Mr. Robot: 402 Payment Required (2019)
Season 4, Episode 2
9/10
Feels like a season 2 episode
14 October 2019
This episode stands in sharp contrast to the premiere; where that was exciting, fast-paced and straightforward, this episode is character-driven, slow and perplexing. It reminded me a lot of the second season's tone and style. For some this may be a bad thing, but I enjoyed the second season very much, and I'm happy that this season's high stakes and seven-day timespan won't stop it from having quieter episodes like this one. That being said, the transition from the premiere to this one undeniably gave me a strong feeling of whiplash.

Aside from the beginning, which is a somewhat cool, somewhat clunky exposition dump, and the ending, which mysteriously hints at a massive twist, the episode focusses on the grieving process, largely filtered through the lens of Elliot and Darlene's relationship. The premiere seemed to drive a wedge between the two of them, so I was glad this episode gave us something closer in line with their relationship of seasons past.

Ultimately, this episode did not satiate my craving for more Mr. Robot in quite the same way the premiere did, but I believe it will stand as a very strong part of the whole once all is said and done.
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