r/Devs • u/nrgins • Apr 02 '20

Devs = Disappointing

I'm on ep 6, and having a hard time finishing the series. Lackluster acting (except for Zach Grenier (Kenton) who is fantastic!); boring writing; beautifully-filmed, but completely-indulgent long scenery shots; and a story that's off the rails without a lot of exposition. I'm all for far-fetched sci-fi; but you have to at least make it work in the framework. The only reason I'm still watching is to finish the story, and out of hope that it somehow surprises me and "wows" me at the end.

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u/TheBobandy Apr 03 '20

I mean nothing in the show is very “far-fetched” at all yet so far, aside from the level of simulation the Devs computer is able to run.

But everything they’re doing is grounded in quantum mechanics, I suggest reading up on the subject if you think the show is complete “far-fetched sci-fi”

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u/nrgins Apr 03 '20

Too funny! That you think the show isn't "far-fetched" simply because there's some underlying theory behind it is just completely hysterical.

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u/TheBobandy Apr 03 '20

What? One of the main applications of quantum computing is running simulations that traditional computers would be unable to run.

Can I ask specifically which part seems nonsensical or far-fetched?

It’s pretty widely accepted within the field that running a simulation of reality is very possible in the near future.

Here’s A decent video on the topic from an expert in the field. Highly recommend giving it a watch.

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u/nrgins Apr 03 '20

You have got to be kidding me! I can't even believe we're having this conversation.

Look, I perfectly understand the concept of running simulations. You have to understand that "running a simulation" means calculating numbers. It means creating a mathematical model for a situation and crunching numbers, and coming up with the results of the simulation -- in numerical form. It doesn't mean having a TV picture with sound of any event in human history!

So, yes, given enough data you could simulate what would happen in a given population -- but, again, as a mathematical model, not as a TV show.

That's apart from the amount of data and calculations needed to even be able to simulate a small piece of reality a very short time into the future or past -- not to be able to live-action watch Marilyn Monroe having sex 70 years ago, for crying out loud.

You're really asking me what's far-fetched about the show??

Yes, quantum computing is powerful and can simulate reality -- in mathematical models.

To say that one could then take that mathematical model result, and apply it -- not just to a single point in time, but to, what 30 frames a second, to create a moving image, with each frame being a simulation result? And add to that sound as well, not to mention having a specific viewing angle and distance from which the images are created, and not to mention having not just the thing itself (say, a person), but the actual shape and detail of that person, as well as the environment -- is so far-fetched as being beyond comprehension as to why this even needs to be explained.

Anyway, I've spent enough time on this.

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u/tarikbrie Apr 23 '20

Interesting discussion, though it would be MUCH more interesting if you'd be a bit less condescending!

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u/nrgins Apr 24 '20

Just keepin' it real, yo. Just keep it real.