Question: I really enjoyed the first season of Mr. Robot, but the second season has left me in the dark. I have no idea what they’re talking about and quit watching it after three episodes. Am I the only one that feels this way? — Stargal
Matt Roush: Just to be clear, I’ll probably never answer a question like this by saying, “Yes, you’re the only one.” This has been a very challenging season of Robot, to be sure, with maybe a few too many tricks up its oblique sleeve. But the rewards in recent episodes have been stimulating, even when controversial (as in the reveal of where Elliot’s head, and body, were at for most of the season). Another element at play here is that the first season was so clearly heading toward something: the hack on Evil Corp and the ultimate reveal of who/ what Mr. Robot was. This season has been all about aftermath and fallout, some of it very murkily defined and requiring so much attention to detail I once again find myself replaying an episode to figure out what I just saw—and these days, there’s precious little time for such an indulgence, given the never-ending TV glut. I still find Mr. Robot to be one of the most interesting and stylish shows out there (and I do mean out there), but I’d be more inclined to think I’m the only one feeling that way, as opposed to your more understandable reaction to a show that requires this much effort.