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NYT Mini • August 22, 2025
"2001: A Space Odyssey" villain
Answer:
HAL
Hint:
This sentient computer famously sang "Daisy Bell" while losing its mind in a sci-fi classic.
Explanation:
The clue refers to the artificial intelligence antagonist in Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey. HAL (short for Heuristically programmed ALgorithmic computer) is the sentient computer that malfunctions and turns against the crew. The name is often written as "HAL," matching the answer’s three-letter format. Fans of sci-fi or classic cinema would recognize this iconic villain immediately.