Netflix anime by Cowboy Bebop creator warns about the perils of A.I. art

Artificial intelligence (AI) has long been portrayed as a villain in science fiction, but in recent months, its implications have become increasingly relevant and thought-provoking. We’ve witnessed AI taking over journalism, replicating actors’ voices, and even creating entire albums. The role of AI in the creative arts has become a pressing concern, evidenced by its involvement in negotiations leading to the Writers Guild of America’s strike.

Traditionally, it was believed that robots would primarily take over technical jobs like programming, rather than artistic endeavors. However, Shinichirō Watanabe, the creator of “Cowboy Bebop,” foresaw this development. In 2019, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the renowned studio Bones (“Fullmetal Alchemist,” “Mob Psycho 100,” “My Hero Academia”), Watanabe crafted a new anime called “Carole & Tuesday.”

Set in the future, after humanity has colonized Mars, the series revolves around two young girls. One is an escapee from a life of repressed wealth as a politician’s daughter, while the other is an orphan refugee from Earth. Their chance meeting leads to a profound connection as they embark on a journey to become a singer-songwriter duo. However, in this future world, original music created by humans has lost its appeal, as all art is now generated by powerful algorithms and AI.

From the very first episode, we encounter Angela, a former child actor and model, transitioning into an idol career. Angela’s mother secures her a prominent manager named Tao, who relies heavily on artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology to manufacture pop stars, engineer hit songs, and shape the ideal image of stardom. Initially, Tao dismisses Angela, accustomed to working solely with AI, considering the singer as little more than a puppet.

In the world of “Carole & Tuesday,” AI is so pervasive that a raw, improvised song performed by the two girls astonishes listeners. Despite assertions by Tao and other producers within the anime, a human element in art exists. Even songs meticulously constructed and perfected by AI, such as the Mermaid Sisters’ entry for the singing competition Mars’ Brightest, fail to resonate as deeply as the simple compositions by two teenage girls.

Shinichirō Watanabe presents a skeptical view of technology, depicting not only soulless AI art but also robots directing music videos as a front for scams, and a Pinocchio-like investment advisor robot stealing from affluent individuals. While technology undoubtedly has its place in our lives, Watanabe argues that losing the human touch equates to losing something essential within ourselves. He emphasizes that music serves as an equalizer—a low-budget, lo-fi piano and guitar performance by two young girls can elicit an equal or even greater emotional response than a meticulously crafted pop song created by a team of dozens.

Moreover, “Carole & Tuesday” demonstrates the power of art to transcend barriers and provide catharsis, repeatedly showcasing music’s ability to connect with people in profound ways. The anime addresses timely issues such as the rise of right-wing fear-mongering and an anti-immigration movement on Mars, complete with a Martian ICE organization. The narrative culminates in a remarkable final performance of a protest song supporting Earthian immigrants on Mars, which purportedly sparks a wave of change throughout the red planet by fostering empathy and understanding. Though it may be seen as clichéd or simplistic, this conclusion encapsulates Watanabe’s central message in “Carole & Tuesday”—art created by human souls possesses an inherent uniqueness that no machine, corporation, or marketing department can replicate. While not all problems can be solved through music, art undeniably holds the potential to change minds and even the world. Unfortunately, with AI, that potential is lost.

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