Since then its been nothing but destruction, pain, and failure.
Its quite the journey to get there though.
Its appropriate that Eps3.7_dont-delete-me.ko begins with a premonition of death.
Credit: Michael Parmelee/USA Network
Its 1995 and Elliot and his father are out for their traditional movie night.
Both physical and emotional scars refuse to heal.
Elliot says hell never forgive his father, and Edward Alderson collapses in the cinema lobby.
His son takes his jacket and leaves him lying there.
Its something hell get used to.
The propaganda machine, fueled by the Dark Army, is working perfectly.
Elliot knows this, and yet hes powerless to do anything.
Well, there might be one thing he can do.
When Darlene comes over and sees his panic, she starts to worry.
Elliot is manic and yet also clear eyed.
Hes distraught and yet seems to be in quiet control of his actions.
Elliot has come to an understanding: This is all his fault.
Darlene tries to tell him otherwise, but Elliot knows a fundamental truth, which is that Mr.
I feel like youre giving up, says Darlene.
Hes ready to be done with all the pain and suffering.
So, Elliot goes to a drug dealer named Hard Andy and buys a bag full of morphine.
Various forms of guilt and burden have plagued these characters throughout the season.
Now this week Elliot is reckoning with his own guilt, and hes decided its too much to bear.
Elliot hits rock bottom.
But does that mean things can only get better?
His brother isnt having it.
He curses Mobley and the attention hes brought to his family.
He doesnt believe a word Elliot says.
He believes the news.
You think they just make this s up now?
Just wait until its 2017, buddy.
Elliot receives a warmer welcome at Trentons house.
Trentons father has no trouble believing this.
The established paranoid thriller atmosphere really pays off throughout Eps3.7_dont-delete-me.ko.
This isnt an episode like the others, filled with dark corners, shady motivations, and cryptic language.
Its a more controlled look at this world and the shape its taken since the 5/9 hack.
A curfew is in place.
Soldiers roam the streets.
Everybody is on edge, and yet also trying to go about their lives.
Its a stirring statement on the way Americans have normalized violence and accepted the Big Brother response.
Its a nation throwing up a collective shrug.
Its not just Elliot whos given up.
With America on its ways out, Elliot looks for the exit door himself.
But then theres a disruption.
Trentons little brother shows up on the beach, having followed Elliot from his home.
Elliot tries to get him to leave, but like so many young children hes persistent.
While Elliot sees the world crumbling, this kid just sees the world.
Its seemingly all hes ever known.
A child of immigrant parents, hes certainly used to the hatred.
He knows this country has not been kind to his family.
Elliot hops in an ice cream truck, driven by a man listening toTheWar of the Worldson the radio.
He sees it as a story of human perseverance.
Elliot muses on that idea, another one that helps bring him back from that darker place.
And yet, hes still struggling.
When he finds Trentons brother in a mosque near their home, the kid lashes out.
I wish you were dead!
Its out in the open now, and yet perhaps Elliot can turn back.
Its a moment of reflection, though its certainly not calm and quiet.
Rather, its a turning point for Elliot.
First, he sees no way out.
The Dark Army has won, and he helped them.
He sees humanity for the hopeless mass of fear and anger that it is.
He sees no way back from that, not anymore.
Whats left to save anyhow?
Trentons brother is whats left to save.
He asks to see Elliot again.
Elliot says hell take him to seeThe Martian.
When the kid goes inside his house to get him something, Elliot cracks.
He cries, a complete emptying of everything hes been feeling for the whole season.
The kid gives him a lollipop, because Elliot said he was sick.
Its a small gift, but its earnest and sweet.
Elliot knows that, and he clings to it.
This is his moment to either step up or check out.
At the beginning of the episode the choice was to check out.
Now, hes ready to go on the offensive.
He blackmails Mobleys brother into throwing a funeral for his late friend.
Perhaps this isnt over yet; perhaps the present is still salvageable.
Robotsplit-screen touch, but effective nonetheless.
Every other episode this season has suggested otherwise.
But you oughta find hope wherever you’re able to.
