Mr Robot — Series 4: Episodes 13 — Series Finale Pt 2/Hello Elliot — A review

24th December, 2019.

Yes: it’s Christmas Eve.

And … ?

Frankly, I’m indoors.

Partly thought lack of cash.

Partly through choice.

The enforced merriment of the season can be … 

… 

Mildly depressing, let’s put it that way.

On the up side … ?

On the upside, tomorrow is the big day.

Where we got to find out exactly what Jude thinks of his present … !

~≈◊≈~

Tonight, though … ?

Tonight, as I have a free evening … ?

I have the chance to finally finish watching Mr Robot, Series 4.

We have a finale to finish.

~≈◊≈~

Mr Robot — Series 4: Episodes 12 — Series Finale Pt 1/whoami — A review

23rd December, 2019.

Hmmm … 

I’ve got paid, today.

Ot, at least, received my benefits payment for the month.

Which — as always — never really lasts.

On top of that … ?

I’ve got a pre-pay electricity meter.

It’s a bit like a prepay mobile phone.

You head for a shop with the relevant payment machine, they put your payment key into their machine, put the money on, you go home, shove the key in the meter … and, by the power of technology, the money’s put on your meter.

Except, of course, for today.

When none of the machines in the shop in the High Street, recognised my key.

So … ?

I’ve spent an hour on the phone, today: getting in touch with my suppler, in order to get another key.

It’ll get here by Friday.

I’m just glad I’ve enough money on the meter to be going on with … 

~≈¥≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s a Monday … 

Which — if you’ve been paying attention, recently — means one thing.

Yes.

I’ve caught another episode of Mr Robot’s Series 4.

~≈¥≈~

Mr Robot — Series 4: Episodes 1 — 401 Unauthorized

8th October, 2019.

Yes: it’s officially official.

I’ve lost my job.



After, I’m told, not completing my probationary period, successfully.



There’s a few reasons: mostly to do with me.

My gob will get me into trouble, sometimes.



About the only things in my favour?

That at least one customer, today, said it’s nice to have someone friendly on the till.

And that the manager told me I was one of the best up-sellers she’d seen.

All that … ?



And it took the area manager to give me the heave-ho: rather than the store manager, herself.

Ho … hum … !

At any rate … ?

There’s not much that I can do, right here and now.

Except do what I’ve done, today.



Job hunt … fill in a change of circumstances form … update my Mac to Catalina* … 



Oh … and catch up with some TV.

Oh, yes: Series 4 of Mr Robot is sneaking it’s way into my life … 

~≈Ç≈~

Mr Robot — Series 3 — Episodes 9 and 10: eps3.8_stage3.torrent and shutdown -r

9th March, 2018.

Yep: it’s been one of those.

Days, that is.

Frankly?

I’ve taken the day off ill: where my guts have played up.

And I’m blowed if I know what’s triggered that.

At any rate … ?

I’ve had a day at home where I can catch up with something resembling housework.

And possibly?

Catching up with some TV.

Yep: you’re right.

The last two episodes of Mr Robot’s third season.

~≈§≈~

Mr Robot — Series 3 — Episodes 8: eps3.7 dont-delete-me.ko

25th February, 2018.

No, really … 

I’d lost … the … 

Lot … !

As you’re possibly aware of several things, by now.

One of those things?

Will be the simple fact I write the Daily Teaser for your entertainment: and — for the past few years — made little slide shows to go with them.

Complete with all this introductions: made up of me saying “Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser,” followed an appropriate — if not exactly legal — line from a movie.

I’m … 

Well, gutted is one way of looking at it.

Especially when I realised it was partially my fault: in NOT checking the relevant files had made the transfer correctly

On the OTHER hand?

I’m starting off on a free machine, learning about the newer software on it, learning how the audio manipulation aspects of QuickTime work … AND how to do transfers better. 

Building something similar shouldn’t be hard.

~≈§≈~

Mr Robot — Series 3 — Episodes 7: eps3.6_fredrick+tanya.chk

23rd February, 2018.

OK … 

OK … 

Right now, I’ll confess to having had better days … and less weird experiences.

Right now?

I’m the owner of a new phone.

And I’m in the middle of waiting for my old number to be transferred over to a new SIM card.

On a pay as you go deal, so you know.

While the old phone is still active?

I’ve LITERALLY just answered a call from a withheld number.

Which promptly turned out to be a woman who introduced herself as Augustine.

I put the phone down.

Old phone or new phone, answering calls from withheld numbers is not necessarily sensible.

Even if I’m wondering what the hell she wanted.

~≈§≈~

The other thing to mention … ?

Is that I’ve had to take the day off, ill, today.

I hate letting the side down.

But am VERY aware that I was in no fit state: and could possibly left myself in a worse way, for tomorrow’s shift.

I’m losing enough money, this week, as it is.

At any rate?

Making sure I got an early night, tonight?

Meant just one thing.

In between copying stuff from old versions of media libraries to new versions?

And putting new numbers onto my new phone?

And ripping stuff I possibly shouldn’t be?

I only had time for one episode of Series 3 of 

Mr Robot.

Frankly?

I’d almost lost the plot.

~≈§≈~

Mr Robot — Series 3: Episodes 5 & 6 — eps3.4_runtime-err0r.r00 and eps3.5_kill-pr0cess.inc

11th February, 2018.

That is — if you’ve watched the little introductory video — a very true observation to make.

Even if I do say so myself.

Yes … 

It’s been snowing.

And, frankly?

I’m just glad I’ve not been out in it.

Or, at least … more than I had to be.

Yeah: it’s been a day off.

And yes: I’ve done some shopping.

Actually?

I’ve ALSO helped my mother do some shopping.

Bless, she’s decided she can — with a little help from me — afford to buy me a new computer, for my birthday, in March: for which I’m eternally grateful.

You can probably tell what brand, can’t you … ?

And what model … !

I think I’ve solved the three monitor problem!

~≈§≈~

At any rate, that’s not what I was … 

I was going to say that wasn’t what I intended to tell you.

But you can’t not expect a boy to blab excitedly, can you?

At ANY rate … ?

I’ve had a good day.

And rounded it off with more episodes from the third season of Mr Robot.

Yes, hotting up is accurate … 

~≈§≈~

Mr Robot — Series 3: Episodes 3 and 4 — eps3.2_legacy.so and eps3.3_m3tadata.par2*

1st February, 2018.

Yes, exactly … 

Games CAN be disconcertingly distracting.

EXTREMELY disconcertingly distracting.

Especially the two games featured in that introductory video: Armagetron Advanced and Pac the Man X.

That’s not what’s got me concerned, right now, though.

Nope.

The remote control on my TV set’s gone home!

Yes, I have changed batteries.

Yes, I’ve got work arounds.

But?

Bugger!

That’s distracting … 

And frustrating.

~≈§≈~

Frustrating … because I think I know what’s happened.

I know I spilt some tea, earlier.   And think I’ve spilt it onto the remote.

Which is possibly what’s knackered the thing.

I’ll get by, for now.

Like I saw, workarounds: and I can always see if another, fresher, set of batteries will work†.

But … ?

Well, I have to admit: frustration isn’t something I cope well with.

Looking back at my history?

That possibly explains a few things.

~≈§≈~

At ANY rate … ?

At any rate, distractions and frustrations aside, tonight was a night off.

A night off where I was determined to catch up with an old friend … 

Series three of an old friend.

Series 3 of … 

Mr Robot

~≈§≈~

Mr Robot — Series 3: Episodes 1 and 2 — eps3.0_power-saver-mode.h and eps3.1_undo.gz*

28th January, 2018.

Yeah, I’m right, aren’t I … ?

Really.

Choosing which TV box set to watch next is … tricky.

I mean …

American Horror Story?

Something of a favourite, but I’ve plenty of time to catch the blessed thing.

The Man in the High Castle … ?

Tempting.

Very tempting, in fact.

Both were: as is — possibly — checking out Black Mirror, or the vintage Space: 1999.

The possibility of a movie?   As Bladerunner 2049 seems to be out and about?

Tempting … but pricey, and intimidatingly long, at two hours and forty-nine minutes.

Complaining about Sainsbury’s milk bottles?

Definitely an option.

The handles on the the two and four pint bottles are canted to the left: as the picture will show you.

Which is possibly leaving you saying “Big deal: it’s only going to slightly to pour milk from those bottles, if you’re left handed.   Most of us are right-handed.”

Exactly.

Most of us are.

I’m willing to bet you are.

I’m not.

I’m a left-hander, happy to be so … 

But always annoyed by design — like the design — that ignores ten percent of the planet.

~≈§≈~

But I’m going sideways, here, aren’t I … ?

Yes: because I was telling you about what I was going to watch.

I’m returning to a series whose hero, Elliot, is a hacker with a mission, associative identity disorder†, an alter ego based on his father … 

And a group of friends plotting to hold do C.A.R.

A Computer Aided Revolution.

Yep.

You’re right … 

Series 3 of Mr Robot

~≈§≈~

Mr Robot — Series 2: Episodes 11 and 12 — eps2.9_pyth0n-pt1.p7z and eps2.9_pyth0n-pt2.p7z

31st May, 2017.

Right … 

That’s that done … 

Hmmm …

I supposed I’d better tell you what I’m talking about, hadn’t I … ?

Jus in case you’re not one of my regular readers, my name’s Paul, I work in a call centre in Chelmsford — we take calls for social landlord tenants who need emergency repairs — and live in Brentwood.

I’m an ex-pub-quiz-master who writes the hopefully entertainingly Daily Teaser.

I’m someone getting annoyed by the amount of calls from the kind of call centres telling me I’m entitled to a PPI compensation, or compensation for an accident I had, or that I’ve won a Morrison’s voucher.

I’ve had about five, already, today.

With one or two?   I’ve answered the phone, but just not talked to them.   They get bored and hang up.

But I’m thinking I should get a football referee’s whistle.   I’ve had half a dozen calls like that: one of them is going to get a headache …

At ANY rate … ?

At any rate, one thing I do, when I have time off — along with sweeping, laundry and washing up — is catching a film, or a TV show.

Tonight?

Tonight was a TV show.

Tonight was the last two episodes of series two of Mr Robot.

And yes: the techno-geeky that’s my current fave?

And ended on another tense note.

~≈Ê≈~

Mr Robot — Series 2: Episodes 9 and 10 — eps2.7_init_5.fve and eps2.8_h1dden-pr0cess.axx

21st May, 2017.

Arrgh … !  I’m officially back to work, tomorrow … !

Arrgh … Arrghity ARGH ARGH … ARGH … 

Not that I mind.

After all, being able to pay my own rent, and buy my food … ?

Is both good, and confidence building.

But, with this week’s hours going back up to something approaching normal?

It means I’ll be spending a lot of time at work.

Which means … ?

Well, right now, these two episodes of Mr Robot will be the last couple I see, until next week!

Arrgh … !

~≈Â≈~

Mr Robot — Series 2: Episodes 6, 7 and 8 — eps2.4_m4ster-s1ave.aes, eps2.5_h4ndshake.sme and eps2.6_succ3ss0r.p12.

19th May, 2017.

OK.

It’s a Friday.

I know.

And you’d THINK I’d be off at the pub, wouldn’t you?

I doubt it!

I’ve not actually drunk in years.

Besides?   Heading out implies having the money to do so.

And, after choosing to have a rather good fish supper from the local chippy — the Flying Fish, if you’re ever on Warley Hill — hitting the pub was extravagant.

Besides … 

I had a few more episodes of Mr Robot to watch .

It’s getting good.

~≈Â≈~

Mr Robot — Series 2: Episodes 4 and 5 eps2.2_init_1.asec and eps2.3_logic-b0mb.hc

17th May, 2017.

You know, I’ve had time off, just recently.   Where work’s cut everyone’s hours: as a result of going from a busy winter season to a less busy summer season.

There’s a downside.

Less pay, next Friday.

But more time to myself, this week.

Frankly?

I usually don’t spend enough time in front of the TV.

Nor — usually — do I want to.

But, in the case of an exceptional film or TV show?

I fell I have to.

I felt — when I first saw it — that season one of the show meant Mr Robot was one of those exceptional shows.

I’m thinking season two carries that on … 

~≈Â≈~

Mr Robot — Series 2: Episodes 1, 2 and 3, eps2.0_unm4sk-pt1.tc, eps2.0_unm4sk-pt2.tc and eps2.1_k3rnel-pan1c.ksd

Series 2 poster.

16th May, 2017

You know … I have had doubts.

Which may sound odd, I know.

I’ve had my doubts about the job I’ve got.

It’s a very good job, with a nice bunch of co-workers, a job that’s challenging, makes good use of my customer service skills AND feels socially useful.

Over the past couple of weeks, though?

Having the hours cut has been something of a blow.

Saying that?

I’ve just had next weeks rota in: which looks rather healthier.

At least in the amount of hours I’m down for.

No complaints, there, then.

For now, though?

For now, it’s this week: and I’ve plenty of time off to catch up with a TV show or two … 

Bet you can’t guess which TV show … ?

~≈∑≈~

Mr Robot Series 1: Episodes 9 And 10 — Episode 9 eps1.8_m1rr0r1ng.qt and Episode 10_eps1.9_zer0-day.avi

2nd March, 2017.

You know … you can tell this is a week where I’ve had two days off, can’t you … ?

Well … you might not be able to: but I have.

Although I have managed to make up my hours, it has to be said.

So … ?

So I’m getting the usual weeks money, next pay day.

Saturday and Sunday?   This coming Saturday and Sunday, the fourth and fifth of March?

I‘ve got booked up as holiday.

Well, it is my birthday, Saturday: posh family meal, and all that.

But The fact I’ve had two days off, this week?

Means I’ve had as chance to catch up with some viewing.

The extended cut of Dune, last night … 

And the last two episodes of series one of Mr Robot, tonight.

And yes: I think buying the box set was worth the effort.

~≈®≈~

Mr Robot — Series 1 Episodes 7 and 8 — eps1.6_v1ew-s0urce.flv and eps1.7_wh1ter0se.m4v

23rd February, 2017.

Thursdays … 

Thursdays, Thursdays … 

Thursdays … … !

You have to love a day off, don’t you … ?

Especially if, like me, you don’t get many.

You tend to value the chance to catch up with your favourite TV shows, if nothing else.

I do, at any rate.

Right at the moment?

One of those shows is Mr Robot.

And, as you might have guessed?

I’ve caught two more episodes, tonight.

~≈Ÿ≈~

Mr Robot — Series 1 Episodes 5 and 6 — eps1.4_3xpl0its.wmv and eps1.5_br4ve-trave1er.asf

9th February, 2017.

It has to be said … 

Sometimes, there’s nothing like some music to help an evening go with … 

Well, if not a bang … then certainly a … 

A … 

Non-bang … 

If that make’s any sense?

At any rate, as I type?   I have some music on.

Brian Eno’s Ambient 2: The Plateaux of Mirror, so you know.

OK, my listening habits?

Possibly aren’t something that’s going to grab you.

The fact is, I wanted to add a little local colour to what could have been an otherwise boring introduction.

That, at heart?

I’ve been watching the first series of Mr Robot, over the past few weeks.

And caught another two episodes, tonight.

~≈⇧≈~

Mr Robot — Series 1: Episodes 3 and 4 — eps1.2_d3bug.mkv and eps1.3_da3m0ns.mp4

You know, day’s off can be nice.

Really.

Except when you’ve a pile of house work to do.

Or laundry.

Or stuff for a blog.

There’s a couple of interesting Teasers coming up, I know that.

At any rate?   I do know I’ve had a chance to catch up with more episodes of the first series of Mr Robot, tonight.

And?

Well, I feel I under-played my opinion of the second episode, a while back.

And want to try an correct that, tonight, if I may.

~≈Ê≈~

Mr Robot — Series 1: Episode 2 — eps1.1_ones-and-zer0es.mpeg

26th January, 2017.

You know, you can TELL when you’re feeling tired, can’t you?

As I write?   As I write, it’s twenty past nine on a Thursday evening: and I’m yawning my head off.

Metaphorically, obviously!

I just thought I should share that with you.

If my words seem a little underwhelmed … ?

I give you tiredness as a result!

Well … 

That … and the cold weather: I’d REALLY rather be in bed.

~≈§≈~

But, frankly?

Well, frankly, I wanted something to go on record, before I do hit the sack.

Yes … 

You’ve got it.

I’ve seen episode two of the first series of Mr Robot: and wanted you to know about it.

~≈§≈~

Mr Robot — Series 1: Episode 1 — eps1.0_hellofriend.mov

11th January, 2017.

I think I have a confession to make.

I’m now a member of the working masses.

No, really.

I’ve started a new job a few months back: and have to confess, I’m enjoying it.

AND the amount of overtime I’ve picked up, this week.

Which possibly means I’ll be doing a little shopping on Amazon, this week.

Books, possibly.

Especially as — at least for this week and next week — I’m working six nights a week: at my own request.

Purely to be able to afford the rent and pay the bills.

It means several things.

Firstly?   I’ve money to pay the bills.

Secondly?

I’ve less time to watch a film.

Or a TV series box set.

I’m trying to run a blog, here, AND get a social life.

Remind me to keep doing the latter, people keep telling me they’re fun.

At ANY rate!

At any rate, tonight was my night off.   Tonight was a night with nothing to do … 

Except catch something on TV.

A film?

Was out of the questions.   Frankly, nothing on iTunes was catching my attention.

A TV series?

Was an option.   Although Penny Dreadful is now finished, Dr Who isn’t on until later this year, The Strain’s fourth series is available, yet.

And, whilst Taboo and series four of Sherlock are both looking good?   Neither are on until the weekend.

So … ?

Well … ?

I know that — sitting on an extra hard-drive on my computer — is a copy of series one of Amazon Prime hit, Mr Robot.

Something that had been there for a while.

Something I’d not — between one thing and another — manage to sit down and watch.

Tonight?

I thought I should remedy that: an catch at least one episode.

Just to sample the goods, mind.

~≈⌘≈~