Summary

Ash and Martha have just begun living together in Ash’s childhood home. Unfortunately, Ash dies on the way to return their moving van. A grieving Martha is introduced to a technology that recreates Ash’s presence based on his digital footprint — for instance, his social media posts. Initially, the technology involves software that allows Martha to “communicate” with Ash via texts and calls. Martha then purchases the upgraded level of the technology — a physically identical recreation of Ash she brings to life in her bathtub by combining a soup of artificial human parts and packets of chemicals and electrolytes. After an initial period of happiness and getting acquainted, Martha becomes frustrated with the robotic and artificial nature of Recreated Ash. Martha reaches a breaking point and drives Ash to Lovers’ Leap cliff and orders him to jump. He initially agrees but changes his mind when Martha says Ash would never do that. Unable to dismiss her recreated partner, she resorts to stashing him in the attic.

Something disturbing: creating a human being by mixing in the bathtub some artificial body parts and electrolytes ordered online and delivered via a truck.

Something entertaining: Recreated Ash’s sexual functioning. Activated on demand!

Overall Reaction to the Episode

Positive. It was entertaining and far more disturbing, relatable, touching, and dark than the Ashley Too episode. Which means I liked it more. It was also sad because it reminded me of loved ones I have recently lost and how I wish I could talk to them again.

Most Relatable to our Societal Condition Today

Ash’s occupation with his phone and digital presence coming at the expense of precious interaction with his real-life partner, despite the fragility and brevity of life.

Element Connected With This Week’s Assigned Readings

The resurrection/recreation of a human being is an example of the hidden value judgment in the cultural lag concept. As noted by Volti, “But is it not possible that a cultural lag may demonstrate the danger or inappropriateness of a particular technological innovation? . . . just because something is technically possible, it does not necessarily follow that it should be done . . .” (364).

Discussion Question

Why is our technologically addicted society often afraid of technological advancements in medicine and science?