2000 Plus 50-xx-xx (xx) The Robot Killer (Killer Robot)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: 2000 Plus 50-xx-xx (xx) "The Robot Killer (Killer Robot)"
Date: September 20, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Classic Radio Drama: "2000 Plus – The Robot Killer"

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Episode Overview

This episode showcases a full broadcast of the classic science fiction radio play "The Robot Killer" (also known as "Killer Robot") from the anthology series 2000 Plus (early 1950s). The story unfolds in a near-future society fascinated by robotics, mass media, and sweeping technological advances. The drama follows an ordinary couple, John and Mary Hanold, who win the ultimate jackpot: $10,000, a trip to Paris, and—most notably—a state-of-the-art robot named Robot 23. As emotionally unstable Mary develops a bizarre attachment to the robot, her jealous paranoia risks disaster. The episode deftly explores themes of technology versus humanity, mental illness, and the limits (and literal-mindedness) of machine intelligence.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Robot as Prize: Spectacle Meets Science

• [00:40] Happy Sam (John Hanold), a showman, negotiates with Professor Strager about giving away their prized robot on his TV show as a publicity stunt.
  • Strager is incredulous that six years of invention are being used this way:

    "I simply do not understand how the management of this corporation can think of giving it away... this magnificent mechanism." (Strager, 01:53)

  • The robot, Robot 23, can follow any voice command precisely.
  • Early red flag: When told to pet a kitten for the cameras, the robot accidentally kills it due to lack of physical delicacy (“He killed a kitten. Broke its neck.” “No good will come of giving this robot away to the public. I warn you, no good will come of it.” (Strager, 04:17–04:35))

2. Jackpot Winners: A “Normal” Family Upended

• [07:14] John Hanold, ordinary husband, is announced the jackpot winner live on TV and is awarded the robot, cash, and other futuristic prizes.
• [09:07] Doctor warns John that Mary is just recovering from a mental breakdown; she needs a return to normalcy, not new excitement.

  • “She must feel she's returning to her normal life. And winning $10,000 prizes isn't very normal.” (Doctor, 09:51)

• John plans to gently break the news and ease Mary back into everyday life.

3. Mary’s Recovery and Subtle Tensions

• [10:32] Mary returns home from the hospital. Her neighbor Virginia Barton drops by, and small talk disguises rivalry and underlying suspicion.
  • Mary is shown to have lingering paranoia and jealousy:

    “I would lie in my hospital bed and the shadows would whisper to me...” (Mary, 13:08)

• Virginia’s presence unnerves Mary, who suspects a deeper connection between Virginia and John.

4. Introducing Robot 23: The Experiment at Home

• [15:43] John demonstrates the robot’s obedience to Mary via simple commands.
  • Robot moves furniture and bends a steel poker “as if it were taffy.”
  • Mary anthropomorphizes the robot—she insists he should have a name and is fascinated by his strength and obedience.
  • When prompted, the robot introduces itself: “Experimental robot 23.”
  • John is unsettled:

    “Kind of gives me the creeps.” (17:04)

  • Mary is delighted, but John warns:

    “Remember, Mary, you're not to give him any orders except when I'm home.” (18:16)

5. Mary’s Mental Decline and Delusional Bonding

• [19:03] Alone with Robot 23, Mary explores giving the robot personal and emotional instructions.
  • She makes the robot say: “Because I love you” and “I am your slave.”
  • Has the robot obey a destructive command by smashing a vase (“That vase that Virginia gave me last year...destroy that vase.” 19:38)
  • The robot’s literal obedience emboldens Mary's delusional sense of control.
• Virginia delivers a package ([20:10]), notices the robot, and is told by Mary that, “He doesn’t love you.”
  • This further signals Mary's descent and intensifies her jealousy.

6. From Obsession to Danger: Commands to Kill

• [21:10] Mary confides in the robot about her hatred of Virginia and affection for John.
  • She gives chilling commands, blending fantasy and reality:

    “You must destroy her the way we destroyed the babe. Now that you've seen her, you know my secret. And you will kill her for me. Because you are my slave. Say, I will kill her.” (Mary, 21:29) “I will kill her.” (Robot, 21:42)

7. Neighbors’ Concern and John’s Alarm

• [22:07] Virginia calls John, worried about Mary’s odd behavior and growing fixation with the robot.
• John calls their doctor, who downplays concern but agrees to check in.

  • “Neighbors...tend to exaggerate the actions of people...who've known to have been mentally ill. I’m sure there’s nothing to be alarmed about.” (Doctor, 23:06)

8. Confrontation and Rescue

• [25:09] Virginia returns to keep Mary company at John’s request.
  • Mary confesses the robot has broken the vase on command, accuses Virginia of jealousy and betrayal, and picks up the robot microphone:

    “Robert 23 loves me as I love John. And you won't destroy my love. You won't. Robert 23. Don’t you care? Mary.” (Mary, 26:04)

• [26:28] Virginia’s panicked cries bring John, Professor Strager, and a patrolman rushing to intervene.
  • Professor Strager deactivates the robot and explains events to John.

9. Resolution: The Limits of a Machine

• [27:27] Despite Mary’s intent and direct command to kill, the robot is incapable of doing so without clear, step-by-step instructions.

  • “The command ‘kill’ is not sufficiently explicit. The robot cannot kill in general, must have step-by-step instructions as to how...to be carried out.” (Strager, 27:43)

  • “To strike out blindly—to kill without thinking—requires an emotional drive, the capacity to hate. And that the robot cannot do. It is, after all, a machine, not a human being.” (Strager, 27:51)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Misuse of Science ([04:17])

  "He killed a kitten. Broke its neck...No good will come of giving this robot away to the public. I warn you, no good will come of it."
  — Professor Strager

• On Technology as Spectacle ([07:13])

  “A thousand slaves in one amazing machine...Michael the Mechanical Man.”
  — Happy Sam

• Mary’s Connection to the Robot ([19:21])

  "Because you love me. Oh, Robot 23. How handsome and strong you are. And you are mine. You do what I want you to do. You are my slave."
  — Mary Hanold

• The Command to Kill ([21:29])

  "You must destroy her the way we destroyed the babe...and you will kill her for me. Because you are my slave."
  — Mary
  “I will kill her.”
  — Robot 23

• Limits of Artificial Intelligence ([27:43–27:51])

  “The command kill is not sufficiently explicit. The robot cannot kill in general, must have step by step instructions as to how the command is to be carried out.
  ...To strike out blindly, to kill without thinking, requires an emotional drive, the capacity to hate. And that the robot cannot do. It is, after all, a machine, not a human being.”
  — Professor Strager

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Key Segment Timestamps

• [00:31] — Show introduction and the reveal of Robot 23
• [04:17] — Robot kills the kitten, foreshadowing dangers of literal obedience
• [10:32] — Mary returns from hospital; subtle tension with neighbor Virginia
• [15:43] — Robot 23’s first tasks in the Hanold home
• [19:03] — Mary’s delusional bonding with the robot; commands begin to blur with fantasy
• [21:29] — Mary directs the robot to "kill" Virginia
• [22:07] — Neighbors intervene out of worry
• [25:09] — Climactic scene: Mary tries to use the robot against Virginia
• [27:43] — Professor explains why the robot can’t truly kill; thematic resolution

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Tone and Style

The story maintains a suspenseful and unsettling tone, moving from light-hearted satire about mass media and postwar consumerism into eerie psychological territory. The language and delivery are characteristic of mid-century radio drama—lively, heightened, and emotionally charged, especially in Mary’s increasingly frantic exchanges with both machines and humans.

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Conclusion

The Robot Killer is an iconic example from the golden age of radio science fiction, reflecting both hopes and anxieties about automation and the dangers of misunderstood technology. Its resolution underscores a core theme: only humans possess the drives—for good or ill—that machines can only mimic in action, but never understand in spirit. The episode is a memorable showcase for both vintage storytelling and the perennial questions about what separates people from the machines we build.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

All the time that I was alone, I thought of what I would do if only I did. And then I saw the robot 2000.

[C]

Plus science fiction adventures in the World of Tomorrow the years beyond 2000 AD 2000 plus presents the robot killer so you are Mr. Samuel Donaldson? Yes, sir. Happy Sam they call me. Yes, I know. I have friends who think your television program is very funny. I do not. That's a living Professor Strager. Now may I see the mechanical man I'm giving away as the jackpot prize on my show next week. It is not a mechanical man, Mr. Donaldson. The correct word is robot. R O B O, T. I know, I know. Mr. Robot is a supreme achievement of our electronics division. We worked on it for six years to do whatever it is instructed to do. I simply do not understand how the management of this corporation can think of giving it away to this public. This magnificent mechanism. Ah, look, Professor. This Corporation sponsors my TV show. We're on 1,246 stations, we're telecast in three dimensional color and the Happy Sam show is the number two favorite in the country. The sponsor thinks it would be a good advertising gimmick to offer a super jackpot prize. A mechanical man, a robot. And I never argue with a sponsor. Now please, may I see what I've come to see? All right, young man, I have no choice. Come a look there it is. Experimental robot 23. Brother, he's really something, Professor. Six feet tall, shiny metal, flexible fingers. Say, how does he work? Very simply, his electronic controls Respond to ultra high frequency waves which emanate from this microphone box. Speak into the microphone, though, Robert will do whatever you order into anything virtually. Robot 23 has an electronic brain. Try for yourself here. Okay. Sing sweet Adeline. Really, Mr. Donaldson, what a ridiculous request. You think the best scientific brains in the country work for six years for a robot? Will you be mine? Yes. It really tried to sing. He's very clever, Professor. Hey, he wants this. Pick up that broom in the corner and sweep the floor. Oh, boy, the housewives who watch my program will love this. Why, I'll be darned. Look at there. He's stoning it. He's stoning it. Okay, okay. Stop sweeping. What a gadget. What a giveaway. Now I see something for the kitties and I. Hey, what is that? That kitten is the pet of Dr. Broderick of the physics laboratory. And I assure you, you cannot give that away. I don't want to give the kitten away. I just want a little heart throb on the show for the youngsters. Here, kitty.

[B]

Come here, kitty, kitty, kitty, kitty. Come here, kitty.

[C]

Now, now, now, kitty. Now down on the floor you go. Now, down on the floor. Go ahead. And we'll show how gentle and friendly our jackpot prize robot is with pet. Give me the mic. Mr. Donaldson, what are you going to do now? Okay, Robot 23, go over to the kitten, pick it up and pet the kitty. Nice kitty.

[B]

Meow, meow.

[C]

Look at that. Isn't that sweet? Boy, what a camera shot on the air. Hey, what's he doing? Robert 23, drop the kitten. Drop the kitten. Drop kitten. Oh, poor Tabby. Why, he killed a kitten. Broke its neck. He tried to pet it and he killed it. Well, you see what comes when fools play with science. No good will come of giving this robot away to the public. I warn you, no good will come of it. Hello, ladies and gentlemen, hello. This is Happy Sam, the happy man, welcoming you to another half hour of mirth and melody. Boys, how about a fanfare? Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Now, you know that every week for the past four weeks, our grand super jackpot has been growing and growing. At this moment, these are the sensational prizes in that jackpot. A free rocket plane trip for two to Paris. Flying in the new 150 passenger luxury rocket cruiser at 60,000ft, only 3 hours and 10 minutes from new York to Paris. A Caddy atomic powered sports roadster. The automobile that never needs gas or oil. It runs almost forever. A Krylon man su Tailored to your measure, Krylon is the wonder fabric, guaranteed to last 100 years. And with this suit, a special set of 14 different Krylon Chemical colors. Dip that suit in the color you prefer, wear it, then change the color with another rinse. The suit is always pressed, always perfect. 14 suits in one. A complete wardrobe on your back. And the one thing money cannot buy. More money. Yes. $10,000 cash. Now, those are our jackpot prizes. And now tonight, we add one more prize. A prize so fantastic and wonderful, nothing like it has ever been offered to a lucky winner before. This prize is a supreme achievement of modern science. It is an entire revenue of servants in one amazing machine. It is a slave to your every command. And here it is, Michael the Mechanical Man. A wonderful robot. Thank you very much. Thank you.

[B]

Thank you.

[C]

And now, now, to determine who wins this giant jackpot and who wins this mechanical marvel. Michael the mechanical man. A thousand slaves in one amazing machine. Now, as you know, ladies and gentlemen, each and every one of you, millions of people watching this program on your business screens are receiving this program via microwave. And now our computators are in action. They are channeling every microwave reception on this program. When the spinner disc stops, if your television set is on, if you're the lucky person, you win the jackpot. Wait. Now, wait. The computator has finished. The engineer signals that the spinner disc is slowing down. And we have a winner. Tonight we picked up a set who had us tuned in. Our pretty model is walking across the spin stage with a name. Thank you, honey. And now here it is, the name you've all been waiting to hear. 423 N. Glencoe Blvd. In Martin Hills, New York, apartment 5B. Mr. John Hanold. Mr. John Hanold. Sit down, Mr. Hanold. My practiced medical eye, judging from the smile on your face, tells me that you're pretty happy that Mrs. Hanold is being released from the hospital today. Oh, it's not only that, Doctor. Don't tell me you haven't heard of my other good piece of luck. Everyone in town's been calling me for hours before I left for the hospital. Another good piece of luck. No, I haven't heard. Why. I won some fabulous prizes on a giveaway show, including $10,000. That means your bill's going to be paid. And I also got a trip to Paris and a mechanical man and Lord knows what. That's wonderful. I congratulate you. However, I think I would forget that trip to Paris for a while. What? In France. In fact, wait a few hours before telling Mrs. Hanold about your good fortune, Papa. Why, Doctor. Mr. Hanold, after your wife's illness, she suffered a nervous breakdown. She became mentally unstable. But she's pretty good now, thanks to what the hospital has done. However, when you take her home, she must feel she's returning to her normal Life. And winning $10,000 prizes isn't very normal. Oh, I see. The main thing we want to avoid is a relapse. She should have a few neighbors who can drop in and see Hannah. Then, well, there's Ms. Barton. Virginia Barton. She lives in the apartment next to us on our floor. Yes, yes, your wife mentioned her occasionally. Do they get along all right? I think so. Why? Nothing. I just wondered. Well, Mrs. Hanlow's waiting for you. I know you're very anxious to get her home. Nurse, have Mrs. Hanral come in, please. I think in another month or so she'll be fine. Oh, here she is now. Hello, Mrs. Hamel. Mary, darling, am I glad to see you.

[B]

Hello, John. Hello, Doctor.

[C]

What did I tell you? Doesn't she look fine? She certainly does.

[B]

John, how good it is to be going home. I'm as excited as the school girl.

[C]

Now, don't get too excited. You gotta take it easy for a while.

[B]

Is that what the doctor says? He's such a worry bird.

[C]

You do what your husband says, Mrs. Hanold, and you'll just be fine. See? Doctor's orders.

[B]

I promise. Thank you, Doctor. You've been very kind.

[C]

I'll drop in from time to time to see you. Well, goodbye, Mrs. Harold. Goodbye, doctor. All right, dear, let's go. Let's go.

[B]

John, I can hardly believe.

[C]

Well, the doctor told me to wait until you got home before telling you.

[B]

$10,000 and the trip to Paris.

[C]

Think of it. Oh, I hope we can take it in the summer during my vacation.

[B]

And a mechanical slave. John, where will we put it?

[C]

Now, wait, honey. You're not supposed to get excited. Oh, my boy, who can help it?

[B]

The crazy things they give away.

[C]

Oh, I'll see who it is.

[B]

Hello, John.

[C]

Oh, hello, Virginia.

[B]

Who is it, darling?

[C]

Why, it's Virginia.

[B]

Mary. I just had to come and tell you how wonderful it is, your being back and all those wonderful prizes. It was very nice of you to come in, Virginia. And thank you for the supper you prepared for my homecoming. I was delighted to, darling, when John asked me. John asked you to? Oh, yes. He was so happy you were coming back. John, doesn't Mary's being home called for a celebration. Can't we have a drink?

[C]

Well, I don't know, Virginia. Mary's supposed to get rest still. Well, I suppose one sip won't hurt. But I have to go out and get something, though. I'll be right back.

[B]

Darling. When you get your prizes, I'll have cause to be jealous of you. Cigarette? No, thanks. Jealous? Why? Well, you'll have two men. John and Verobus. Poor little me, a bachelor gal all alone. You know, I really think you ought to give me one of the. Which one would you like to have? Darling, What a silly question. He's a mechanical man. Of course. He doesn't drop ashes on the rugs. He'll wash the dishes and put out the cat. You never argue. You're lying to me. I'm really serious. What did you expect me to be? I don't understand. But I do. In the hospital, I began to understand a lot of things. I know the doctors. I thought something happened to my mind. But all that happened was that it became very clear, very sharp. And for the first time, I began to think clearly. Darling, I. I think this excitement's been too much for you. I shouldn't have come in because I was here. Is that why you shouldn't have come in? You're wrong, Mary. Everything you're thinking is wrong. John would come to the hospital only once a week, but he was working. Some days he wouldn't come at all. Mary, you know he has to go out of town on business once in a while. I know many things. I would lie in my hospital bed and the shadows would whisper to me. They would say, where is John now? While you lie in an antiseptic bed in a hospital room that is as cold as a surgeon's knife catching your memories to tears. You frighten me. Don't go. John will be back in a moment. I have a headache. I've got to go. But what will John say when you are not here? You. You're a darling. You poor, sick Mary. Yes, work out on me, Virginia. Leave me alone. But I'm not alone. As I was in the hospital.

[C]

Hospital?

[B]

I'm home now. My home. And I'm where you near enough to.

[A]

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[B]

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[C]

That robot's quite a guy, isn't it?

[B]

He looks something like the tin woodman of ours I used to read about.

[C]

I doubt so. But he can do any of the things they said on that program. Now, my guess is you'll have to sell him for junk or give him away to some kids. Now, let's see. The directions. Say, turn on the racket, switch for power, and then just talk into the microphone. Use simple phrases and precise instructions. Well, what shall I tell him to do? He's your boyfriend.

[B]

Tell him. Tell him to move the green chair about 2ft back in the corner.

[C]

Okay. Move green chair back two feet into corner.

[B]

John, he is walking.

[C]

That's the darkest thing I ever saw. He did it. He's gonna be all right, John.

[B]

Does he have a name?

[C]

A name? Don't be silly.

[B]

He must have a name. He's almost like a person asking, is he talked to?

[C]

What is your name? Your name? Do you have a name? I see. He can't talk.

[B]

Don't ask him a question. Tell him to tell you. Do as the direction says.

[C]

Tell me your name. Experimental robot 20.

[B]

Robot 23.

[C]

Kinda gives me the creeps.

[B]

Oh, he looks wonderful.

[C]

Well, now what I do. He can't stand there staring at us. There's nothing for him to do around here.

[B]

The poker. That steel poker in the fireplace.

[C]

What about it?

[B]

He looks so strong. Tell him. Tell him to bend it Bend it.

[C]

Mary, that's solid steel. He's just a tin toy with electronic nerve.

[B]

Please, John, tell him.

[C]

But, honey, he'll probably get a short circuit of circumstances, something. Straining himself. Then he will at the junket. Oh, all right, all right. Bend poker there. Bend steel. Poker. See? Just picked it up, but nothing's happening. Bend it. Bend it. You see, I took. Good Lord, are you serious?

[B]

Bending the steel as if it were taffy.

[C]

And did you see that? Why, it's almost as if. As if he threw it down. Disdaining of showing off, why did you turn him off? He's dangerous, Mary. Dangerous and frightening. I'm going to dismantle. No, no, wait. Don't get so excited about it. You know what the doctor said.

[B]

Don't dismantle him, John, please.

[C]

All right, all right, all right, all right. You insist. Remember, Mary, you're not to give him any orders except when I'm home.

[B]

Darling, I wouldn't do anything that wouldn't be right for me. Two o'. Clock. Almost four hours until John comes home. Lock the door. And now, to make him come to life again. Speak to me. Say to me. Hello, Mary.

[C]

Hello, Mary.

[B]

Hello, Robert 23. How nice of you to visit me. Every day you visit me. Why do you do that? Tell me. Because I love you.

[C]

Because I love you.

[B]

Because you Love me. Oh, Robert 23. How handsome and strong you are. And you are mine. You do what I want you to do. You are my slave. Say to me, I am your slave.

[C]

I am your slave.

[B]

That vase. That vase that Virginia gave me last year. There. The blue one. Destroy that vase. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, ro23, very much. Of all the things in the world I have, you are the most wonderful. Because you love me and obey me and would do anything for me. Anything. The door. Someone there?

[C]

It can't be John.

[B]

It's much too early for John. I'll see who it is. And you will wait for me. Wait as you always do. Phew. Hello, Mary. I'm sorry to disturb you. I just. This package was delivered to my door. Something you probably ordered by phone. It's marked 5D, but your name's on it. Should have said 5D. Yes, yes, from the grocery.

[C]

Oh.

[B]

Is that the mechanical man standing in the living room? That is Robert 23. Does he really work? He's awfully big and clumsy looking. He's come to visit me. He's mine. He doesn't love you.

[C]

Wasn't love.

[B]

Of course not, Mary. Of course not. I'm sorry to have disturbed You. Is there anything I can do for you? No. No, nothing.

[C]

Go away.

[B]

You saw her, didn't you? Say, yes, I saw her.

[C]

Yes, I saw her.

[B]

She's the one. The one I hate. And John. John is the one I love. And you. You love me. Say, I love you.

[C]

I love you.

[B]

You must destroy her the way we destroyed the bays. Now that you've seen her, you know my secret. And you will kill her for me because you are my slave. Say, I will kill her.

[C]

I will. You will kill her. Hello?

[B]

John, this is Virginia.

[C]

Oh, hello, Virginia. A pleasant surprise. Why are you calling me?

[B]

It's about Mary.

[C]

Mary? Has something happened? What is it?

[B]

I rang your doorbell a few minutes ago. One of Mary's packages had been delivered to me by mistake. She came to the door.

[C]

What?

[B]

She acted very strangely. Particularly when I asked about the mechanical man, Narobic.

[C]

What do you mean, Virginia? Strangely?

[B]

She wouldn't let me come in and look at him. She said he. He didn't love me.

[C]

What?

[B]

She was in a strange. Well, a strange mental state. John, are you sure she's all right?

[C]

Virginia, listen. The robot wasn't moving or doing anything, was it?

[B]

Not that I could notice. But Mary's attitude and her odd remark.

[C]

I knew I shouldn't have accepted that tin monster. Well, I'll get home as soon as I can, Virginia. Thanks for calling. Hello, Dr. Wolfenblatt? This is John Hanold, or else. Mr. Hanold, a neighbor just called me. Mary's acting strangely. I'm worried. I don't understand, Mr. Hanold. We won some prizes on a TV show a few days ago, and one of them was a mechanical man, a robot. Oh, yes, you told me about it. A robot, in my opinion, is a dangerous gadget. Anyway, one of the neighbors reported that Mary is talking strangely about it. I wonder if you could meet me at the apartment. It'll take me about half an hour to get there. Mr. Hanold, I hope you'll forgive me, but you've come to expect that neighbors with all the goodwill in the world tend to exaggerate the actions of the people whom they've known to have been mentally ill. I'm sure there's nothing to be alarmed about. Yes, but, Doctor, this neighbor is a good friend and an intelligent woman. Well, I have had a lot of experience in these matters, Mr. Hanold. However, to ease your mind, I'll try to drop over sometime this evening or in the morning. We'll have a talk about it. I'm in a meeting now. Well, all right, Doctor, if you Say so. Thanks very much.

[B]

Hello?

[C]

Oh, Virginia, this is John.

[B]

Yes, John.

[C]

I just spoke to the doctor. He thinks there's nothing to worry about, but, well, I wonder if you'd do me a great favor.

[B]

Of course, John. What is it?

[C]

I've got a few things here to clean up at the desk so I can't get home right away. I wonder if you'd go in and stay with Mary until I get there.

[B]

But, John, I. Frankly, I'm a little frightened.

[C]

That's silly, Virginia. After all, what can happen?

[B]

The door again. The door. Wait. Roll the 23 and I'll come back to you. Say, I will wait for you.

[C]

I will wait for you.

[B]

Thank you. Thank you, darling. Mary, I wonder if I could visit with you for a while. Why? Why do you want to visit with me? Why, darling, I'm your neighbor and I thought it would be very nice if we had tea. Don't you want me to come in, Mary? Yes. Yes, I do want you to come in. Come in and meet Robert 23. Mary. He's moved since I saw him last. He was standing by the fireplace when I was at the door before, and now he's by the sofa. Darling, that lovely vase I gave you and Johnny. It's broken. Broken in a million pieces. I had him do it. He did it.

[C]

He did it.

[B]

What do you mean? You know what I mean. You and your lies and your defeat. Mary, what are you doing? Why are you picking up that microphone? Robert23 loves me as I love John. And you won't destroy my love. You won't, Robert 23, don't you?

[C]

Carol. Carol.

[B]

Mary. Mary.

[C]

No. No. Virginia, please. Please stop crying. Good heavens, what happened?

[B]

Mary?

[C]

Excuse me, Mr. Hannell, but I think I can tell you what happened. And Refectus Trager, one of the men who built that robot. I came to your apartment hoping to persuade you to return the robot. I heard a dreadful commotion inside. Called this patrolman in the corner, and we forced our way in here. The robot was moving shore this young lady here.

[B]

I tried to get away. Wherever I went, it came after me.

[C]

I shut off the control box and stopped the robot.

[B]

Mary wanted to kill me, John. Kill me.

[C]

Doctor, how's Mary? Is she all right? I've given her sedatives, Mr. Harold. I'll take her back to the hospital in a few hours. All this excitement. However, I'm sure she'll be all right in another month or two.

[B]

But she tried to kill me. She tried to kill me.

[C]

For some reason, she was jealous of you. But now that we know her obsession, we can treat it psychiatrically. And she'll be all right, Doctor? She won't try to kill again. But I think what might have happened to Virginia, Mr. Handhold, nothing would have happened. You see, your wife told the robot to kill. But that was not an instruction the robot could carry out. What do you mean, Professor? You said yourself the robot was going toward Virginia. Yes, of course. Because your wife said go to her. A simple physical action the robot is capable of performing. Due to its directional mechanism. However, the command kill is not sufficiently explicit. The robot cannot kill in general. Must have step by step instructions as to how the command is to be carried out. You see, Mr. Hanno, I might put it this way. To strike out blindly, to kill without thinking requires an emotional drive, the capacity to hate. And that the robot cannot do. It is, after all, a machine, not a human being.

[A]

And Doug, here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat, helping people.

[C]

Customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug. Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us. Cut the camera. They see us.

[A]

Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty Liberty.

[C]

Liberty Savings. Very.

[A]

Underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company affiliates. Excludes Massachusetts.

[C]

Limu and I always tell you to customize your car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual.

[B]

But now we want you to feel it.

[C]

Cue the emu music. Limu.

[B]

Save yourself the money today. Increase your wealth. Customize and save. We save.

[C]

That may have been too much feeling.

[A]

Only pay for what you need at libertymutual.

[C]

Com Savings. Ferry.

[A]

Unwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates.

[C]

Excludes Massachusetts.