Murderbot: What Happens After It Shoots Itself? Season 1 Explained

The ending of Murderbot season 1 episode 4 left many viewers wondering: what happens after Murderbot shoots itself? This article dives into the aftermath of that shocking decision, exploring whether the SecUnit survives and what implications this has for the rest of the season, drawing on both the Apple TV+ show and the source material, Martha Wells' "Murderbot Diaries" books.

After being ambushed by another SecUnit and infected with a combat override module, Murderbot (Alexander Skarsgård) made a drastic choice. To prevent the module from forcing it to kill the members of PreservationAux, Murderbot shot itself in the chest. But is this the end for the rogue SecUnit?

While the show has taken some liberties with the books, it has largely remained faithful to the core plot points of "All Systems Red." Therefore, we can look to the novellas for clues about Murderbot's fate and the events that unfold after this pivotal moment.

Is Murderbot Still Alive? The Aftermath Explained

Despite the seemingly fatal gunshot wound, Murderbot is not dead. However, it is gravely wounded and offline. This mirrors the events in "All Systems Red," where Murderbot takes similar action to prevent the combat override module from taking control.

In the book, the narrative quickly jumps to the next chapter, where Murderbot awakens in its cubicle, having undergone extensive repairs. PreservationAux retrieves Murderbot, repairs its body, and removes the combat override module. This procedure is essential for Murderbot's survival, but it also creates an opportunity for Gurathin (David Dastmalchian) to examine its systems while the SecUnit is offline.

Gurathin discovers Murderbot's hacked governor module, the very thing that forces it to comply with orders, and identifies it as a rogue construct. This revelation sets the stage for future conflicts and challenges for Murderbot.

Why did Murderbot make such a self-sacrificing decision? What motivated it to shoot itself to save PreservationAux?

Why Did Murderbot Save PreservationAux?

While Murderbot's decision to shoot itself saved PreservationAux's lives, it also opens a Pandora's Box of issues. Some viewers might question why a SecUnit that has expressed a desire to "murder humans indiscriminately" would sacrifice itself to protect them. The truth is more complex.

The most straightforward answer is that Murderbot despises being forced to do anything, especially being forced to murder. This sentiment is clear when Murderbot exclaims "f--k that" after learning about the combat override module. The guilt from the Ganaka Pit massacre also weighs heavily on its conscience.

Beyond that, Murderbot genuinely cares for the members of PreservationAux, though it is reluctant to admit it. They are the best clients Murderbot has ever had, and they are among the few humans it actually gets along with. It may harbor a general desire to kill humans, but it doesn't want to harm *these* humans.

This complex motivation is crucial to understanding Murderbot's character and sets the stage for future development.

The Other SecUnit's Agenda

A key mystery in Murderbot episode 4 is the other SecUnit's motive. Why did it want Murderbot to kill PreservationAux? It had ample opportunity to eliminate Mensah (Noma Dumezweni) and Ratthi (Akshay Khanna) directly, but instead, it waited for the combat override module to take effect.

The most plausible explanation is that the other SecUnit aimed to frame Murderbot for the deaths of PreservationAux. By making Murderbot commit the act, then eliminating Murderbot itself, the deaths would be explained when the Company inevitably launched its investigation.

Alternatively, witnessing Murderbot slaughter PreservationAux would serve as irrefutable proof that the combat override module was functioning correctly, assuring its owners that Murderbot could be trusted to follow commands. The other SecUnit might be trying to recruit Murderbot to its owners' cause and needed assurance of its compliance.

In conclusion, the events following Murderbot shooting itself are pivotal to the overall narrative. PreservationAux will repair Murderbot, removing the combat override module. The SecUnit survives, but its rogue status is revealed. Murderbot's survival and the reasons behind its actions set the stage for future conflicts and character development as the series progresses. Understanding these key plot points enhances the viewing experience and provides valuable insight into the complex world of Murderbot.