TV Review: Mr. Robot (USA) Series Premiere

The series premiere of USA’s newest drama, Mr. Robot is dynamite. No wonder it just received a 10-episode second season pickup for 2016 before the show has even hit the air.

MR. ROBOT follows Elliot (Malek), a young programmer who works as a cyber-security engineer by day and as a vigilante hacker by night. Elliot finds himself at a crossroads when the mysterious leader (Slater) of an underground hacker group recruits him to destroy the firm he is paid to protect. Compelled by his personal beliefs, Elliot struggles to resist the chance to take down the multinational CEOs he believes are running (and ruining) the world. The series also stars Portia Doubleday (“Her”), Carly Chaikin (“Suburgatory”) and Martin Wallström (“Simple Simon).

Mr. Robot is absolutely phenomenal. It’s so dark, it’s beautiful. It’s the exact opposite of White Collar (which I loved) and in the best way possible. I love the tone of this drama, it’s so deliciously dark, I am salivating for more.

Rami Malek is hypnotizing. His monologues are poetic realism in the form of daggers. I love it. I love every single moment that Rami is on screen or off screen and narrating. This is absolutely one of the most entertaining hours of television that I have experienced and I am so, so happy to say that it’s with a diverse lead. Thank you, USA Network. Also, I love Elliot’s character traits that we are beginning to see (no touching for example). It really makes him human, someone I can relate to. The little things matter just as much as the bigger and the attention to detail here in crafting not just Elliot but all of the characters is noticed and very much appreciated. I also must mention what a treat it is to see Christian Slater on the small screen. I think he’s been trying for awhile to really hit a home run with a TV series that he wasn’t voice over acting on and I think it’s safe to say this is that home run. So, bravo!

Mr. Robot is provocative. It challenges our definition of freedom and our responsibility to those around us. It shows the realities of the middle class struggle. It challenges society’s standards, needs and desires, privileges, rights, and the paradox that connects them all. And what we control, what we surrender, what we think we control and surrender Mr. Robot is dangerous, brilliant fun.

All around, this show is absolutely phenomenal. The directing, the cinematography, the editing, are all on point. It’s easily one of the most visually stunning pieces of work on television in a long time. I was enamored in every moment of the series premiere by every element that brought this show together.

A somewhat tiny thing but worth mentioning… I loved The Hunger Games shout out and it makes me wonder if there will be any other book shout outs this season. I sure hope so. The show doesn’t shy away from the realities of today, including what we do for knowledge or fun, distraction or all of the above.

“Sam Esmail has captured and distilled our ongoing cultural conversation about identity, privacy, value and self-worth,” said Jeff Wachtel, President and Chief Content Officer, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. I can’t tell you how much I agree with this, wholeheartedly. Wow. What a wildly extraordinary story that’s being told here with story resonance unlike any other in quite some time. I am so proud of this show, so happy for its success well before the series premiere and so excited to tune in each week to see where it all goes.

Mr. Robot is one of the most thought provoking, moving dramas you will watch all summer. Scratch that, it is THE most thought provoking and moving drama you will watch all summer. Mr. Robot is mesmerizing. Congratulations writers, casting, and everyone involved… you’ve nailed it. As for you, the viewer, you do not want to miss this drama. If there’s one new show to watch this summer, choose Mr. Robot.

Watch the series premiere of Mr. Robot TONIGHT on USA at 10/9c.