Robot
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For a while, Proxy Authentication Required felt like an exercise in scenery chewing.
There are five acts, delineated by title cards, which follow a traditional dramatic structure.
It features two sets and a cast of five actors.
There are numerous dramaturgical light cues and a stage-worthy sound design.
But Elliot has no recollection of that.
In the flashback, Edward brings Elliot to the movies to apologize for the window incident.
Edward tells him that he wished he could have been a better father and asks that he forgive him.
Elliot declines right before Edward collapses from the cancer.
It turns out to be a whole lot worse.
Though Elliot and Mr.
Suddenly, the episode shifts into a therapy session by gunpoint.
By act four, however, Elliot, Krista, Vera, and Mr.
Robot are bathed in darkness as everyone embarks on a bleak journey to the center of Elliots mind.
Robot, he also wants to know the truth.
So, Krista slowly peels back the layers of Elliots memory of the window incident.
I can no longer protect you, he forlornly tells Elliot and leaves the room.
Krista asks Elliot why he hid Darlene in the closet.
Did he ask him to do something he didnt want to do?
Credit must go to Esmail and the actors for handling the ensuing ten minutes of weighty scenework.
Both Christian Slater and Gloria Reuben credibly convey rank desperation, as Mr.
But its Malek who does the heaviest lifting.
Something that traumatic would necessarily precipitate a long-term dissociative episode.
No one should have to find out about something like that in this way.
Once youve weathered a storm like yours, you become the storm.
You are the storm, and its the rest of the world that needs to run for cover.
Hes already followed through on Veras advice without even knowing it.
But at least Elliot isnt alone with his thoughts any longer.
That is, until Krista stabs him in the back and he collapses onto the ground.
Despite the dead body on the ground, Elliot can no longer run from what he already knows.
Its a terrifying new world and Elliots safety net might have finally frayed.
Did Elliot actually tell his mother about the molestation instead of the cancer?
Does Darlene know and has she kept feeding him versions of stories to protect him?
How does this factor into the other Elliot introduced inthe second episodeof the season?
This is the second week in a rowMr.
Robothas included crisis resource information for people struggling with suicide or domestic violence.
Seems very appropriate given the heavy nature of the material.
plays Peanuts and says what everyones thinking: Kind of name is Mr.
Some Nickelodeon bullshit, man.
