So I started watching DEVS as an escapism during home quarantine. For some reason, I haven’t been able to do escapism because of anxiety or guilt that I should be doing something more productive.
But anyway, I did. I was intrigued by the premise.
The following reactions or observations were made during the first episode. They are my interpretations on what I thought was happening. Some of them proved to be inaccurate as the episode unfolded. But I’m gonna share them anyway.
So this part reminded me of open-ended problem solving in mathematics. But now that I think about it, it’s closer to inductive approach or inductive reasoning.
From research-methodology.net :
This is in contrast to what we usually do in schools where the teacher usually demonstrates step by step how to approach a problem. A blueprint is given, so to speak.
But in inductive approach, no blueprint is given. The student is free to choose how to make sense of the data given. He will have to figure out the blueprint himself.
I think this approach is more applicable in real-life. Not all problems has a blueprint on solving it. Take this COVID19 crisis, for example. Different countries have different approaches on solving it. Only South Korea and other Asian countries seem to have figured it out. Doesn’t mean that their approach is the only “correct” one. Only time will tell which leaders handled it best.
This is what happens when we are confronted with a novel problem. Yes, we can look at our previous experiences to guide our choices. Just like what the South Korean chief did. But we can never be sure if our approach is perfect. As they say, hindsight is 20/20.
Another quote that caught my attention.
I think this is somewhat true especially with the COVID19 crisis. There has been a lot of complacency in dealing with this virus. But the moment someone dear to us is affected, everything changes. Suddenly, the problem has become real. Not just something that we hear from the news. And suddenly, those that are not too religious start praying.
Imposter Syndrome
There was also a point in the episode where Sergie was throwing up. I thought it was because he can’t figure the code out. I’ve been there. That sudden panic of not figuring out something that you’re supposed to understand. Turned out I was wrong, though. He did figure it out. He was just not willing to accept the implications of it.
What do I think of DEVS?
Here’s my preliminary theory of the show. I think they are in a simulation. Their actions and speech seem zombie-like. Especially Sergie and Lily. It’s so mechanical. The way they regard each other, I don’t see passion nor tenderness. What’s up with that? Yup, zombies.
The religious implication is also interesting. Reminds me of LOST. Let’s see how that goes.
But anyway, I did. I was intrigued by the premise.
When her boyfriend Sergei vanishes after starting a new job at the secretive Devs division of tech company Amaya, software engineer Lily begins to suspect that his disappearance may not be as clear-cut as it seems.
The following reactions or observations were made during the first episode. They are my interpretations on what I thought was happening. Some of them proved to be inaccurate as the episode unfolded. But I’m gonna share them anyway.
“I'm not going to tell you. I won't need to. Just sit, read the code, take your time. And don't worry, you're gonna figure it out. I know you are.” Forest to Sergei
So this part reminded me of open-ended problem solving in mathematics. But now that I think about it, it’s closer to inductive approach or inductive reasoning.
From research-methodology.net :
Inductive approach, also known in inductive reasoning, starts with the observations and theories are proposed towards the end of the research process as a result of observations. Inductive research “involves the search for pattern from observation and the development of explanations – theories – for those patterns through series of hypotheses". No theories or hypotheses would apply in inductive studies at the beginning of the research and the researcher is free in terms of altering the direction for the study after the research process had commenced.
This is in contrast to what we usually do in schools where the teacher usually demonstrates step by step how to approach a problem. A blueprint is given, so to speak.
But in inductive approach, no blueprint is given. The student is free to choose how to make sense of the data given. He will have to figure out the blueprint himself.
I think this approach is more applicable in real-life. Not all problems has a blueprint on solving it. Take this COVID19 crisis, for example. Different countries have different approaches on solving it. Only South Korea and other Asian countries seem to have figured it out. Doesn’t mean that their approach is the only “correct” one. Only time will tell which leaders handled it best.
This is what happens when we are confronted with a novel problem. Yes, we can look at our previous experiences to guide our choices. Just like what the South Korean chief did. But we can never be sure if our approach is perfect. As they say, hindsight is 20/20.
Another quote that caught my attention.
"Human beings are hard-wired magical thinkers. You could have the most rational thinker and if their kid gets hurt they'll start praying."
I think this is somewhat true especially with the COVID19 crisis. There has been a lot of complacency in dealing with this virus. But the moment someone dear to us is affected, everything changes. Suddenly, the problem has become real. Not just something that we hear from the news. And suddenly, those that are not too religious start praying.
Imposter Syndrome
There was also a point in the episode where Sergie was throwing up. I thought it was because he can’t figure the code out. I’ve been there. That sudden panic of not figuring out something that you’re supposed to understand. Turned out I was wrong, though. He did figure it out. He was just not willing to accept the implications of it.
What do I think of DEVS?
"There was something strange about it. It was like, purposeful, heading somewhere, like a zombie."
Here’s my preliminary theory of the show. I think they are in a simulation. Their actions and speech seem zombie-like. Especially Sergie and Lily. It’s so mechanical. The way they regard each other, I don’t see passion nor tenderness. What’s up with that? Yup, zombies.
The religious implication is also interesting. Reminds me of LOST. Let’s see how that goes.
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