“Halt and Catch Fire” Continues to Explore the Process of Innovation – Season 3, ep3 Review

Flipping the Switch
 

The idealistic compromise. The very notion is embedded in the many decisions we make in our everyday lives. We want to do things because it makes us happy but most times our dreams come at a cost. For example, in order for an artistic vision to reach the screen, an artist (TV or filmmaker) has to answer to investors, studio executives, market research, etc.

In “Halt and Catch Fire”, Joe MacMillan, the innovator behind a successful anti-virus software company, is undergoing a similar situation. Joe’s dream is for every computer user to have free access to anti-virus software and even proclaims this during a press conference. However, investors are attempting to have him change his tune, to essentially go back on what he promised the public. Knowing that he has a lot of people to answer to and with the possibility of him being branded a hypocrite, he has a crisis of self. Joe needs a reminder of why he got in the ‘game’ to begin with. This is why he hired the coder Ryan to his company – to remember a time when he’d do anything to accomplish his vision, without any sort of compromise. Joe needs someone to simply say to him what he already knows – ‘don’t be a sellout’.  


A similar theme arises when Gordon and Donna’s relationship issues spill into Mutiny’s business operation. Gordon’s expectation and feeling of self-worth comes into question as he feels like he has no real stake in the company and passive aggressively lashes out during a meeting. He was tired of compromising his self for others, so like the title of this episode indicates, he ‘flipped the switch’.

Even the very strained, distant relationship between exes Cameron and Joe was touched upon nicely. The perception of Joe as ‘the villain’ is turned on its head as he tries to turn a leaf and actually try to write coding. This sets up a telling scene where we are reminded that Cameron was actually the cause to Joe’s previous venture failing, leaving him broke (both literally and creatively). Joe is actually thankful for Cameron’s actions as if it wasn’t for her, he wouldn’t have developed his successful company. Even while parting ways, Cameron states that Joe is basically a sellout when he reminds her that he can’t be a sellout if he’s giving his software away for free.

Lee Pace as Joe MacMillan.

Note: For devote fans of the series, you may recall in season one when, due to an unforeseen software glitch, Cameron’s personal interface had to be scrapped so that their company (Cardiff Electric) could make a sale (one of the industry’s first mobile computers). This robbed Cameron of her vision. She holds Joe accountable for ‘selling out’. However, we know that if Joe didn’t do anything there wouldn’t be any sale at all. Also, it was Joe that later sabotaged the shipment of computers because he knew that it wasn’t what it could’ve been. Fast forward to the present, I’m sure that moment in his life haunts him.

You can chalk ‘idealistic compromise’ as a likely component to many of our life long dreams. It is that unfortunate nagging that weighs us down so that we submit. Outside of the complicated relationships that are bound to present themselves when trying to holistically reach a goal, an idealistic compromise is an unruly beast that none of us can really shake off. “Halt and Catch Fire” does a masterful job in expressing these ideas or ‘truths’.
 

Kerry Bishe as Donna Clark and Mackenzie Davis as Cameron Howe.

The series has a great knack at exploring the difficulties of seeing ideas become reality. Of course, there is much to appreciate here outside of those themes. I’d highly recommend the show based upon the excellent writing, acting, and production (the 1980s couldn’t look cooler).

“Halt and Catch Fire” airs Tuesdays at 9c/10e on AMC.

 
Grade: A

The New Trailer from HBO’s “Westworld” looks Beautiful, Mysterious & Sinister

I have very high expectations for this upcoming HBO series. The premise of the show sounds most intriguing – a dark odyssey about the dawn of artificial consciousness and the future of sin. Just as my previous ‘rants’ may have come to suggest about the series, this has all the elements to succeed. Jonathan Nolan (co-writer of “Interstellar”, “Memento”) and Lisa Joy are the show creators with J.J. Abrams (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, “Star Trek”) executive producing.

The upcoming sci-fi drama series looks spectacular and will be a nice substitute while we wait for winter to come on HBO’s smash hit, “Game of Thrones”. Check out the just released trailer below!

 
The cast includes Sir Anthony Hopkins, Evan Rachel Wood, James Marsden, Ed ‘I’m great in just about everything’ Harris, Jeffrey Wright, and Thandie Newton. The HBO series is set to be released on October 2nd. I cannot wait!

 
The series is actually based upon a 1973 film (that starred Yul Brynner) that was written and directed by Michael Crichton (author of “Jurassic Park”, “Rising Sun”, “Disclosure”). The premise of that film is set in the near future where there is an adult amusement park called Delos, where there are three separate worlds – West World (American Old West), Medieval World (medieval Europe), and Roman World (pre-Christian Pompeii). Each world is populated with life like androids which are programmed for their environment. Park guests are able to pay an admission for an adventure or a sexual encounter (with an android). Things begin to get crazy when these androids begin ‘acting out of place’ and the park creators do not really know how they really work since they were designed by other computers and no one really knows how they work. These androids could be just as complex as humans.

Note: “Westworld” (1973) was followed up with a sequel in 1976 called “Futureworld” and a very short lived TV series in 1980 called “Beyond Westworld”.
Source: Pop Culture Crunch, June, 21, 2016
 
 

“Halt and Catch Fire” is a Show you Must be Watching

Most new shows suffer from being imitators of other, successful shows. At least that was how “Halt and Catch Fire” was perceived, especially with how other media and the marketing for it would have you believe. I began watching the first few episodes in 2014 and just recently completed the rest of the first season. So, why’d it take me so long to finish? You could simply sum this up due to the fact that I didn’t get into the show and felt that ‘investing’ my time in something completely new was out of the question at the time, especially since I was too distracted with other TV shows. In short, I didn’t ‘watch’ long enough to truly understand what makes it relevant. The showrunners are partly to blame as am I. There’s always a certain amount of trepidation that there will be no ‘payoff’ for the time you’ve already invested watching a show. Some take this risk initially with new shows and others wait to check out the ‘buzz’ surrounding shows before they decide if it is worth their time.

Note: The term ‘halt and catch fire’ is a computer code (instruction) which would cause a central processing unit to stop working.

What is it even about?

The story is about a visionary, named Joe MacMillan (Lee Pace), who understands that the personal computer is the future. He leads a pretty mysterious life (one that previously involved mega giant computer company, IBM) and when he comes to Dallas, Texas (to work for Cardiff Electric), he is hell bent on creating a machine for the future. He can sell really any idea but the actual ideas do not come from him. This is why he needs a dedicated engineer, Gordon Clark (Scoot McNairy), and a computer prodigy, Cameron Howe (Mackenzie Davis). Together, they try to bring forth a personal computer that is not only fast but portable and interactive.

So, why did I decide to revisit the show? One of these reasons dealt with ease of access (thanks Netflix) and the other being that I really enjoy the 1980s and the dawn of innovation with computers. The first few episodes began slower and a formula wasn’t really reached until mid-season. You can also chalk up that the use of too much technical jargon may turn off some viewers but I’d say to them that they are missing the ‘big picture’.

This big picture refers to many themes (albeit some are understated) that include: self-sacrifice, legacy, existentialism, family values, office politics, and self-realization. Many should know that the early 1980s were the dawn of the personal computer and with that you have a plethora of ideas as to what the future may or should bring. Moreover, you include the backdrop of 1980s fashion, music, cars, etc. and the show just exudes ‘cool’.

I initially wanted to brand this a “Mad Men” esque show that is rather set in the 1980s and perhaps that is why I originally wrote it off. This series stands on its own. There are also parallels that are drawn – Gordon Clark is a lot like Steve Wozniak and Joe MacMillan is like Steve Jobs. With a dash of the volatile coding expert, Cameron, and you have a very interesting dynamic which each a different perspective of what the computer will mean to people and the future. Not only that, each character is flawed in their own way and this is exploited by the many challenges they face.

The series continues to be praised, especially season two. The show has been supposedly ‘reset’ in season two which is why the series has been renewed for a third season because of “critical momentum” said AMC Programming Chief, Joel Stillerman (Variety).

I cannot wait for season two! The first two seasons of the AMC show can be seen on Netflix (streaming) and the third season should debut on AMC sometime this summer. The series was created by Christopher Cantwell and Christopher C. Rogers.

Note: If you aren’t familiar with the cast’s work, you should be.

Lee Pace: He’s becoming one of my favorites. Heck, he’s in some big movies – “The Hobbit” trilogy, “Guardians of the Galaxy”.

Scoot McNairy: You can see him in more niche character roles that include “Killing Me Softly” , “Argo” and most recently in a smaller role in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”.

Mackenzie Davis: She manages to light up the screen no matter the role. You can also see her in “The Martian” and “What if”.

Hulu’s “The Path” has a Virtual Reality Experience

If you’re still one of those that haven’t checked out “The Path”, I highly recommend it. The show continues to grow on me and dances around the implications of faith, family, spirituality, humanity, society, cultural politics, etc. The series, which is on its sixth episode (new episodes are added weekly to the streaming service), follows how a family (that follows ‘Meyerism’, a modern religion/cult) copes with their relationships when they are being affected by those on the outside (known as ISs – Ignorant Systemites). The crisis of reality and subjective reality are at the forefront of many characters on the show.

Today, fans of the series are given a virtual reality-esque experience in the form of a short video, narrated by Clark Middleton (who plays the Meyerist Movement’s therapist). In the video, users have a 360-degree video to explore as the therapist is there for you (daily) to ‘unburden yourself’.

The video is available on Facebook, YouTube, and the Hulu VR app for the Samsung Gear VR. Check out the VR video below! As you may already know, virtual reality is being deemed the next big step in media technology and has a seemingly limitless number of applications. In the next couple years, we may all have VR headsets. It’s wild stuff but it is welcome!

Sidenote: Want a story involving virtual reality and its potential future application? Check out the book, “Ready Player One”, which is also currently being adapted into a film by Steven Spielberg.

“11.22.63” Soldier Boy – episode 7

What say you about memory loss as a plot point? Yes, it’s over done and it’s lame. Welp, that’s what occurred in this episode as Jake (James Franco) tries to recover from a beating from loan sharks. Of course, this throws the whole reason he went back in time in jeopardy as he must piece together what he must do so that the entire series can reach eight episodes. Let me just say that the first five episodes of the series is excellent because of its focus on historical sentiments, society, and even the psychology of Jake (as he’s living in an era that he’s not supposed to be in). The blurring between who Jake really is and who he is pretending to be is examined early on but not really touched upon again. I find this disheartening.

So, the entire episode has Jake piecing together why he’s there (with the help of Sadie) and what he ultimately must do: kill Lee Harvey Oswald. He finally gets around to taking Bill out of the psych ward (because Bill threatened him and was affecting the timeline), but not until Bill commits suicide for the entire trauma he’s experienced. Then, in trying to figure out where he was camped out in Dallas, actually meets Oswald but doesn’t remember that he needs to kill him until it is too late.

  
That leaves us with only hours before JFK is set to visit Dallas. Jake and Sadie decide they need to camp out next to the book depository so that once they spot Oswald; they can take him out of the equation. As they sit in the car together, Jake ends up getting a visit from the Yellow Card Man, who basically divulges that he lost his daughter and no matter how many times he goes back (in time) to save her from drowning, the past always ensures that she does. This causes Jake to step back for a moment and even propose to Sadie that they could just start a family together and forget about the whole assassination prevention mission. Sadie convinces Jake otherwise and we see them heading to the depository.

We then follow Oswald as he goes to work that day. He explains to a co-worker that he will not be watching the President drive by and would rather ‘work’ while everyone else spectates. He even states, “you know I am a Marxist, right?” The last scene shows Oswald going to an uninhabited floor and set up a sniping position.

  
It is frustrating that it took two episodes to set up the events that will culminate in what the entire show has been about. The mini-series still has a chance to end on a high note. Even though we have a little bit more info from the Yellow Card Man, it certainly isn’t a full on explanation of why he’s there annoying Jake. There’s also the notion of how (exactly) Jake gets back to the present with Sadie or if that is even possible. The rules of time travel should have been expanded upon once the show began but this is because no one has gotten as far as Jake so we’re learning along with him. We are finally at the moment where everything will happen or unhappen. If the course of history is altered, can Jake really go back to the present? Wouldn’t everything just reset as Al explained previously? The series finale (next Monday – April 4th) can’t come soon enough!

“11.22.63” can be seen on Hulu. The episodes are released weekly.

Grade (episode only): C+

True Detective Season 2 Premiere: Detecting Misery & Mystery

After Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson’s most excellent 1^st season, fans were excited, but unsure of where the anthology series would be heading. HBO unleashed the anticipated 2^nd season premiere yesterday and has left a lot of us feeling mixed. This time around we are in Los Angeles (instead of Louisiana) and are following four separate characters played by Colin Farrell, Vince Vaughn, Taylor Kitsch and Rachel McAdams.

The idea of atmosphere as a character is used once more and it’s heavy handed. In the first season, Louisiana’s more rural areas are explored and give a distinguishable layer to the neo-noir. In this 2^nd season premiere, we get unnecessary shots of the fake city of Vinci, California (which are based on real life corrupt, industrial city – Vernon, CA) and even multiple shots of an industrial plant that doesn’t serve the story’s purpose. Los Angeles is soulless and so is this setting and characters. Perhaps that is the point.

In this pilot, like most pilots, we are getting a foundation that is being laid out along with an introduction to a set of characters. In other words, most pilots aren’t the best. To make matters worse for this season, there isn’t a shred of likability with any of these characters. At least in the first season we had very likable characters that did questionable things.

Colin Farrell plays a dirty cop, Ray Velcoro, who lost his way around the time his wife (now ex-wife) was beaten and raped. Ray attempts to keep his drinking at bay while he runs ‘errands’ for career criminal, Frank Semyon (Vince Vaughn). Frank is attempting to go ‘legit’ by building a monorail in southern California but can’t seem to escape bad press. Rachel McAdams plays detective Ani Bezzerides, who is personally damaged but ignores her problems by making her job her life. Lastly, Taylor Kitsch plays a war veteran/cop named Paul Woodrugh with a mysterious past (he has noticeable burn scars on part of his torso/shoulder). Ani, Ray, and Paul all meet toward the end of the episode when the missing City Manager, Caspere, shows up dead (his eyes were plucked out and he was sitting on a picnic table Weekend at Bernie’s style).

So, that’s where we are now. After being exposed to how miserable these characters really are we may get to work on uncovering this season’s ‘mysteries’. I read that I am not the only person that wasn’t impressed with this premiere but I will say that the end of the episode left me optimistic and intrigued. Also, if these characters are being shown as such irredeemable, detestable people then I hope that they can grow into better people.

It is simply hard to tell where this season will take us. With everyone’s background and motivations made clear, we can start to focus on the mystery at hand. Even though these characters aren’t the best, I will say that the acting is top notch. Even the production design was alluring as is the opening song (Leonard Cohen’s “Nevermind”) in the credits. I still look forward to next week but without as much anticipation before seeing this premiere.

What’s up with all the hopelessness, HBO (see also “Game of Thrones”)?!

Pilot Grade: B

The Jinx : The Lifes and Deaths of Robert Durst

If you’ve seen the national news lately you’ve probably seen the name Robert Durst come up. The news is timely, especially with the HBO six part documentary series that tried its last episode March 15th.

The series is a fascinating take on probably one of the most infamous suspected serial killers of our time. The story chronicles Robert Durst’s early life growing into a well known millionaire family. He would go on to witness terrible events at an early age, be passed up as the head of the Durst family business and get involved in three highly prolific murders.

Upon hearing of the movie “All Good Things”(2010), which is based on Durst’s life in the 80s, Durst himself contacts that films director, Andrew Jarecki, and asks if he’d like to interview him for a documentary so he can better tell his side of the story. This is definitely one of those instances where life is much stranger than fiction. The twists and turns that surround his life are many and, for at least for the first 5 episodes, are highly engaging and told from a very objective perspective.

Everything points to Durst but there is just not enough solid evidence to convict him. Even his stories are muddled and misremembered (conveniently) but with unlimited financial resources (he has access to the Durst Family Fortune) his legal team has been able to convince jurors that there is just not enough evidence to convict the man beyond a reasonable doubt — even after he admitted to dismembering a body after claiming he killed a man in self defense! Couple this with strange ‘coincidences’ and odd behavior, things do not like squeeky clean for the accused Durst.

That brings us to the recent news regarding Durst. To sum that up, he’s being charged with the murder of his former best friend, Susan Berman. The HBO documentary was eye opening and is rumored to help the LAPD charge Robert Durst as it aired its last episode.

If you’d like to know the details of Robert Durst and the whole ‘scandal’ then I suggest you find a way to watch “Jinx” on HBO.