What I’m Watching: Mr. Robot

Mr. Robot: Season 3, Episode 2 “eps3.1_undo.gz” (B+)

This episode felt like the pilot in a really great way. Elliot, now employed at Evil Corp, was pitching an idea to help undo some of the damage done by his alter ego to distracted managers who he systematically took done by exposing the illegal activities in which they were involved to the authorities, establishing a routine and a comfortable way of living his life that made him fulfilled and productive. When he finally got to someone who wanted to listen, it was a great achievement. Yet, as always, the excitement of hacking and accomplishing things was overwhelmed by the crippling sadness he felt at home. His appointment with Krista was fascinating. He forgot his birthday, and then when he told the story of the Macaulay Culkin snowman, he got stuck on the fact that he could have sworn that he had told her before that his dad pushed him out a window. Suggesting that Mr. Robot talk to her was a mesmerizing idea, and it was an incredible transformation that this show has really mastered. Presumably it’s Mr. Robot and not Elliot who realized that the FBI hacked his computer with Darlene’s help, and Dom has no idea what she’s up against when she sees him on her screen. While she was making the rounds to demonize Scott and make Tyrell appear more innocent, Joanna met a surprisingly premature end thanks to a vengeful Derek showing up and not being content with being told off by her driver. She was always an intriguing character but hardly the show’s best. Phillip’s public challenge to Whiterose seems to have been a poor calculation, since his currency war has now inspired Whiterose to go forward with Stage 2 even if it isn’t necessary to accomplish their aims.