How Alienation, Loneliness and Lack of Control Drive the Characters of Mr. Robot to Act the Way They Do

In an incredibly insightful video essay, Wisecrack host Jared Bauer takes a look at the theme of alienation, loneliness and lack of control that pervades every corner of Sam Esmail‘s sublime television series Mr. Robot, pointing to the social culprits of consumerism, religion, wealth and self-awareness.

It’s only when Elliot admits that Mr. Robot is his own creation, that he can finally carve a path out of his own alienation. When we’ve mixed-up the relationship between God and the world around us, the world becomes confusing. Cause and effect seem to invert themselves, reality slips away, and we lose touch with our fellow man. No longer are we the drivers of our fate, but events are laid out by the divine, or your imaginary friend.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.