In 2015, the USA Network show Mr. Robot first aired, quickly captivating viewers and establishing itself as a noteworthy series. About a year ago, I attended an NYCC panel that started a conversation about the evolution of USA Network shows. One of the panelists said, in reference to Mr. Robot, "People are obsessed with [that] show." It's not difficult to understand why.
The psychological thriller follows Elliot Alderson, a computer programmer struggling with severe feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and (a little later on) dissociative identity disorder. He joins forces with a hacker group known as fsociety to bring down E Corp, a powerful and seemingly inescapable corporation, and return power to the people.
One of the most effective strategies the show uses to draw in viewers is the marketing, which is, quite frankly, brilliant. It goes beyond a commercial every so often and ads in the subway. They have incorporated the fictional world within the show into real life. Shortly after season two ended, Sam Esmail and Courtney Looney (writer) published a book in conjunction with the season, allowing fans of the show to own and read Elliot's journal. Many parts were included in the show, while the rest provided more information about why certain events took place, or how Elliot was dealing with the aftermath of season one events. Recently they brought E Corp into reality. During San Diego Comic Con, they created a scavenger hunt of sorts for fans, as well as offer Ecoin, a payment system replacing cash or credit, allowing fans to pay using the new system. Ecoin has also become a "real" system you can sign up for that includes different perks every so often. Red Wheelbarrow BBQ trucks were also serving food during both San Diego and New York Comic Cons, and E Corp threw an Ecoin launch party on October 5th.
Of course, the show doesn't rely solely on marketing. Sam Esmail has created an incredibly savvy show that people are quickly willing to invest emotionally and mentally in, looking deep within the show to uncover missed details and understand not only the events, but the characters better. It's difficult not to analyze every single detail, even if they may not relate to the plot (but chances are they do). The world of Mr. Robot has a noir feel to it, bringing a unique grittiness each season. The production design, cinematography, and music (both original score and songs from various artists) bring an intriguing visual style and complementary aural styles that help make the show what it is.
The cast also accentuates, and creates, much of the mesmerizing appeal of the show. Rami Malek (Elliot) gives astounding performances every episode. He portrays the confusion, frustration, and loneliness Elliot feels about the pervasive Mr. Robot (Christian Slater), as well as towards every other problem his character endures. Malek and Slater both portray Elliot's dissociative disorder in a believable way, one of the highly notable qualities about the show. Carly Chaikin (Darlene) and Portia Doubleday (Angela) are two often contradictory forces in Elliot's life. Their dynamics with each other are powerful, and play to the heart of the show, despite the dysfunctional nature of the relationships.
Mr. Robot has reached fans in a way I've rarely seen any show affect an audience. Viewers, myself included, have become so immersed in Esmail's fictional world that he has effectively blurred the lines between his reality and actuality. He offers important commentary about the world today, and where it may be heading. Many episodes leave you feeling paranoid (as they should) about major corporations being hacked, and how your own "privacy" is compromised. As word spreads about the show, so to does the message behind the show and in the show. Mr. Robot has created its own revolution beyond the screen, and it's not slowing down anytime soon. So, friends. Will you join the revolution?
Mr. Robot airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on USA Network.
