‘Halt and Catch Fire’ season 2, episode 3 review: Who’s the stable one now?

We have spent a heck of a lot of time tonight discussing the epic season 5 finale of “Game of Thrones,” but at the same time we do not want to close off the day before making one thing incredibly clear: “Halt and Catch Fire” aired an episode Sunday night that, while subtle, was equally outstanding in just about every way. It was subtle, character-based, and reminded us so much how we enjoy these lost souls / underdogs colliding.

One of the things that we love about the show this season so far is how almost every stereotype in a way is being circumvented. After looking at times like the rebellious teenager in the second season, Cameron is in some ways now the show’s most stable character. While she may not always have the money needed for Mutiny, she knows what she wants and how to get it. That causes her meltdown when Gordon destroys their entire infrastructure after doing what is a noble attempt to lending a helping hand.

Also, she becomes enraged at the thought of Donna or really anyone bringing up the name of Joe MacMillan again. Her response to hearing his voice after calling his home is akin to her seeing a ghost. This is a main who emotionally destroyed her, and it is a complete betrayal, even if it was just a dinner that she hated.

Gordon, on the other hand, seemed to rather enjoy himself. Joe has an incredible magnetism and charisma, which is why he can worm his way so easily out of any situation. Take, for example, him managing to figure out how to make the mainframes more production, and find a way to create a business empire for himself in the basemen of Jacob Wheeler’s office building … provided that he continues to figure this out. At present, Joe and Gordon are both in various stages of being completely adrift, and not knowing where to take themselves. Gordon has money but no real importance now, while Joe claims to be happy with Sara … but is he really? He’s not Don Draper in that we don’t see him as a philanderer, but he is relentlessly ambitious without regard for who stands in his way.

It was actually Bosworth tonight who has a Don Draper moment, giving away his car to his estranged son at his wedding, deciding to see him despite warnings otherwise. Bosworth’s revenge tour has added another stellar layer to what is becoming a stellar show. While last week’s installment was somewhat weaker, this may have been the show’s finest episode to date, and a testament to the complex machine the show is building. Grade: A.

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