‘Halt and Catch Fire’ season 2, episode 5 review: Gordon’s revelation; Joe and Cameron’s ‘meeting’
Going into Sunday night’s “Halt and Catch Fire” episode, it would be easy to say that the top story would be Joe and Cameron spending time together for the first time all season on-screen. However, what ended up happening instead was a big revelation when it comes to Gordon that proved to be quite the game-changer: He may not be long for this world.
With Gordon realizing that his past has led to him suffering brain damage, he started to live almost on a rail, not really looking at anything other than what he wanted. He also had a desire almost to tie up his own loose ends, paying back Donna’s parents for their help, and trying to reconnect with his brother.
Now, let’s dive into the much-anticipated Joe / Cameron reunion. For most of the episode, we have to say that the real MVP here was the Mutiny head. If this was season 1, this would not be someone who would react well to the notion of Joe MacMillan showing back up, let alone being engaged. She has opportunities both with Sara and her father Jacob Wheeler in order to ensure his his spot was blown and his life fell apart again. Yet, she didn’t do it. She was cordial and professional on the surface, even when she didn’t want to.
Did some of the old Cameron come back when dealing with Bosworth? Sure, but that is their fundamental difference of opinion that makes their dynamic so great. She sees Mutiny as a project, one that she loves and one that she sees slipping away. Money isn’t her top priority. However, Bosworth sees it as a business, and one that does not sustain people not wanting to pay up for services.
As for Joe’s present fiancee Sara, let’s just say that she did not entirely appreciate the fact that he has been keeping secrets from her when it comes to his business plans. She eventually told him that she “needed some time” and was going back to Austin, which certainly doesn’t mean good news for their relationship. Clearly, she has started to realize just how much he is different for different people, and she does not care for this side of him.
Overall, we found this episode very strong, though we do feel like there was something a tad missing with Cameron at the end of the episode, just as we feel when it comes to Donna and Gordon after her big pregnancy reveal. Grade: B.
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