Original subtitles

NARRATOR: In the city of Betaville, in the near future,

the technology we developed confronts us.

The science we created seduces us.

But will our dreams of tomorrow be turned into a nightmare?

Welcome to Paradox.

[music playing]

Be careful what you wish for.

Nothing is impossible anymore.

Ardley Mendoza believes he's found the perfect solution

to his loneliness--

a Bio-Rob, a biologicallyenhanced robot

with all the features of a movie star goddess

and none of a real woman's flaws.

There's just one problem.

What will his wife have to say?

Eda, Paula, Terry Lovan.

This is Mr. Mendoza, everyone.

Now, now, ladies, you'll just have to be patient.

Mr. Mendoza will be seeing one of you shortly.

But first we have some business to discuss.

Did you notice our newest, Miss Teen Luna?

Yes, of course.

So charming.

Do you really know them all so well?

Well, some more than others.

A man has only so much stamina, you know.

Now if you'll just take a seat.

Certainly.

Now you mentioned Dorothy Duncan initially.

That's right.

Did anything you just saw change your mind?

We do have some of the most current vid stars

on our roster.

I'm a solitary man, Mr. Wen.

Miss Duncan's genuineness has always

given me great delight when I've seen her on the vid screen.

You understand, our celebrity license

fees go right through the roof?

We're talking top of the line here.

I'm not interested in her celebrity.

It's the priceless quality of her attentions.

Oh, she'll give you quality all right.

In your first few weeks together, she'll

learn everything there is to know about you.

She'll adjust herself to your specific needs.

Well let's get down to business.

Excellent. Reception--

RECEPTIONIST: Yes, sir?

Send in Dorothy, please.

Should just be a minute.

She's probably out on the courts.

Always likes to keep herself very fit.

Ah, and here she is.

Hello, I was just getting in a few sets before dinner.

That Janine's going to beat me one of these days.

Works up an appetite, and dinner is in just an hour.

Ardley Mendoza.

Should I change, or would you like to leave right away?

Why don't you come as you are?

We'll stop and buy you a few things in town.

Would you like that?

Yes, that would be fun.

Good, it's settled.

Then we can have dinner together.

MR. WEN: If you would just wait outside a few minutes,

Dorothy, Ardley and I willtake care of the particulars.

I'll be waiting for you right out front.

[music playing]

Now, that's 1 and 1/2 million on a 10 year payment schedule.

Comes, with interest charges, to roughly 10,000 units a month,

with a 300,000 unit down payment.

Or roughly the cost of a 5,000 square

foot home and beachfront.

But look what you get for your money.

No house on earth, no matter how luxurious,

could provide you with the kind of--

Enough, Mr. Wen.

I can afford anything I want.

And as you suggest, no price is too

great for a woman like Dorothy.

[music playing]

Do you like it?

With you in it, I do.

Then this is the one I want.

Are you sure?

I thought there were some others that you've liked better.

No, it was that I thought you did.

Then let's go home.

By the way, what do I--

what should I call you?

Whatever you like.

It wouldn't seem right to call you anything but, uh, well,

Dorothy.

Dorothy it is then.

[music playing]

You look great.

You want any wind in this?

Absolutely.

Buy the mattress and live the fantasy.

Or wake up next to a nightmare.

You going to be around later?

I'm going to try our those new [inaudible] I got.

They say that dreams are 10 times more intense

than with the old models.

Gotta run home and get some clothes for tomorrow.

But I'll be right back.

[music playing]

Powder.

Also picked up a few mood stimulants for after.

They say they make the real world feel

like you never left the dream.

May we can play the scene we're

setting up for in real time.

[exotic music playing]

[bell dings]

COMPUTER: Welcome home, Aura.

[classical music playing]

I thought you'd be with John Paul.

Sorry to disappoint you.

Hello, I'm Dorothy.

Yes, I know.

I love your singing, Miss Duncan.

I'm Aura Mendoza.

DOROTHY: Ardley and I just went shopping.

Isn't this dress lovely?

Yes.

DOROTHY: Ardley liked it best. So I do too.

How long have you two known each other?

DOROTHY: Just since this afternoon.

But it was a wonderful afternoon.

Where did you meet?

DOROTHY: The Sensomatic showroom, of course.

Your husband bought me today.

You're a Bio-Rob.

Top of the line, the Duncan model, serial number 25Y764.

So it's come to this?

Come to what?

Maybe it doesn't surprise me.

[classical music playing]

[bell dings]

COMPUTER: Aura Mendoza.

Don't you think you should give up on all of that now?

Why?

You're the one with such contempt for conveniences.

I'd say you just got yourself a big one.

I didn't realize it would upset you so much.

What the hell did you expect?

Do you mind telling me what this is all about?

Aren't you always telling me how I don't

know how to enjoy my money?

AURA: This is how you intend to enjoy it?

What do you think, she can take the place of a real woman?

That's exactly what I think.

Maybe they'll replace all women in the end.

It's entirely possible.

This is a fantasy, Ardley.

Even the real Dorothy Duncan's a fantasy.

I work in the industry.

I should know.

You're not going All 20th century

provincial on me are you?

You're not interfering in my private life?

I said that about a private life with other human beings.

You're stretching the definition a bit, aren't you?

No matter how bitter or reclusive you got,

I never thought you'd come to this.

If you want to borrow her for anything,

you're welcome to her.

She can do everything from wait tables to massage.

And I won't be needing her all the time.

Is everything all right?

Yes, fine.

Shall I fix you a drink?

No, let me fix you one.

[door closes]

JEAN PAUL: I am in the middle of the most incredible

[inaudible].

And those new [inaudible].

Ardley bought a Dorothy Duncan Bio-Rob.

She was there with him when I got home, in my house.

A Dorothy Duncan?

That's the most expensive one.

He never does anything like this.

So, you haven't slept with him in years.

Have you?

John Paul, this is a man who wants nothing, who takes

pleasure in absolutely nothing.

The Dorothy Duncan's probably the classiest one they've got.

Do you realize what they must pay just for the gene license

alone?

If it was a real woman, I could understand.

She is a real woman.

At least I hear the body is.

I've been there most nights for the last 12 years.

They clone the donor, block out the genes for the brain,

and culture the body around his [inaudible] crystal brain.

Well they're supposed to be incredible, just

like a woman without the extremes.

It doesn't make sense.

He says he's so sick of how fake the world

is, he can't live anywhere except in the middle of nowhere.

--only as much anger as wont hurt anyone's feelings, no fear or hate.

--the perfect companion, a machine with no life of its own.

Guess he finally hit on something he does want.

Then why doesn't he just end the marriage?

I don't know.

Why don't you? The money?

Just wondered.

You gotta try out these new [inaudible]..

You won't believe how vivid the dreams are.

I've got one on about flying to Mars with Megan Galloway.

There's a Bio-Rob of her too, you know?

I don't feel like it right now.

Right to the mood enhancers then--

that should do the trick.

[music playing]

What are you doing.

Hm?

What are you doing?

What do you mean?

The way you moved to stay so close.

Oh, you don't like it.

I could move away.

No, no.

No, I do.

It's just been a long time since I've slept--

--slept with someone next to you.

Hm, yes.

I'm you know.

I could always have anything I ever wanted.

After awhile I wanted nothing.

I just want you to know, I'm here for you.

[music playing]

Computer--

[bell dings]

Where's Ardley?

COMPUTER: Ardley Mendoza took the underground

to Betaville at 0

For what purpose.

COMPUTER: He indicated he was going shopping.

And the Bio-Rob?

COMPUTER: Miss Duncan is working in the rose garden.

[music playing]

[door slams]

Good morning, Aura.

How are you today?

Do you really care how I am?

I am programmed to respond to the situation.

That is not to say that I am capable of emotion.

Didn't stop you from enjoying yourself last night.

I don't understand.

I heard the two of you.

Ardley was happy, so it made me happy.

He is accustomed to being alone.

But he said that he enjoyed the change.

How in the universe can a woman compete with a machine

without even a personality?

What am I supposed to do, become a Bio-Rob myself?

I-- I don't think that is possible, Aura,

any more than it is possible for me to become a woman like you.

Can I touch you?

Of course.

[music playing]

It's real skin.

DOROTHY: Oh yes, it's human skin.

I better be getting to work.

Do you expect him back soon?

DOROTHY: Oh yes, he just went to get me a few more things

to wear around the house.

Of course.

Will I be seeing you again later?

I don't suppose I can avoid it.

Have a nice day.

[door slams]

[music playing]

[door opens]

Hello.

Hello, Dorothy.

Ah, all for me?

ARDLEY: Yes. Ah.

Ardley, you shouldn't have gotten so much.

What? You don't like it?

Oh, oh, but I do.

It's just I know you're not the kind of man who--

Now never you mind about that.

It's different with you.

You don't expect it.

Ardley, I just want you to know I'm here for you.

[music playing]

What? What?

Did I do something wrong? No, no.

It's just I don't think I've smiled this much in 10 years.

I've been very bitter, Dorothy.

You step back from this world slowly but steadily

without even realizing it, and one day you wake up

with no connection left at all.

You have nothing.

Now I'm with you.

Yes.

[music playing]

[bell dings]

COMPUTER: Aura Mendoza.

Damn it.

[door closes]

I forgot to lock the door.

[DOOR SQUEAKS OPEN AND SLAMS SHUT]

I want her out.

There isn't room for two women in this house.

Terminate the marriage contract if you don't like it.

And if I don't?

What do you want?

I want a response from you.

Laugh, have a temper tantrum, anything.

I'm a little busy right now, in case you hadn't noticed.

Look at yourself.

Look at what's happening to you.

ARDLEY: Is it so impossible for me

to have a little happiness just for once?

You're shrinking into a private universe

where you're the center of everything.

Leave now.

Ardley, she'll listen to your complaints for as long

as you want.

She'll tell you you're perfect no matter what you do

because she's nobody, nothing.

And you're so out of touch with yourself

that you'll believe her.

And what exactly are you in touch with that makes you

so visionary, hm, the latest vid-soap,

designer drug, or the latest breakthrough

in plastic surgery?

Your whole life is about nothing.

All right, Ardley, but just think about why

I would even bother trying.

[door closes]

Why doesn't she just leave?

She's only bothering because she's not getting her own way.

You won't change because of her, will you?

No, no, of course not.

No matter what happens?

I promise, I will never leave you unless you want me to.

Computer-- [bell dings]

COMPUTER: Receiving.

Calculate the potential loss due to termination

of the marriage contract.

I'll read it tomorrow.

COMPUTER: Level of confidentiality?

Full access.

[music playing]

JEAN PAUL: Maybe we've come to the end of the ride, huh?

Got a real way with words.

Why make more out of it than it is?

Get together, have a good time--

when it stops being good, you don't do it anymore.

Why go through the drama?

You realize I only ever saw you to get

a response out of Ardley?

That's not what you said before you got the Bio-Rob.

Did you ever feel anything for me?

Why, you just get dressed?

Worse yet, I don't think Ardley ever loved me either.

I can't remember why we were with each other at all.

You get your freedom, and he doesn't give a damn.

How did you think it worked?

[music playing]

This shouldn't take too long.

It's all very routine, if you're willing to part

with your money.

And then Aura Mendoza will move away?

Yes.

But meanwhile, you'd better try and stay out of her way.

Yes, I will.

I don't want to worry about you being alone with her.

[music playing]

AURA: Where are you going?

Ardley told me I should try to stay out of your way.

Wait, you're not in my way.

Please, I have something I want to ask you.

When you had questions before you misunderstood my answers.

I'll try not to misunderstand this time.

It's about Ardley.

Does he ever say anything to you about me?

Yes, he frequently mentions your name.

What else?

He doesn't know what you want, why you

stay here if you're so unhappy.

He's very fond of you, isn't he?

He has said that he is.

Do you think he loves you?

There are indications that he is falling in love.

What about you?

What do you feel?

I feel pleasure in making him feel wanted, pain when I

cannot change his unhappiness.

Is he so unhappy?

For Ardley the stimulants of the modern world

are a source of great pain and horror.

But you are one of those stimulants.

And I will do everything in my power

to make him believe otherwise.

You are also in pain, Aura.

Is there anything I can do for you?

[WHISPERING] No.

I'm sorry.

I-- did I hurt you?

I want to know how to feel again and to love.

It takes a great deal of creative thought

to really love, and I am limited in that respect to advise you.

But if I could help you in any other way, I would.

Where is Ardley?

He went downtown.

More clothes?

No, to his attorney's office to draw up your marriage

termination contract.

I see.

Will you be leaving the house then, Aura?

[music playing]

And she walked away without answering me.

She's been in her quarters for the rest of the day.

What am I going to have to do, throw her out?

She appeared to be in great distress.

She had just told me she wanted to learn to feel again.

Let her go get an implant.

Oh, is there such thing as an emotion implant?

I was speaking metaphorically.

Oh, [giggles].

Where are you going?

Oh, I meant to bring you something

when Aura interrupted me.

What?

It's a surprise. I'll be right back.

[music playing]

Morning, Ardley.

--biomorphic blackberries, our own product.

Cream?

Sugar?

Cornbread-- [inaudible] Bio-Rob managed to dig up a recipe.

Have you ever tried it? - No, I--

I don't know why I neglected the garden for so long.

I planted it so we could have fresh fruit all year.

Yes, I remember.

I didn't expect--

I just thought a little feast--

do you remember the night we danced here such a long time

ago?

What's the point, Aura?

Just have breakfast with me.

I'll get dressed first.

[music playing]

Computer--

[bell dings]

Alert me when he--

if he leave his quarters again.

It's all settled then?

She can never just make it simple.

Now I have to go back there and have breakfast with her.

Why can't it just end without some damn ceremony?

She's even got berries out there in a bowl.

I am unable to answer that.

But perhaps she thought a sweet parting would

be preferable to a bitter one.

If only Aura Mendoza were that simple.

We've got a section of strawberries, too.

They're bright yellow.

But they taste sweet, or they will when they ripen.

I'd forgotten all about them.

They're bioengineered like the blackberries.

Remember?

Something about the genes that made them but resistant

also makes them yellow.

Do you remember the purple peaches?

Aura, what's the point of all this?

I've invoked the mutual consent clause.

Property will be divided 50/50.

You can go about your life the way you've always wanted to.

Can't we just leave it at that?

I don't want to go.

That's what I'm trying to show you.

It would be a lot more dignified if you didn't try.

[ANGRILY] More dignified-- what does dignity

have to do with any of this?

Don't go.

I thought-- I hoped that you would come and see

me just for a little while.

Why?

Ardley, you haven't stopped to think where this will take you.

Say nothing against Dorothy.

Dorothy-- nothing to say about Dorothy-- she's a Bio-Rob.

I'm not ever jealous.

She's designed to do one thing.

And she does it incredibly well.

But is she something you want to base your whole life on?

She cares about how I think and feel,

not about how that would threaten her.

She's more human than you ever were.

Ardley, look at what you're doing.

Where's the challenge and the commitment?

She is the first person I have met who

treats me like a real person.

What happens when everybody buys a Bio-Rob?

Oh, my god.

How many times have I tried to talk to you

and you turned away from me?

You withdrew so far into yourself

you became impossible to reach.

When did you ever try, in a human way that meant something

to me, not to you, but to me?

You got so you hated everything.

How could I even know what was important to you?

It's too late.

What, for real life?

She isn't real.

She's real to me.

Now, if you would, please, just get out of my way.

You can't blame me for everything.

Oh, enough.

Give me a chance.

Give us both a chance.

A chance?

How dare you talk to me about commitment and challenges.

When was the last time you did anything that

wasn't about your pleasure?

I won't go.

You'll have to throw me out.

This isn't a vid-soap.

Go to her now and it's over between us.

[music playing]

Dorothy.

She'll leave now. - Aura?

Yes.

It was pretty ghastly, but it had to happened.

I'm just glad it's finally over.

We'll be better off now without her around.

I won't have to worry about you.

We'll have the whole house to ourselves.

We'll swim, and we can go for walks, whatever we want.

That would be good, Ardley.

I could use the exercise.

I was always worried about you whenever she was around.

She was always such a nightmare when anything

threatened her prerogatives--

but not anymore.

No, no, I didn't mean for you to move.

I-- I'm just upset.

Of course you are.

Anyone would be.

Would you like me to get you a drink, Ardley?

Computer, make arrangements for a legally binding document.

[bell dings]

COMPUTER: Subject?

Divestiture of all community property

claims I might have against Ardley Mendoza.

COMPUTER: Clarify, please.

I don't want anything.

DOROTHY: Is there something you want me to do?

I'm not sure.

I can do anything you like.

[music playing]

What is it, Ardley?

Or what do you want me to do?

I know what I want you to do.

Tell me.

I want to go for a swim.

Yes, Ardley, that would be good.

I could use the exercise.

I want to understand how you function.

I respond to stimuli in order to please who I am with.

I want to know why Aura and I can't

make each other happy anymore.

I am unable to answer that.

I want to dance.

Dance, yes, I do that very well.

Should I go put on some music?

No, that won't be necessary.

I used to dance with Aura, you know?

Did you enjoy it?

Sometimes we'd dance all night.

I loved her then.

Did you know that?

There was a time I really loved her.

No, I did not know that.

Do you know what I think, Dorothy?

No, I do not.

I think that Aura must love me after all.

Why else would she humiliate herself?

What strong woman would beg except one

who really loves you?

I cannot answer that question.

[music playing]

Don't move.

Stay right here.

[music playing]

Aura!

Aura!

[bell dings]

COMPUTER: Ardley Mendoza.

Be quiet.

Computer--

[bell dings]

Where is Aura?

COMPUTER: Aura Mendoza is leaving the premises.

She didn't say where she was going?

COMPUTER: Indefinite.

Aura Venari filed termination of marriage contract

with Ardley Mendoza this date, relinquishing

all claims personal, private, public, and of credit.

Can't you locate her?

One moment, attempting to make contact.

Attempt unsuccessful.

ARDLEY: Aura.

Aura!

Aura!

Aura, wait, please.

What do you want?

I want--

I want to start over.

Why?

Because you don't get out of my way the way she does.

Because it's not right to just brush people aside.

You don't just find them and have a good time for a while

and forget them.

You hang onto what you care about, no matter

how hard that is to do.

You don't think we're just too far apart now to go back?

No, not inside.

Do you really believe that?

Yes.

How about a date, say tonight, just for a start?

Say you will, please, Aura.

[music playing]

I knew I could do something for you, too, Aura.

It really is a wonderful facility,

as you'll get to know.

Eda-- Paula--

Oh, Mr. Wen, hello.

Ah, Terry Lovan.

This is John Paul, everyone.

Hi.

Now, now, ladies, you'll just have to be patient.

John Paul will be seeing one of you shortly.

But first we have business to discuss.

Well it's simple.

I want the hottest one you've got.

You understand, our celebrity license

fees go right through the roof.

And all of our Bio-Robs are all equally

capable of pleasing you.

Believe me, I did my homework.

What do you recommend?

Our Dorothy Duncan is top of the line.

No, I knew a guy who had her, and I am nothing like him.

Top of the line customizes itself

to you in the first few weeks.

What your friend experienced has nothing

to do with what you will.

Not interested.

Couldn't hurt to take a look.

OK.

Excellent. Reception--

RECEPTIONIST: Yes, sir?

Send in Dorothy, please.

Should just be a minute.

She's probably out on the courts.

Always likes to keep herself very fit.

Oh, and here she is.

DOROTHY: Hi, I was just getting in a few sets before dinner.

That Jeanine's going to beat me one of these days.

Works up an appetite, and dinner is in just an hour.

I'm John Paul.

DOROTHY: Should I go change, or would

you like to leave right away?

Oh, I'd say right away.

DOROTHY: Good.

I'll just go get my things.

I'm sure I'll be able to take care of all your needs.

MR. WEN: Now, that's 1 and 1/2 million.

Ardley Mendoza thought he could substitute

the perfect cyberwoman for his less-than-perfect

flesh-and-blood wife.

But being flawed is what it means to be human.

And lessons in imperfection can come from the most

unexpected places.

Welcome to Paradox.