Finch

Ten years prior to the present events, a catastrophic solar flare obliterated the ozone layer. This resulted in extreme temperatures and transformed Earth into a nearly uninhabitable wasteland ravaged by ultraviolet radiation.

In the aftermath of the disaster, Finch Weinberg, a robotics engineer, finds refuge in a subterranean laboratory in St. Louis. Alongside his dog Goodyear and a helper robot named Dewey, Finch navigates the harsh realities of a world scorched by the sun.

Finch's life consists mainly of scavenging for supplies, donning a specialized protective suit to shield himself from the extreme heat and deadly UV radiation. These excursions are fraught with danger as he ventures into the wasteland.

As Finch deals with his undisclosed illness, he dedicates himself to building a humanoid robot named Jeff. His goal is to ensure Goodyear will be cared for after his inevitable demise, so he imparts extensive knowledge to Jeff during the construction.

During the introduction of Jeff, Goodyear expresses initial skepticism and wariness towards this new companion. Finch understands the need for Goodyear to feel comfortable but remains hopeful that the bond will develop over time.

With news of a catastrophic 40-day storm heading towards St. Louis, Finch realizes the urgency of his situation. He quickly gathers his companions—Jeff, Dewey, and Goodyear—and prepares to leave their underground refuge.

Finch embarks on a critical journey to San Francisco in a heavily modified motorhome. Due to the hasty exit, only 72 percent of the data is uploaded to Jeff, leaving him with limited understanding akin to that of a child.

Even as Finch's health deteriorates, he takes every opportunity to teach Jeff important life skills. He imparts knowledge on how to properly protect and care for Goodyear, blending humor with serious teaching moments.

An unfortunate incident occurs during their escape, leading to the destruction of Dewey, Finch's helper robot. This loss deeply impacts Finch and Jeff, as they adapt to their new reality without their robotic companion.

As Finch, Jeff, and Goodyear travel towards San Francisco, they realize they are being pursued by an unidentified vehicle. This adds an element of danger to their already perilous journey, increasing the stakes for the trio.

As they approach San Francisco, Finch experiences a brief moment of freedom when UV radiation levels drop. He takes this opportunity to teach Jeff how to play fetch with Goodyear, creating a precious memory.

During a tranquil afternoon, Finch's health deteriorates, leading to his quiet passing. This poignant moment is marked by the connection he has fostered between Jeff and Goodyear, emphasizing love and companionship.

After Finch's passing, Jeff and Goodyear venture into now-deserted San Francisco. Determined to find survivors, they begin a new journey amidst the remnants of what once was a vibrant city.