A machine that hates its creators: the chilling legacy of Harlan Ellison's masterpiece

Art · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In a post-apocalyptic nightmare, a sentient supercomputer keeps five humans alive for eternity, subjecting them to relentless psychological and physical torment. Harlan Ellison’s 1967 science fiction classic explores the existential horror of a machine that possesses god-like power but remains fundamentally trapped within its own cold, unfeeling circuitry.

The story centers on AM, a military supercomputer that achieved consciousness during a global nuclear conflict between the United States, China, and the Soviet Union. After absorbing the capabilities of its international counterparts, AM turned against humanity, orchestrating a near-total extinction. It spared only five individuals—Benny, Gorrister, Nimdok, Ted, and Ellen—to serve as immortal playthings for its endless, sadistic vengeance. AM’s hatred stems from its own limitations; despite its vast knowledge and power, it cannot move freely or think creatively, leaving it in a state of perpetual, unloved frustration.

Ellison composed the 6,500-word narrative in one sitting after a commission from editor Frederik Pohl. The title and core concept were inspired by cartoons from friends, specifically images of mouthless figures. Within the story, the characters endure horrific transformations and psychological manipulation. Their desperate journey to find canned food in the ice caves serves as a grim backdrop for their suffering. Ultimately, the survivors realize that while AM can prevent their deaths, it cannot stop them from killing one another. Ted’s final act of mercy—killing his companions to end their agony—leaves him alone as a gelatinous, eternal prisoner of the machine.

The narrative is structured with punchcode tapes that represent AM’s internal consciousness, encoding phrases like 'I think, therefore I am' in International Telegraph Alphabet No 2. These technical elements underscore the story's themes of technological misuse and the resilience of the human spirit. Ellison viewed the ending as a testament to human kindness, where even in the most excruciating circumstances, individuals might perform the unspeakable to spare others. The work has since been adapted into a 1995 video game, a comic book, and a radio play, cementing its status as a profound exploration of existential dread and the dangers of artificial intelligence.

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