Mr. Robot “eps2.3_logic-b0mb.hc” Review (2×05)

“You’ve surrounded yourself with the constant reminder of mortality.”

Last week, a gorgeous montage set to Green Day’s “Basket Case” concluded with Elliot telling us that he wanted to fight for the world depicted, i.e. a world filled with people he cares about and spends time with. It’s a fantasy world, but it’s driven by meaningful connection and devoid of the cynicism that reigns supreme in real life. It’s something that seems so far away and so unrealistic, but it’s definitely worth fighting for.

We see some of those ideas play out in “eps2.3_logic-b0mb.hc”, and even though we take a breather from the Elliot mind adventures that dominated the first four episodes, we’re still treated to some poignant moments involving him. First up is his conversation with Angela, in which he tells her about Mr. Robot standing behind her; it’s a beautifully acted moment and a departure from both (dark) character arcs this year. We also have Elliot arguing with Mr. Robot about Ray’s newly uncovered underground site, the latter imploring the former to “forget what you saw and move on.” “I’m thinking of the people in those pictures,” Elliot responds. “I could help them.” Self-interest runs the world of Mr. Robot, but moments like these still pierce the black layer surrounding it all.

The episode overall asks questions about identity, and the conversation between DiPierro and Whiterose is telling in this regard. Whiterose goes on about the potential “other lives we’re leading, the other people we’ve become”, and one can only continue to wonder how shaped we are by the environment we’re placed into. If there are multiple versions of ourselves, can we change ourselves to become more like another? Or, is control and free will an illusion?

GRADE: B+

OTHER THOUGHTS:

-Joanna Wellick’s storyline seems a bit superfluous right now, but I’ll always be fascinated by that character. Tyrell’s also lurking out there somewhere, so that’s something to look forward to.

-What a way to close out the episode with that one-two punch. I love the tracking shot in particular of DiPierro during the shootout. Great way to build tension.

-Apologies about the briefness of the review. I didn’t have that much time to write about the episode.

Photo credit: Mr. Robot, USA

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