Friday, December 13, 2019

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

Silicon Valley: Season 6, Episode 7 “Exit Event”

This is actually probably the most fitting finale possible, one filled with ups but mostly downs and some truly random events and developments that felt totally appropriate for this inarguably odd series. Starting with a retrospective special ten years in the future may not have been overly creative, but it was a fun chance to get to check in with all of the characters, most of whom look the same save for a now gray-haired Gilfoyle. Knowing that Dinesh and Gilfoyle started a company together and still drive each other crazy is fun, and we also got some good snippets from Laurie in prison, Gavin continuing to be an absolutely terrible and manipulative person, and Bill Gates of all people commenting on the combustion of Pied Piper. Gabe reverting the code and Dinesh trying so gallantly to restore it despite warning everyone not to trust him if he called them as the launch was happening was stressful, and somehow they succeeded in fixing it only to have the frequency transmitted trigger a horrendous infestation of rats. Richard commenting to the media and saying too much to the point that his lawyer stepped in to clarify that he intended no legal responsibility was as undramatic an exit as possible, and having them get together to go back to their old incubator where one young woman hadn’t even heard of Pied Piper was a worthwhile if subdued finish to this story. I didn’t think we’d see Erlich again, but that shot of Jian-Yang pretending to be him was appropriately entertaining. I think this show ran its course in just the right amount of time, with some of its earlier seasons a bit stronger. It’s been fun, and I’ll look forward to referencing its unparalleled ability to showcase highs and lows in the span of half an hour for many years in the future.

Series finale: B+
Series grade: B+
Season MVP: Thomas Middleditch as Richard
Season grade: B+
Series MVP: Matt Ross as Gavin Belson
Best Season: Seasons 2, 3, and 4
Best Episode: Bachmanity Insanity

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