Summary:
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Murderbot shoots itself in the chest to stop a combat override from forcing it to kill.
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PreservationAux will repair Murderbot and remove the malicious module, revealing more secrets.
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Hallucinations and character actions deepen emotional and narrative complexity in episode 4.
Murderbot episode 4 on Apple TV+ ends with a dramatic self-sacrifice, placing the titular SecUnit in mortal danger. As the combat override module threatens to turn it into a weapon against its companions, Murderbot chooses a desperate solution. The series, based on Martha Wells’ Murderbot Diaries, follows closely to the events in All Systems Red, offering a clear look at what comes next.
Is Murderbot Still Alive After Shooting Itself In Episode 4?

After being infected by a combat override module, Murderbot quickly realized it was being hijacked to kill the members of PreservationAux. Unable to fully purge the override and knowing that no one else would stop it in time, Murderbot made a critical decision—it took Mensah’s gun and shot itself in the chest.
Despite the serious injury, Murderbot is not dead. According to All Systems Red, PreservationAux rescues the damaged SecUnit, repairs its body, and removes the override module. However, while Murderbot is unconscious, Gurathin inspects its systems and discovers the hacked governor module, which reveals Murderbot’s rogue status. This discovery will introduce new tensions in future episodes.
Murderbot Episode Release Schedule
Episode Title | Release Date |
---|---|
FreeCommerce | May 16 |
Eye Contact | May 16 |
Risk Assessment | May 23 |
Escape Velocity Protocol | May 30 |
Rogue War Tracker Infinite | June 6 |
Command Feed | June 13 |
Complementary Species | June 20 |
Foreign Object | June 27 |
All Systems Red | July 4 |
The Perimeter | July 11 |
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Why Did Murderbot Shoot Itself To Save PreservationAux?

Murderbot’s drastic action stemmed from two powerful motivations: a hatred of losing control and a reluctant loyalty to PreservationAux. The SecUnit has a history of resenting forced compliance, and the combat override module would strip it of autonomy while making it repeat a past it already regrets.
Additionally, Murderbot carries deep guilt over the Ganaka Pit massacre, a tragic event tied to its past programming. The fear of being used again to harm humans, especially those it values, compelled it to act. Though Murderbot often masks its emotions, it genuinely cares for the people of PreservationAux and chose to risk death rather than harm them.
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Why Did The Other SecUnit Want Murderbot To Kill PreservationAux?

In episode 4, Murderbot uncovered the motive behind the ambush: the opposing SecUnit wanted it to carry out the murder of PreservationAux, not do the killing itself. This delay allowed Pin-Lee and Arada to intervene and destroy the attacker, but not before the combat override nearly completed its download.
The goal was likely twofold. If Murderbot killed the crew, it would prove the override worked and make Murderbot the scapegoat for the deaths. The Company would then see the murders as another rogue construct going haywire. Alternatively, this act would serve as proof of Murderbot’s loyalty under control, making it a reliable asset for its adversaries’ agenda.
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Why Did Ratthi Return To Help Mensah And Murderbot?

Ratthi’s decision to return to the danger zone despite lacking weapons training appears reckless but is rooted in personal insecurity and a desire to impress Pin-Lee. Earlier in the episode, Ratthi expressed regret for skipping combat prep and believed he had let the team down.
This mission was his chance to prove himself. Murderbot previously observed that Ratthi had a crush on Pin-Lee, and acting heroically seemed like a way to gain admiration. Though the attempt ended in self-inflicted injury and comedic failure, it highlighted Ratthi’s emotional arc and added depth to his character.
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Why Was Murderbot Hallucinating Sanctuary Moon During Repairs?

As Murderbot lay unconscious after the self-inflicted injury, it began hallucinating scenes from its favorite entertainment feed, The Rise & Fall of Sanctuary Moon. The hallucinations weren’t random; they were caused by the interaction of its organic components and damaged system memory.
With only the most recent media file accessible during its system collapse, Murderbot’s brain substituted reality with Sanctuary Moon, casting itself as a NavigationUnit and Mensah as an intrepid explorer. This scene served both as comic relief and a window into Murderbot’s psychological state, illustrating its need for escapism and its unconscious feelings toward Mensah and its situation.
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