Across the Universe
However, things quickly go south. David is arrested again and this time, he’s sentenced to 10 years in prison. Ian and Poppy are devastated and their project falls apart. They’re left with nothing but their broken hearts. ..
While Poppy is over the moon, Ian is less so. He points out that they’re not going to take this offer, and solely because Ian has a bad feeling “in his gut” about it. Eventually Ian concedes and allows her to make the decision… but is she really as enthused as she first seems?
Poppy’s gut tells her that she doesn’t want the money, as the day goes on.
David knows that Jo and Carol are still overseeing Mythic Quest, while Carol is feeling unfulfilled despite a jump to the Head of Diversity and Inclusion. David points out that her role is basically to maintain the status quo but she’ll never have the funds to actually do anything significant to make a difference. All she needs to do is act like she’s making a difference. ..
Carol rejects this and points out that it’s not how she rolls and as such, comes up with an idea. She’s hired a new employee, Brad. He’s back and this time he’s there as a janitor. As he’s an ex-felon, Carol brings up that they get a discount on bringing him in so it’s a win/win for the company.
The big drama here is the CW’s party. All our characters prepare for it that night. Ian and Poppy clash with David, a good deal of tension between them all. However, when Poppy announces in front of everyone that she’s turned down the $60 million offer (the firm counter-offered with $10 million more), Ian is shocked. ..
CW didn’t show up to his own party so everyone begins shuffling out. Just before they do, David is given a letter confirming something major. CW is dead. Everyone asks David questions but of course he’s in the dark as much as everyone else.
He points out the error of his ways and how their friendship is treasured. He also holds onto it for as long as possible, pointing out that CW apparently is in a satellite flying over. The group looks up to the night sky.
The Episode Review
The first episode here is a flashback to the beginning of the show, as we revisit our main cast and their various shenanigans at work. The videogame material is secondary to the interpersonal drama, but it works reasonably well all the same.
There are a few good jokes in this episode, including Ian’s wall of fame, as well as the CW gag at the end, even if it is a bit bittersweet to see him now passed and no longer in the series.
The ending of “Stranger Things” leaves the door open for more, and it’ll be interesting to see where the rest of the show goes from here. Will Poppy’s decision not to take the money come back and backfire on her? We’ll see!
