Mr. Mayor (TV Series)

The Illusion of Choice (2022)

Holly Hunter: Arpi Meskimen

Quotes 

• Arpi Meskimen : I don't get why you let the pilot program go ahead in the first place. Why even pick a trash can?

  Neil Bremer : Because all the choices were trash cans, Arpi! I had to pick... Oh, the illusion of choice. See, he nudged me. James nudged me!

  Arpi Meskimen : Huh, I guess he did. So nudge him back. Trick him into thinking we shouldn't do the trash cans at all.

  Neil Bremer : Trick James, the Master of Nudge?

  Arpi Meskimen : Oh, please. James just slapped a fresh coat of paint on the oldest trick in the book. Nudging is the same as "Great idea, sir." It's when I say an idea, wait for my superior to bring it up again later, and then compliment them like it's their idea. I also like "Yeah, yeah, yeah." That's what you say to sound like you're agreeing. But if it's all you say, the person you're talking to has to start filling the silence, negotiating with his own idea until he talks himself out of it.

  Neil Bremer : Yeah, I do that every time Orly asks for a rabbit. Oh, hey, what if we use our old-school nudging to get James to cancel the trash can program?

  Arpi Meskimen : Great idea, sir!

  Neil Bremer : I know. Thank you.

• James : It's the illusion of choice.

  Arpi Meskimen : Ugh, I can't tell if this is fascist gobbledygook or corporate doublespeak. But, hey, why choose, right?

  James : I'm just saying it works.