Decrypted, Ars Technica's TV podcast

On this week's Decrypted, Mr. Robot's "k3rnel-pan1c.ksd' (S2E3) quickly flipped the script on S2. With the show's higher profile, there's more theorizing than ever despite the show's intent on subverting our expectations. The most popular fan theory seems kaputt after this week, so we offer three pie-in-the-sky conspiracies that will hopefully have more legs.

We also talk about the show's sound this week. From Phil Collins to the Pixies, Dusty Springfield to FKA Twigs, soundtrack is as important to Mr. Robot's aesthetic as anything. Music savant Chris Baio (Vampire Weekend, solo records under Baio) joins us to talk about the best audio moments thus far and what the differences are for musicians when you're soundtracking versus songwriting. 

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After Mr. Robot S2 returned with "unm4sk" (S2E1), we offer an appreciation of our new favorite character and chat with the show's FBI Consultant, Andre McGregor (@AndreOnCyber). A full review of this week's two-part episode can be found at arstechnica.com.

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On the debut episode, we look back to season one exclusively through the eyes (err, words) of main character Elliot Alderson (played by Rami Malek). Despite the Internet's (justified) obsession with the show's realistic depiction of tech, Ars reviewer Jonathan Gitlin said the characters and especially how "they break down and experience their delusions" is what made Mr. Robot compelling. So if break downs and delusions are what you're after, no one is better to relive S1 with than Elliot.

We also talk with one of the most familiar TV voices around: NPR's Chief Critic Eric Deggans. Deggans watches a lot of television, but in a crowded 2015 field he felt Mr. Robot stood out from the rest.

No spoilers, but Deggans has seen the first episodes of S2 and maintains high hopes for the series going forward. He shares the story of how Mr. Robot caught him off-guard last summer and what Batman v. Superman could've learned from this little hacking drama that could.

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