Episode cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Rami Malek | ... | Elliot Alderson | |
Carly Chaikin | ... | Darlene | |
Portia Doubleday | ... | Angela Moss | |
Martin Wallström | ... | Tyrell Wellick | |
Christian Slater | ... | Mr. Robot | |
Gloria Reuben | ... | Krista Gordon | |
Michel Gill | ... | Gideon Goddard | |
Ben Rappaport | ... | Ollie Parker | |
Frankie Shaw | ... | Shayla Nico | |
Michael Drayer | ... | Cisco | |
Randy Harrison | ... | Harry | |
Michele Hicks | ... | Sharon Knowles | |
Michael Cristofer | ... | Phillip Price | |
Stephanie Corneliussen | ... | Joanna Wellick | |
Jeremy Holm | ... | Mr. Sutherland |
Tyrell is refused a chance to convince the company he is the right one to replace Colby. To get some comfort, he pays someone to take a beating. Then he gets closer to his boss' secretary to obtain information about the new CTO. Elliot wakes up in the hospital with Krista and Shayla watching him. He needs to convince Krista he's alright but that's no problem since he easily gets in the database of the hospital. Elliot thinks fsociety are done with him and plans on starting a new life - a normal life. Hence he brings Shayla with at a dinner at Gideon's. Since some more information is being revealed about Colby by fsociety, Elliot learns the game is not over. In the meantime Ollie is being blackmailed. Written by Andreea D
Just as the series portrays the theme of false visage of modern society, this episode is mainly tailored for the antagonist Tyrell (Martin Wallström), who is exceptionally manipulative to a fault. He uses others in such pathologically deceptive and abusive way, it's almost creepily horrible as though he plays in a horror thriller yet you can't look away.
Martin Wallstrom is a different kind of villain, for a protagonist as peculiar as Elliot, it's fitting to have equally, or more bizarre adversary. There's a vivid conviction in his actions while Elliot himself currently weighs on his life decisions. Rami Malek delivers the consistent performance of slightly antisocial genius, but he's now trying to fit into social norm.
It's strangely playful, a tad liberating in the contradicting fallacy to see Elliot mingles with his peers and boss. The episode also brings more depth to side characters as it delves further into personal territory. Christian Slater as Mr. Robot, despite being titular character is playing a magnetic side character.
That doesn't mean he's any less than the leads. On contrary, being in just enough portion of scenes makes his persona more intriguing while keeping the mysterious vibe intact. For most part, the show has given contrasting light for its visual. I enjoy the subtle change tone according to the mood playing at the moment, Elliot is given more lighter tone in his scenes while Tyrell is mostly covered in darkness this time around.
There's a balanced pace at work here, it divvies the spotlight just in healthy dose between characters as it keeps the main plot operating smoothly.