What’s Worth Watching: Domo Arigato Mr. Robot

Mr. Robot, “Hello Friend” (Wednesday, June 24, 10/9c, USA)

Say goodbye to blue skies and case of the week procedurals. USA reboots its summer drama slate with Mr. Robot, a dark and gritty look into the life of a talented cyber security engineer named Elliot (Rami Malek) who spends his free time taking down criminals as a powerful hacker. Elliot’s world is rocked when he meets the mysterious Mr. Robot (Christian Slater), who asks for Elliot to help destroy the very company he is assigned to protect. Mr. Robot also gets Elliot’s attention when he introduces the young man to his own underground team of hackers, including Darlene (Carly Chaikin). Even though Mr. Robot is steeped in technology, the action is easy to follow thanks to the crisp writing of creator Sam Esmail and the powerhouse performance by Malek, who viewers might recognize from his work on The Pacific. Christian Slater also shines as the eccentric Mr. Robot, and early positive buzz on the new drama suggest his days as a television show-killer might be over.