Staff Sgt. John D. Keats is one of the most enigmatic yet crucial characters in Netflix’s The Electric State.
Often referred to simply as “the Smuggler”, his journey is one of transformation, from a self-serving outlaw to an unlikely hero who helps Michelle in her quest.
His dynamic with his robot companion, Herm, is essential to his character, showcasing his hidden capacity for loyalty and emotional depth.
Overview
Background and Initial Introduction
Keats is introduced as a jaded and cynical smuggler operating in the post-war dystopia.
He survives by trading in illegal goods, scavenging from the Exclusion Zones, and navigating the dangerous remnants of a world ravaged by war between humans and machines.
Unlike many humans in this world, he harbors a complicated relationship with robots, particularly Herm, his robotic companion and closest ally.
From the moment Michelle seeks him out to help infiltrate the Exclusion Zone, Keats is presented as gruff, sarcastic, and seemingly uninterested in heroics.
His initial concern is self-preservation and profit. However, as the story unfolds, his motivations and emotional depth come into sharper focus.
His Relationship with Herm
One of the most compelling aspects of Keats’s character is his bond with Herm.
This robot, whom Keats met during the war, represents more than just a partner in crime; he is a symbol of trust and survival.
Their relationship is built on mutual reliance, with Herm saving Keats’s life in battle and Keats choosing to stand by Herm despite the widespread human distrust of robots.
Throughout the film, their interactions highlight the emotional complexity of Keats.
He masks his feelings with sarcasm and cynicism, but it becomes clear that he deeply cares for Herm.
Keats relies on Herm in ways he does not with any human, forming an unspoken bond rooted in loyalty and companionship.
When Herm is gravely injured during the climactic battle, Keats’s reaction is one of profound grief, revealing the depth of his attachment.
His sorrow manifests in his uncharacteristic silence and the loss of his usual bravado, showing how much Herm’s presence had anchored him.
The moment Herm revives is a rare instance where Keats lets down his guard, openly displaying his relief and joy.
It is a moment of vulnerability that underscores how Herm is not just an ally but family to Keats.
Their relationship serves as one of the emotional backbones of the film, reinforcing the theme that connection and loyalty transcend species, even in a dystopian world dominated by suspicion and survivalism.
The Smuggler as a Reluctant Ally to Michelle
Initially, Keats is reluctant to help Michelle.
He dismisses her determination as naive and expresses skepticism about her mission to rescue her brother.
However, as they travel together, he begins to see echoes of his own past in her unwavering loyalty.
This slow shift is reflected in his actions—he stops making purely self-serving choices and starts genuinely aiding Michelle in her quest.
His transition is marked by several key moments:
- Taking Michelle to the Exclusion Zone: He does so under the guise of a business deal, but his decision to accompany her through the dangerous terrain suggests a growing sense of responsibility.
- Defending Michelle Against the Task Force: Keats actively fights to protect Michelle and Cosmo, showing that his allegiances are shifting.
- The Haircut Scene: A subtle yet significant moment, Keats finally grooms himself, symbolizing his growth from a reckless smuggler to a man with purpose.
Humor and Emotionality
Keats is not just defined by his rugged exterior and battle-hardened instincts—his humor is a vital part of his character.
He often resorts to sarcasm, biting wit, and playful banter, using humor as both a coping mechanism and a way to distance himself emotionally.
His humor initially serves to mask his vulnerabilities, allowing him to maintain his tough-guy persona.
However, as the film progresses, Keats’s emotional layers begin to emerge.
His humor, once a shield, becomes a means of bonding with Michelle and Herm.
It is especially evident in moments of tension, where his quips provide levity amid the darkness.
At the same time, his emotional growth is seen in his increasing willingness to let others in.
By the end of the story, Keats no longer uses humor to push people away but instead as a way to connect.
Keats’s Evolution in the Final Battle
Keats’s most profound transformation occurs in the climactic battle at Sentre.
Once a man who only looked out for himself, he takes charge in the fight against Ethan’s forces.
His leadership in mobilizing the bots and humans to resist the oppressive regime showcases his evolution from a self-serving individual to a fighter for a greater cause.
The moment when he loses Herm is one of the most emotionally charged in the film.
His grief is raw, stripping away his usual defenses.
The brief moment of relief when Herm revives is not just about joy but about reaffirmation—Keats has found something worth fighting for beyond mere survival.
By the end of the story, Keats is no longer just a smuggler; he is a warrior, a friend, and an ally.
His journey is one of redemption, showing that even the most jaded individuals can find something worth believing in.
His relationship with Michelle, his devotion to Herm, and his role in the final battle cement him as one of the most compelling characters in The Electric State.
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