(Image Credit: MeWatch/TheSmartLocal [edited])
Warning: Potential spoilers ahead!
Commissioned by Mediacorp, TheSmartLocal’s new series The Algorithm follows a dystopian society in which 25-year-olds are enlisted in the Institute of Sustainable Population. Each enlistee is paired with whomever the Institute’s algorithm deems the ‘perfect’ partner for them and is tasked to consummate with their new life companion in contribution to the country’s mission to improve its birth rates.
This makes for a highly pertinent premise in view of the results of the recent census, which reflect that Singapore’s population growth is moving at an extremely slow pace. Quite unfortunately, this seems to translate into the series’ own pacing as well: at times, the plot development feels almost torpid, despite it spanning a mere six episodes. Much of the ‘real’ action/drama is condensed into the second half of the finale – within the under-half-an-hour runtime, we get to know about Adam’s family, who Jeraldine really is, and that there is a hidden, faraway village of Institute defectors. It really is a lot to take in at once. Perhaps the writers saw a need to keep various ‘secrets’ from the audience till the very end for the sake of shock factor when really they should have just taken greater confidence in their promising dystopian storyline and have the action more spread out.
Indeed, while the love-in-dystopian-society narrative isn’t anything new, having this applied to a more local context gives the series an infinitely amusing foundational premise. It also breaks away from the same old family ensemble drama that we often see on local television which, while relatable, can get stale pretty quickly. Furthermore, for viewers who have served NS, the Institute’s parallels with the SAF may provide much comedic effect, especially with the swapping out of military duties for the task of copulating. Crucially, in comparison to TSL’s previous series venture Alternate Beginnings, The Algorithm boasts a much less confusing plot line which makes for a pleasing, chill-out series that many can enjoy.
(Image Credit [Screenshot]: MeWatch/TheSmartLocal. Institute of Sustainable Population.)
As for the clean, futuristic setting, this managed to masterfully convey the clinical nature of the Institute, despite the actual filming locations being everyday Singaporean buildings. This portrayal was brought to even greater heights with the stunning, cool-coloured visual effects which presumably came with the benefit of a higher production budget as compared to that of Alternate Beginnings.
(Image Credit [Screenshot]: MeWatch/TheSmartLocal. Lead couple Sarah and Evan, played by Xenia Tan and Shawn Thia.)
However, it would have been nice to see the series take this “world-building” further, perhaps by giving more backstory to the supporting characters and the Institute, exploring conflicts that arise from a greater diversity of strained and misread relations, and diving deeper into the main characters’ individual backgrounds. For many, it can feel rather disappointing that, after establishing its unique premise, the show ultimately coasts on a love story that taps on the all too familiar forbidden lovers trope.
(Image Credit [Screenshot]: MeWatch/TheSmartLocal. Officer Ryan.)
Yet, it must be applauded that the character of Officer Ryan, played by Marcus Mok, was very effectively explored in-depth. One could even say that his story was given more nuance than that of the leads and invites more emotional investment than the main plot. In fact, by the time we’re almost done with the series, Officer Ryan’s life story is fairly easy to put together - contrast this to the two leads about whom we still know very little. What would have put the cherry on the cake, though, would have been to cut out (how ironic) his flashback sequence in the first episode, where he is shown running away with a girl (later revealed to be the oft-mentioned Jeraldine), since this made his heroic aid to the leads in the series’ conclusion a tad predictable.
As for the acting, the cast did a surprisingly decent job, especially considering the fact that some of its members were not anywhere near being seasoned actors and yet had to take up the challenge of embodying characters far removed from their real-life personalities - Brenda Tan, who played Kim, is a case in point.
All in all, The Algorithm would have benefitted from going one of two ways: (1) condensed into a feature-length film or (2) lengthened to delve deeper into the fictional world and the characters’ backgrounds. But that’s all in hindsight. One can certainly expect much from TSL should they wish to continue pursuing like ventures. They do seem to be getting more creative with their stories as time passes - really spices up our television industry!
All six episodes of The Algorithm are currently free to stream on MeWatch. Episodes are also periodically released on TheSmartLocal’s YouTube channel.