Spoiler Alert: This list contains spoilers for the entire series of ‘Mr. Robot.‘Mr. Robotgripped the attention of audiences throughout its run in the 2010s. TheEmmy Award-winning series created bySam Esmailboasts critical acclaim and strong ratings acrossIMDbandRotten Tomatoes. Now that the series hasfound a home on Netflix, it’s a great time to rewatch (or delve into it for the first time). Each episode builds upon those that came before, hooking viewers in with plot twists and ambiguous narratives. Beyond the technical lingo interspersed throughout,the dramatic thriller is a character-driven examination of timely themes surrounding wealth, tech, and mental health.
Mr. Robotfollows engineer and self-proclaimed hacker, Elliot Alderson (Rami Malek) ashe takes on personal responsibility to rid the world of corruption. The entire series is indeed perfect from start to finish. But there are distinct moments that make individual episodes so captivating, whether through experimental production, cinematic marvel, or profound storytelling. From “404 Not Found” to “Hello, Elliot,” these episodes ofMr. Robotare simply perfection from start to finish.
10"404 Not Found"
Season 4, Episode 4
“404 Not Found” is very much a standalone episode that pays tribute to Tyrell Wellick’s (Martin Wallstrom) concluding character arc. It follows Elliot and Tyrell’s trip to the woods upstate to escape growing threats from the Dark Army. It’s moving to watchtheir relationship strengthen out of need and companionship – something Elliot struggles withwhen engaging with others. They discuss philosophy and past mistakes, like Mr. Robot (Christian Slater) allows Elliot to feel during these interactions.
It follows Elliot and Tyrell’s trip to the woods upstate to escape growing threats from the Dark Army.
At the start of the series, Tyrell was most certainly an antagonist to Elliot and fsociety. E Corp’s new leader focused solely on gaining profit and power. He possessed everything they wanted to disrupt, after all.But something changed after the brutal death of his wife, stripping Tyrell of everything he believed in for something greaterthat he could only find through Elliot’s pursuits. “404 Not Found” serves as aredemption arc for Tyrell, allowing him to face his end with respect as the screen fades to white.
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Season 3, Episode 8
It’s been known since the start ofMr. Robotthat Elliot is diagnosed withvarious mental disorders. This is not just a character trait, but fuel for the events that transpire as he, alongside Mr. Robot, creates disruption.Death lingers throughout “eps3.7_dont-delete-me.ko.“Elliot mourns recent deaths. Meanwhile, he is confronted by the news that his father is dying in a brief flashback.
It’s as if Elliot processes these thoughts through code, rather than emotion.
Together, this leaves Elliot grappling with his stance on mortality, unable to leave his apartment for weeks, battling ideation. But it’s the younger brother of one of those dead men who interrupts Elliot’s actions at a moment of chance, providing a distraction beyond Mr. Robot’s words and helps Elliot reclaim his mind.The episode’s title itself, “eps3.7_dont-delete-me.ko,” captures Elliot’s character well. It’s as if Elliot processes these thoughts through code, rather than emotion. It’s a method of coping we’ve seen from Elliot time and time again.
8"Hello, Elliot”
Season 4, Episode 13
The series comes to an end with “Hello, Elliot.” Is Elliot healed? Can he truly exist in a reality beyond what he constructed in his mind? Is Mr. Robot gone forever?It offers one final twist as to who Elliot’s real identity isbeyond what we have been following for four seasons. Is Darlene Alderson (Carly Chaikin) the only one who can protect him?
…Its ambiguity allows fans to wonder what might happen now that Elliot “wakes up” in a sense.
Titled “Hello, Elliot,“Mr. Robot’s series finale is an undeniable callback to its very first episode, “Hello, Friend.” He is aware now, as the show comes full circle. This is a case in which aseries finale succeedsin every way; Sam Esmail knew when to conclude the story. Although it’s not entirely a happy or even satisfying ending, its ambiguity allows fans to wonder what might happen now that Elliot “wakes up” in a sense.Mr. Robotwas never entirely about hacking or the crime that ensued; it was a show about identity and healing.
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Season 1, Episode 8
Elliot must confront his professional and personal lives, which converge when he ends up on both sides of a scheme. When he discovers that E Corp has placed a “honeypot” on anyone trying to hack their systems. As a result, he must work with his fellow fsociety members to take it down. The episode also teases White Rose (BD Wong) and the Dark Army as they lend their support,teasing crucial figures that would become more important later on.
Elliot must confront his professional and personal lives, which converge when he ends up on both sides of a scheme.
Meanwhile, Elliot learns a big truth about Darlene; attempting to kiss the woman he’s spent so much time with recently, he finds out that she is his sister. It’s clear that this is a recurring issue as Darlene asks him, “Did you forget again?“This leads him down a rabbit hole, discovering that Mr. Robot – the man he met some months ago and who brought him onto his team – is his (and Darlene’s) father.This brief interaction is just one of many twists to come.
6"405 Method Not Allowed”
Season 4, Episode 5
The silence is deafening in “404 Method Not Allowed” as Elliot and Darlene spend Christmas Dayorganizing yet another heistin an episode void of dialogue. Four seasons later, the siblings begin to understand one another in a language they both know: hacking.Even Elliot’s internal monologue is missing from “405 Method Allowed.“He does not need to face Mr. Robot or engage; instead, focusing only on the task at hand.
…The siblings begin to understand one another in a language they both know: hacking.
For a show with such sharp writing, focusing entirely on action rather than communication showcases an inventive form of storytelling.However, there are two quick lines spoken by Darlene at the beginning of the episode (“It’s cool, dude. We don’t need to talk”) and Vera (Elliott Villar) at the end (“It’s time we talk”).“405 Method Allowed” is one of those episodes that deserves numerous rewatches, as it’s easy to miss the finer details the first time around.
5"eps3.4 runtime-error.r00”
Season 3, Episode 5
There are a few intersecting plots taking place in “eps3.4 runtime-error.r00” which makes it clear that nobody can be trusted.Darlene makes her connection to the FBI known. Meanwhile, Elliot must stop an impending threat against E Corp as riots continue outside. Additionally, Angela Moss’ (Portia Doubleday) relationship with the Dark Army grows clearer ahead of their next plan. While the episode plays out like any other inMr. Robot’s impressive run, it’s the way that they filmed it that ushered in critical acclaim.
Production took a risk, utilizing their resources to present an episode filmed in a single cohesive take.
There have been plenty ofone-shot scenes in movies.But it’s rarely done on television, let alone an entire 45-minute-long episode.Production took a risk, utilizing their resources to present an episode filmed in a single cohesive take. It’s a feat of technological creativity and logistics, and it made sense for the plot. AsSam Esmail toldEntertainment Weekly, “We wanted to experience those first few minutes of switching from personality to personality… we wanted to find the most dramatic way to reflect that experience.” Sometimes, it can be as simple as camera work that strays from conventional television.
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Season 2, Episode 6
It’s clear that “eps2.4m4ster-s1ave.aes” is unlike any normal episode ofMr. Robot. It deviates from the show’s typical dark and gritty appearance. Audiences are welcomed into Elliott’s delusions as he drives in an (obviously fake) car with his family – those both dead and alive – along with a mysterious banging noise from the trunk. Like many of Elliot’s delusions,the episode serves as a coping mechanism; only this time, it mimics classic 1990s sitcoms.
This is a season in which Elliott fully lives in a world of his own…
Although it feels more like a fever dream (why isAlfthere?), it does propel the plot forward,diving deeper into Elliot’s mind and the world Mr. Robot created for him as protection. This is a season in which Elliott fully lives in a world of his own, as audiences will soon learn. It’s anepisode exploring nostalgiaand his tainted past – something Elliot has become accustomed to. Whether through episodes with no words or creative production choices,Mr. Robotcontinued to experiment with varying ways to tell stories.
3"eps1.0 hellofriend.mov”
Season 1, Episode 1
The episode that started it all. The key to a successful series lies in its pilot; it should introduce the plot to garner curiosity and introduce enticing characters that audiences will want to follow in future episodes (or seasons). In many ways,Mr. Robotdoes just that. We meet Elliot Alderson, a monotone, introverted man clad in simple jeans and a black hoodie. This would become his uniform.Beyond a rising plot which sees Elliot working at Evil “E” Corp and his venture into a hacker vigilante group, fsociety, his life seems otherwise mundane.
…The show is guided through the protagonist’s twisted internal monologue.
Audiences learn, however, that this is not the case as the episode progresses.It’s revealed early on that Elliot is an unreliable narrator, which leaves room for skepticism; the show is guided through the protagonist’s twisted internal monologue. There are many side plots occurring at once as audiences are introduced to varying characters, settings, and exposition. Yet, everything seemed to connect by the end, leaving room for ambiguity that would be explored in the coming episodes.
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Season 2, Episode 7
Mr. Robot’s second season performed slightly lower than the previous. But there might be a reason for that, as something feltoff. This comes to a big reveal in “eps2.5h4ndshake.sme.” The episode starts off slowly as it appears that Elliott is beginning to heal in many ways. There are a few other side plots also taking place: Angela interacts with the Dark Army and receives a promotion at E Corp; Darlene and fsociety concoct a new hack. ButElliot is noticeably missing from these events.
…Elliott is in prison for the entirety of Season 2 for hacking and property damage…
Elliot is bound to a set routine, makes peace with Mr. Robot’s presence, and the occasional newfound friendship between confidants.It seemed so normal.Continuing withMr. Robot’s continuously epic plot twists, it’s revealed in “eps2.5h4ndshake.sme” that Elliott is in prison for the entirety of Season 2 for hacking and property damage (petty crimes compared to what will take place soon).Mr. Robotis not just a show of plot twists; everything builds upon one another to deconstruct the reality audiences are presented with. This is a stark reminder of that for both Elliot and the audience.
1"407 Proxy Authentication Required”
Season 4, Episode 7
Fans consider “407 Proxy Authentication Required” to be one ofMr. Robot’s best episodes. The episode contains everything that madeMr. Robotso influential throughout its run. It’s been three seasons since Elliot encountered Vera and faced the death of Shayla at his hands; this marks his return to New York City and the show. The episode takes place confined to Krista’s (Gloria Reuben) office, where he forces her and Elliot into an impromptu therapy session wherehe wants to learn more about Elliot’s relationship with Mr. Robot. Frankly, audiences do, too.
…Elliot grows closer to answers he did not know he was seeking.
Despite being held hostage, the session proves to be productive as it reveals the origins of Mr. Robot as a coping mechanism for the abuse Elliot endured as a child,ultimately resulting in his Dissociative Identity Disorder. As it turns out, Vera experienced a similar upbringing, which showcases how this affects adulthood in wholly different ways. “407 Proxy Authentication Required” is an emotional episode driven by the interaction between unlikely and complex characters, propelling Season 4’s plot forward as Elliot grows closer to answers he did not know he was seeking. Although ratings alone don’t define an episode’s success, it should be noted that “407 Proxy Authentication Required” boasts a9.9 rating on IMDb– the highest of the series.
