If there was going to be a season that proves TV is overtaking Film on not just a technical level but on a cultivative, narrative level, Season 3 of Mr Robot should be at the very top of that list. I would almost say that it’s not just Season 3 but the entirety of the show that would prove such a point to the viewer. It makes even common tropes in plot and character seem unique and rare in today’s entertainment mediums. Arguably, that makes this one of the most important shows in recent memory.
Depth in Character and Story
This season kicks off straight after the ending point of Season 2’s cliffhanger and with cliffhanger’s, a writer can go one of two ways; producing more answers or more questions. If you’re used to this type of show then you’ll know you mostly stumble upon the second way a lot and Mr Robot doesn’t stem away from it.
It’s written with a gentle pace and masterclass in acting and cinematography that leave you in awe over what you have just witnessed, whether that be diegetically or non-diegetically. Sure, there may be a few moments where the action and intensity drops down a notch but the show knows how to deliver afterwards and that if you can tease very well, the audience often forget they’re waiting for what happens at the end and it certainly excels in that.
Cultural and Political Importance
With the show as a whole being about revolution and cybercrime, it’s safe to say that it’s not going to be devoid of any political or economical deconstruction. What I respect about it is that even though you know what direction the story leans towards in terms of it’s standpoint on those themes, it doesn’t make fun of them. It treats them with delicacy and maturity and yet still manages to give a raw and visceral portrayal.
Dynamic and Broad
The best thing that any season could do is not sticking to the same old things that are expected from it. With each season of Mr Robot, there is always an episode or two that takes it in a new direction. Episode 5’s (title: eps3.4_runtime-err0r.r00) 45 minute episode uses “smartcutting” to make it look like a single take all the way through. Episode 8 (title: eps3.7_dont-delete-me.ko) uses a letterbox aspect ratio and different camera techniques in order for the episode to feel like a movie instead of a TV episode and understandably so – you’ll have to watch to find out why but it’s amazing and emotional.
This definitely maintains the excitement of each new episode and they are much more than “cheap gimmicks”. They serve a purpose and impact the audience in a way that a piece of dialogue never could achieve and that’s something powerful to witness.
Conclusion
You know a show is special when the filler episodes are vital in their placement and stature to many aspects of the show. Many people lost their interest in Season 2 which is unfortunate because even though I didn’t think Season 2 was bad at all, they’ll miss out on witnessing a mesmerising spectacle of gargantuan proportions.
Also, if you’ve been wondering why I haven’t spoken much about the actual plot, it’s because that would be insulting. Mr Robot is one of those shows where you cannot describe the plot without spoiling it and Season 3 is no exception. If you gave up on the show, make sure to pick it back up again for this season because it’s worth it and if you haven’t seen the show yet then…it’s on Amazon Prime. It’s worth the membership alone.
With amazing acting, sharp dialogue, immersive filmmaking and relevant stories, I think Mr Robot should be on everyone’s watch list and Season 3 is ultimately proof that this show is amongst the best drama shows of ALL TIME!
10/10 = A GAMECHANGING SENSATION
Words By: Keiran Hunter
Pictures: NBCUniversal