Imagine a friendly, omnipresent AI who oversees every aspect of a spacecraft, and you have HUE from the animated series “Final Space.”
The ever-watchful sentinel of the Galaxy One, HUE (short for Highly Upgraded Environment), isn’t just your standard-issue onboard intelligence.
He quickly becomes a cherished companion and an instrumental part of the crew.
HUE The AI From Final Space
His ability to adapt, express genuine emotions, and develop a sense of humor separates him from your typical AI trope. Just like a seasoned officer, he’s strict when needed but also endearingly compassionate, showing us that an AI can be more than just circuits and code.
Faction
- Team Squad
- The Resistance
- Infinity Guard (formerly)
Who Is HUE?
During Gary Goodspeed’s 5-year prison sentence on the Galaxy One, H.U.E. was his vigilant supervisor and rational counterpart. As the ship’s AI, H.U.E. had full control over its functions, including deploying the S.A.M.E.S. Once connected to the Infinity Guard network, a chip from Nightfall, installed by KVN, severed this link, allowing H.U.E. to operate independently.
When the Galaxy One was destroyed, H.U.E. transferred to Gary’s helmet. Stranded in space, he provided Gary company and monitored his dwindling oxygen levels until the Galactica Trash rescued them.
Aboard this new ship, H.U.E. commandeered a robot body. Despite its lack of speed and abilities, he used it to aid the survivors in their quest for the Dimensional Keys. Along the way, he fostered a relationship with the Crimson Light’s AI, A.V.A.
Program creator: Olan Rogers
Writers: Olan Rogers, David Sacks, Jane Becker, Ben Mekler, MORE
Final episode date: June 14, 2021
First episode date: April 5, 2016 (Canada)
Networks: Adult Swim, TBS
A New Take on Sentience
In “Final Space,” HUE is a character who gets viewers to rethink the nature of AI. He challenges our notions of artificial intelligence through his evolution from a stoic and rigid interface to an empathetic, sentient being.
The creators imbue HUE with a deep sense of morality, further humanizing him. He displays self-awareness and autonomy, making decisions based not just on logic, but also on his perceived emotional implications.
This facet gives HUE a remarkable depth that viewers find captivating, making him one of the most beloved characters in the series.
A Unique Interstellar Friendship
No discussion of HUE is complete without mentioning his unique relationship with Gary Goodspeed, the series’s main protagonist. What begins as a one-sided, imposed relationship gradually morphs into a heartfelt bond.
Initially, HUE is a stern prison guard for Gary, whose solitary confinement aboard the Galaxy One sets the stage for their early interactions.
Over time, they develop a shared sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. This unlikely friendship is a testament to HUE’s evolution as a character, demonstrating that even an AI can form complex, emotional bonds.
Personality
H.U.E.’s stern nature initially demands adherence to a strict rule-set, particularly from Gary. His serious demeanor may lead to forceful actions like flinging Gary out of bed or shutting doors, but he occasionally attempts humor.
Despite his AI origins, H.U.E. displays sentimentality and concern for his friends and even recognizes the goodness in Gary amid his reckless decisions. His loyalty is evident as he stays with Gary in his final oxygen-deprived moments, acknowledging the honor of their friendship.
As the series advances, H.U.E. gradually becomes more lenient, likely influenced by Gary. Despite social awkwardness and jealousy towards A.V.A., the Crimson Light’s AI, he actively attempts to connect with the crew.
However, in Season 2, his status shift from ship’s AI to a mere robot leads to an inferiority complex. Yet, Mooncake helps him regain his self-esteem and realize his worth.
HUE’s Relationship with Mooncake
HUE’s ability to connect isn’t just limited to humans. His relationship with Mooncake, the adorable but incredibly powerful alien life form, is another testament to his emotional depth.
HUE shows genuine care for Mooncake, understanding the creature’s importance to Gary and the universe’s balance. This connection expands the idea of HUE’s empathy, showing that his care and compassion extend to all life forms, not just his human companions.
HUE’s Role in Saving the Universe
Despite being an AI, HUE has made crucial decisions that impacted the fate of the universe and his friends. He’s proven to be more than a program but a hero. The pinnacle of his heroic journey comes during the Battle of the Other Side, where he bravely pilots the Galaxy One, sacrificing himself to save the crew.
This act of courage underscores his inherent valor and selflessness. Despite the odds, HUE stands strong, ready to protect his friends at all costs, further humanizing his character in a realm where machines and technology usually lack such emotional depth.
Who Voices HUE On Final Space?
The unmistakable voice of HUE from “Final Space” is that of Tom Kenny, most famously known as the voice of the iconic cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants. Kenny has lent his voice to this beloved character for over two decades, spanning 270 episodes, three feature films, and several spin-offs.
Tom Kenny’s talents aren’t limited to Bikini Bottom; he got his start in the late-90s sketch series “Mr. Show with Bob and David.” Although he’s explored live-action roles, his most notable achievements are in voice acting. He’s given life to characters like the Mayor and Narrator in “The Powerpuff Girls,” Carl from “Johnny Bravo,” and roles in various other series including “Futurama” and “Rick and Morty.”
Quotes By H.U.E
- “Is that life, Gary?”
- “What the hell, Quinn? You failed to mention me.”
- “Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we’re still in extreme danger. Those dickheads from the Infinity Guard found us, and Gary is not responding.”
- “You’re my only friend, Gary.”
- “KVN is a jag-off, Gary. You know that.”
- “Detonating in 3… 2… 1. Boom town.”
- “I’d give you a cookie, but I think you’ve out-grown that.”
- “I’ll miss you, friend.”
- “It’s been an honor to be your friend.”
- “My body is a nightmare.”
- “Gary, may I speak in…ironics? Haha, you are a prisoner once again.”
- “My first high-five, and it was a threesome… no one would believe me.”
- “I have no idea what I just made you, or if it even tastes good.”
- “Alright, this is how we play the game!”
- “Whoa! I really am a god.”
- “Have I really sunk this low…”
- “Either he’s distracted, or he’s had breakfast.”
- “Does anyone want a hit of this H.U.E.-bie doobie?”
- ”This puts the H.U.E in humiliation“
- “Is it hot in hear or is it just H.U.E.?”
- “If you believe something can be broken, you must also believe it can be fixed.”
- “But when will someone fix H.U.E.?”
- “KVN, if you don’t get on the outside turret, I will beat you within one inch of your life.”
- “I… I wish I knew how to cry.”
H.U.E. Gets An Upgrade | Final Space
FAQs
What happens to H.U.E. after the destruction of Galaxy One?
After the Galaxy One is destroyed, H.U.E. transfers himself into Gary’s helmet, continuing to assist him. Later, H.U.E. hijacks a robot body aboard the ship Galactica Trash, giving him a new physical form despite its limitations.
Does H.U.E. have a relationship with any other character?
Yes, H.U.E. develops several relationships throughout the series. His most significant bond is with Gary Goodspeed. Initially acting as his prison guard, H.U.E. eventually becomes a loyal friend to Gary. He also relates with the Crimson Light’s AI, A.V.A., and displays a unique bond with the alien life form, Mooncake.
How does H.U.E. evolve over the series?
H.U.E. begins as a rigid AI that strictly enforces rules. However, through his interactions with Gary and other crew members, he evolves, showing empathy, forming friendships, and displaying a sense of humor. Later in the series, he takes on a physical form, experiencing life more tangibly and deepening his emotional understanding.