Long Haulers (available weekly on YouTube) is science fiction from a fresh perspective. Rather than a galaxy populated exclusively by Chosen One farm boys with princess sisters, explorers on state-of-the-art starships, daring smugglers, and military units, creator (and star) Michael McGruther dares to ask, “Where are the stories about the average Janes and Joes just trying to make ends meet?” Enter Knox Vega, who was the last working man on Earth, until automation replaced him.
With nothing better to do, Knox becomes a long hauler. Basically, he’s an interplanetary FedEx driver, which sounds pretty dull. Unfortunately, for a guy whose chief priority is a good sandwich, trouble seems to follow him like a cute, furry, smelly alien critter. His ship, the S.S. Grit, has a Virtual Integrated Research Assistant (VIRA, for short), who appears as a human woman, to guide him. But when out on a delivery, it’s up to Knox to navigate his way out of every awkward situation.
Of course, there’s a bigger narrative at play, as Knox starts wondering if there’s more to VIRA than meets the eye, along with contemplating his own place in the cosmos. As the story progresses, Knox crosses paths with a young alien runaway whose evil father holds the key to VIRA’s past. By the end of season one, Knox has a crew and a new mission.
While usually out of his depth and requiring VIRA’s insight, Knox has a kind heart and a moral code. He accepts the dangerous job of long hauling because he knows life has purpose. In this way, he exemplifies Ephesians 5:15-16, which says, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”
The entirely AI generated series might feel a little uncanny at first, but the strength of the story and the characters command our attention. Even when the comedy is outrageous, there’s a sincerity at its core that keeps us invested. And AI technology is developing so rapidly that the animation keeps getting better and better as the series progresses. You’d never guess that McGruther is doing this alone on his home computer.
Some sly hints at profanity and bathroom humor aside, Long Haulers is something families can watch and discuss together. (Buffalonickel Films Inc.)