A trending modern cyberpunk thriller, which ended its epic run almost six years ago, still feels way ahead of its time.
Not all sci-fi TV shows try to accurately predict the future based on the world we currently live in. Even the ones that attempt to do the same often settle for surface-level speculation instead of diving deep into how megacorporations shape democracies and gradually erode privacy. One incredible modern cyberpunk series, however, refuses to be just any other run-of-the-mill techno-thriller.
With its gripping drama, it not only examines the machinery of control already embedded in everyday life but also compels viewers by unfolding through the eyes of an unreliable but relatable protagonist.
Mr. Robot Is Perfect From Start To Finish
Mr. Robot begins with one of the best pilot episodes of all time in which it walks through everything from its protagonist’s mental health struggles to his genius hacking abilities. It also establishes the overarching villian while hinting at the existence of a secret vigilante society. The show’s opening hook also does an incredible job of immersing audiences in its drama through the use of visuals that feel both grounded yet futuristic.
While some might argue that Mr. Robot is not exactly cyberpunk in terms of aesthetic, the show deserves to be considered a part of the subgenre because of its gripping portrayal of high-tech and low life.
The show’s opening episode almost seems perfect. However, despite setting a high bar in episode 1 itself, Mr. Robot only manages to get better as it peels back the layers of its overarching conspiracy and deepens its psychological undertones. It is Sam Esmail’s creative vision that makes Mr. Robot an increasingly introspective experience.
However, it is Rami Malek’s performance as the show’s main character that truly elevates the series into something unforgettable. Malek’s performance ensures that Sam Esmail’s vision of gradually transforming Mr. Robot from a clever techno-thriller to a deeply personal journey into fractured identity and the cost of revolution is fully realized.
In its four-season runtime, Mr. Robot barely has any dull moments. The series also does not outstay its welcome and ends with a satisfying conclusion in season 4.
Mr. Robot Was Way Ahead Of Its Time & Still Feels Relevant
Even to this day, the portrayal of hackers in pop-culture is confined to silly tropes where characters rapidly type away at their screens to break firewalls. Mr. Robot‘s depiction of hacking was not bereft of fictional elements, but it still has one of the most realistic portrayals of hacking on television. The series’ “E Corp” (Evil Corp) felt more like a caricature a decade ago, but it is now hard not to see it as a prophecy.
With rising debts and massive corporations taking control of everything from consumer data to political influence, the show’s dystopian anxieties feel like mirrors to the present world.
Even the show’s grueling and painful portrayal of Elliot’s mental health reflects the growing loneliness epidemic in the hyper-connected digital world. With so many hard-hitting and realistic aspects in Mr. Robot‘s storytelling, it still seems way ahead of its time. In the years ahead, the cyberpunk thriller will likely become an even more sobering portrait of the modern condition.