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TV Show
Drama

Halt and Catch Fire

7.5/10
Released: June 1, 2014
Reviewed: 2 days ago
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Halt and Catch Fire

Quick Info

Rating:
7.5/10
Released:
2014
Type:
tv
Category:
Drama

Halt and Catch Fire is a period drama that centers around the personal computing boom of the early 1980s. If you're a tech enthusiast or history buff, you'll find plenty to enjoy in the rapid evolution of hardware, the rivalry with IBM, and the birth of the internet. Plus, the main characters are brilliantly portrayed and multi-dimensional.

Lead actor Lee Pace is phenomenal, switching from a suave but ruthless salesman to a vulnerable, ambivalent inventor with ease. His dynamic with co-star Scoot McNairy, who plays a more traditional tech "genius", drives much of the story. A highlight of the show is the female characters, who are just as critical, if not more so, to the show's success. Their progression from sidelined supporters to tech pioneers themselves is captivating.

It's not without flaws though; the initiative to 'halt and catch fire' itself can seem exaggerated sometimes, sacrificing accuracy for narrative appeal. Also, the pacing can be slow, especially in the first season. But if you're patient and interested in the inspirational growth of technology, give this a shot!