What I’m Watching: Silicon Valley (Season Finale)

Silicon Valley: Season 2, Episode 10 “Two Days of the Condor” (B+)

What a rollercoaster of a season it’s been. Even just this episode was full of ups and downs, with Richard thinking he was going to lose the case and deciding to kill Pied Piper then showing up to save it after he won and then getting the boot anyway because Laurie bought the company from Russ to give him back his three commas. I love that the stream worked so well that it got them to 300,000 viewers, and that they fought tooth and nail to keep it up. Erlich realizing that his home was only valuable because it could be demolished was a crucial moment, and it was great to see him get his carpal tunnel glove and start coding again, the first true thing he’s done in a long time. Richard winning the lawsuit on a technicality and getting off scot-free was great, and it was funny to see his colleagues do as much as possible to postpone the destruction of their product because it had to be deleted in just the right way. I’m very curious to see what Laurie’s plans for Pied Piper are now that she is the majority shareholder, and whether they involve Richard in any way. I don’t see this crew as being too loyal to their founder, but I suspect they won’t want to see Pied Piper abused or misused in a way they would find detrimental. This show has grown on me, and I think it’s been a fine and commendable second season that more than recommends a third.

Season grade: A-
Season MVP: Thomas Middleditch as Richard