in the world of show business.
The AI-Fueled Apocalypse
The season opens with a striking scene, set during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, where the threat of AI looms large. Fran Drescher, playing herself, warns a crowd of actors and writers, "AI is coming after all of us." This sets the tone for the entire season, as the show explores the impact of AI on the entertainment industry.
Valerie Cherish's AI Encounter
Valerie Cherish, the show's embattled sitcom star, finds herself at the center of this AI revolution. Struggling to stay relevant, she takes on a lead role in a new multi-cam sitcom, 'How's That?!', which is entirely written by AI. Initially, the AI seems competent, churning out alternate lines and jokes at a rapid pace, but as the season progresses, its limitations become apparent.
The AI's scripts become incomprehensible due to hallucinations, and its hastily produced alternatives lack the spark of human creativity. The show argues that AI, while efficient, lacks the soul and resonance that only human writers can bring. It's a stark reminder that in the world of entertainment, the human touch is irreplaceable.
The Human Cost of AI
'The Comeback' doesn't shy away from the human cost of AI integration. It showcases the dire situation for workers in the industry, with crew members losing weeks of pay due to AI-shortened productions. Talented writers are forced to pivot, as the industry becomes a mess. As one writer notes, the normalization of AI in TV could lead to an "extinction event."
Yet, Valerie Cherish seems oblivious to this impending doom, benefiting from the AI-written show and even earning an executive producer credit. She's like a frog in a slowly boiling pot, unaware of the danger until it's too late.
A Touch of Humor and Humanity
Despite the heavy subject matter, 'The Comeback' manages to inject humor and humanity into its narrative. Valerie's obsession with her under-viewed show, 'Mrs. Hatt', provides some light-hearted moments, as does the touching send-off to her hair stylists and closest friend, Mickey. Kudrow's performance is a masterclass in comedic timing, making even Valerie's most selfish moments endearing.
A Call to Action
'The Comeback' Season 3 is a powerful reminder of the potential pitfalls of AI integration. In a world where entertainment giants are investing in AI, it's a bold move to sound the alarm. The show argues that AI-written content will lead to a lowest common denominator approach, a far cry from the sharp and superb entertainment we deserve.
As we navigate the rapidly changing landscape of AI, 'The Comeback' serves as a timely and thought-provoking warning, urging us to consider the human cost and the potential loss of creativity that AI could bring.
