[makuto]

I disagree. I think the point of the show is to illustrate how technology progresses. You could say one piece of it is about how we are reliant on it, and not in control of it, but I'd say overall, the show is optimistic about technology and celebrates innovation.

Edit: The Wikipedia article [0] does have a good summary, which I think makes us both right: There are really a collection of theses, none of which in my opinion dominate the show, except possibly the unplanned nature of technological evolution.

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connections_(TV_series)

[ThrowawayR2]

Take a look at the scene in the first episode while discussing the consequences of being in a scenario where one needs to escape the technology trap where he asks the viewer whether they are willing to kill to ensure their survival.

Take a look at the scene about 42 minutes into the last episode where technological artifacts are being smashed to Wagnerian music and listen to what he says just beforehand.

Does any of that sound optimistic?

[nitrogen]

If I remember right he said in a later interview that he regretted the alarmism in the first series. I believe it was an interview/presentation where he was demoing his idea of a global knowledge web, but do not recall where I watched it.

[selimthegrim]

In 1989-90 or so he had a much more optimistic special (After the Warming) about climate change.

[hindsightbias]

Optimistic? He ends with the Atlantic Conveyor slowing and saying we’re screwed because we waited too long.