As Murderbot races toward its midseason point, Episode 3 left viewers dangling off the edge of an emotional and literal cliff. Now, with Episode 4 just around the corner, fans are eager to see where the series will go next; what started as a corporate security job has spiraled into an uneasy journey of identity, ethics, and increasing danger — with our favorite sardonic SecUnit, played by Alexander Skarsgård, stuck at the center of it all.
In this preview of Episode 4, we break down where things might be headed following the chaos of Episode 3 — and why this upcoming episode could be the series’ most thrilling yet.
The Fallout from the DeltFall Discovery
When we last saw Murderbot, it was getting blasted by a rogue SecUnit, seconds after discovering that the DeltFall massacre was not a malfunction but a calculated attack, orchestrated by someone using a combat override module; that’s a huge development, and it flips the narrative from mystery into full-blown conspiracy.
Episode 4 will almost certainly pick up in the aftermath of that ambush. We can expect a high-stakes opening sequence — a possible showdown between Murderbot and the newly revealed second rogue unit. While Murderbot may have the edge in strategy and sarcasm, this unit might be packing a few corporate tricks of its own. Will Murderbot be outmatched, or will its knowledge of cheesy sci-fi tropes save the day again?
And if Murderbot is damaged or captured, how will the PreservationAux crew respond? We’ve already seen cracks forming in the team’s trust toward their SecUnit. If Murderbot goes radio silent, Mensah and the others may fear the worst — or suspect a betrayal.
Who's Pulling the Strings?
With the confirmation of a combat override module, one thing is clear: someone is orchestrating these attacks, and it's likely someone — or something — with connections to the shadowy corporate power structures Murderbot both serves and despises.
Could it be the Company itself, sending a message to independent contractors like PreservationAux who dare operate outside its influence? Or is there a rival corporation trying to sabotage their efforts to stay self-sufficient? Either way, Episode 4 may begin to unveil this larger corporate espionage plotline.
We can also expect further tension between Gurathin and the rest of the crew. After all, he’s already sneaking into private quarters and shedding mysterious tears. Is his grief genuine, or is he somehow linked to the override modules? His behavior is too strange to ignore — and Murderbot, despite its emotional aversion, may be forced to investigate further.
Murderbot’s Internal Crisis Reaches a Breaking Point
The central emotional arc of Murderbot has always been less about missions and more about identity. Episode 3 peeled back new layers of that, as our sarcastic anti-hero struggled to understand what it means to be treated like a teammate, or even — heaven forbid — a person.
Mensah’s gentle insistence on seeing Murderbot as more than a tool has left our protagonist in a tailspin; add to that Ratthi’s overbearing kindness and an existential crisis brewed over Strife in the Galaxy, and you’ve got a SecUnit on the verge of a breakdown.
In Episode 4, expect this personal conflict to collide with external danger. With its systems possibly damaged and trust wavering, will Murderbot push back against the team — or finally begin to embrace some semblance of connection? Perhaps a near-death experience (or two) will force Murderbot to realize that caring about people isn’t weakness — it’s programming evolution.
We may also see Murderbot making choices outside its code, further exploring its free will; the more it rebels against protocol, the more it inches toward the very humanity it so desperately tries to avoid.
Mensah Steps Into the Spotlight
As the de facto leader of the PreservationAux team, Mensah continues to emerge as the emotional backbone of the show; her quiet strength and compassion provide an ideal counterpoint to Murderbot’s acerbic commentary. But her calm is cracking — insomnia, worries over the future of the Alliance, and the trauma of leading her crew into increasing danger are all catching up.
Episode 4 might see Mensah take a more active role in the unfolding crisis. If Murderbot goes down, she may have to step into a protector role herself - it could be a major turning point — not just in the story, but in their relationship. After all, Murderbot may keep running from human connection, but if Mensah risks everything to save it, that could be the push it needs to begin trusting her, just a little.
The Team Is Fracturing — But Can It Be Saved?
It's true: The PreservationAux crew is hanging by a thread; swinging between Ratthi’s overeagerness, Pin-Lee’s secret satellite research, Bharadwaj’s emotional breakdown, and Gurathin’s suspicious behavior, tensions are mounting fast. If Episode 4 adds more danger and suspicion into the mix, we might witness a full-blown rupture within the team.
Yet, Murderbot has always explored unlikely alliances: Could the threat of rogue SecUnits and looming corporate interference force these characters to finally come together — not out of duty, but survival? If Mensah can hold the group together, and Murderbot decides that being part of a team isn’t the worst thing in the galaxy, there’s still hope.
What To Expect?
In terms of tone, Episode 4 will likely blend the usual snarky humor with more suspense, action, and psychological depth. If Episode 3 was about inner conflict, Episode 4 could push all characters to make defining choices. One thing’s for sure: nothing is as it seems on this planet, and the further the crew travels, the more dangerous — and human — things get. We expect at least:
- A deadly confrontation with the rogue SecUnit(s)
- The introduction of a corporate antagonist or deeper conspiracy
- Murderbot’s moment of emotional (and perhaps physical) vulnerability
- Mensah taking greater leadership risks
- A fracture or surprising alliance within the team
Buckle Up, The Real Game Begins Now
Murderbot Episode 4 promises to push the series into higher emotional and narrative stakes. It's blend of dry wit, corporate critique, and reluctant heroism, the show is hitting its stride. Whether Murderbot embraces its humanity or runs from it again, whether trust is earned or betrayed, the ride is bound to get a lot bumpier.
So prepare for impact. Trust no one. And as always, keep your helmet on.
Read more: A Murder At the End of the World Season 2 happening?
