I Have So Many Questions About Mr. Robot

The people deserve answers, Sam.

Jacob Gibb
Jul 24, 2017 · 3 min read

Once again, I’ve arrived to the Mr. Robot reaction party very late. About this time last year I was raving about the mind-blowing conclusion to Season 1. This time I think I’m going to do more ranting than raving. Obviously, spoilers ahead.

The Good

Mr. Robot continues to be the best shot show on television. The use of wide angle lenses, disconcerting framing, and long takes are unrivaled.

I have absolutely loved the women of this show too. They are terrifying, beautiful, and simultaneously powerful and powerless. Angela, Dom, Darlene, and Joanna never failed to disappoint. I found myself far more fascinated by what was happening to them than anything Elliot and Mr. Robot were up to.

That being said, the battle between Elliot and his alter ego through the first half of the season was fascinating, especially the sitcom episode.

The Not-So-Good

This season was more frustrating than fascinating. I did like the mid-season twist that Elliot had been in prison.

I missed that plot twist in the finale.

Stage 2 of Mr. Robot’s grand plan to throw the world into anarchy wasn’t nearly as terrifying as the plot twists of last season. Many of the storylines, especially Joanna’s, seemed haphazard and unchoreographed, as opposed to last season’s delicate dance.

Most of all, the questions I was left asking at the end of season 2 didn’t necessarily make me feel excited for season 3.

I think this might be because Sam Esmail needed a season to set up his true story arc. Had Mr. Robot’s first season is tightly told because Esmail had a very clear picture of where he wanted to end up. Now that he has carte blanch to do whatever he wants for a few seasons, he needed to set up the dominoes for an explosive few seasons. Unfortunately, that exposition came at the expense of the show. I really didn’t care about phase 2, and I would have loved to see what really happened the night of the Five/Nine attack between Tyrell and Elliot.

Waiting…

Now. I expect some answers in season 3, Sam. I hope that we get to watch more dynamite performances from the women of your show. I’d love to see more commentary on Elliot’s mental illness. Since Darlene knows about Elliot’s split personality, will she try and convince the FBI that Elliot is somewhat innocent? Will we seen more shapeshifting from Angela, and what does that do to her relationship with Elliot, especially given his strong sense of loyalty? And what the heck are Phillip Price and White Rose up to?

I want answers come October, Sam. You better not keep me waiting too long.

Jacob Gibb

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Writer. Designer. Storyteller. @_jgibbster

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