Weird City Season 1 Episode 4 Episode 4
- February 13, 2019
In episode 4 of Weird City, viewers are introduced to a world where people are divided into two classes: the "Above" and the "Below." While the Above live in luxury high-rise buildings and enjoy all sorts of technological advancements, the Below are forced to live in squalor on the ground level. The episode follows a young woman named Stu (Laverne Cox) who wants to climb the ranks in the corporate world by any means necessary. She uses a cutting-edge technology, called "The Helper," to boost her productivity and impress her boss, Mr. Flowers (Dylan O'Brien). However, things quickly take a dark turn as Stu begins to rely more and more on the Helper, and Mr. Flowers' true intentions are revealed.
The episode offers a scathing critique of the gig economy and the ruthless corporate culture that pervades many workplaces. Stu is a sympathetic character at first, struggling to make ends meet and trying to find a way to secure her future. However, as she becomes more and more addicted to the Helper, she starts to lose sight of her goals and becomes almost robotic in her pursuit of success. The show doesn't shy away from depicting the toll that this kind of work culture can take on people, both mentally and physically.
One of the strengths of the episode is how it uses its sci-fi setting to comment on current issues in society. The divide between the Above and the Below is an obvious metaphor for the wealth gap that exists in many countries. The Above live in a bubble of luxury and convenience, while the Below are forced to work menial jobs just to survive. The Helper technology is also a commentary on the way that Silicon Valley is constantly trying to find new ways to make workers more efficient, without taking into account the toll that this can take on their mental health.
The episode also features strong performances from the cast. Cox is particularly impressive as Stu, conveying both vulnerability and ambition in equal measure. O'Brien, who is best known for his work in the Maze Runner franchise, is also great as Mr. Flowers, a character who starts out as charming and enigmatic before revealing his true colors.
Overall, episode 4 of Weird City is a thought-provoking and engaging entry in the series. It offers a sharp critique of contemporary work culture and the gig economy, while also delivering some thrilling sci-fi twists and turns.