‘Mr. Robot’: What’s Next For Elliot In USA’s Hacker Drama

In USA’s “Mr. Robot,” Christian Slater’s titular character wants to start a revolution, but can he count on Rami Malek’s Elliot for support?

In last week’s series premiere on USA, Mr. Robot worked to recruit corporate cyber security expert Elliot for his clandestine hacker group that wants to erase people’s debt and level the playing field. But is joining that group the right fit for Elliot?

Despite Elliot’s social anxiety disorder and – at times – crippling depression, he has so far worked alone at fighting injustices of large and small degrees. The premiere saw how he had a man running an illicit web service arrested, he secretly helped end his therapist’s relationship with a badly matched online dating suitor (by hacking the guy), and he made what seemed like an earnest promise to the man who runs the company he works for, Gideon Goddard (“House of Cards” alum Michael Gill), that he wouldn’t let him lose his company.

PHOTOS: ‘Mr. Robot’: Scenes From Season 1

In the weeks ahead, the continuing drama will have a major focus on the various factors pulling the computer genius in different directions.

“You could easily jump from character to character on this show and you might be able to make a different show for all of them. That’s how many different avenues we’ll explore,” Rami told Access Hollywood. “But primarily, it will be [that] the story’s always going to be told from Elliott’s vantage point and yes, he is being pulled in several different directions and depending on who’s pulling the hardest and where Elliot’s mind is through the course of the show, he’s tempted to be swayed by opposing forces.

READ: Rami Malek Talks Taking On USA’s ‘Mr. Robot’

“And it’s about Elliott keeping his head and his heart in the right place and making decisions from wanting to be more connected to the human beings that he cares about and to protect those human beings, and fighting against the powers that are trying to possibly corrupt him,” Rami added.

As his character decides what he’s willing to be a part of, he’ll have a friend at his side. For those wondering if the adorable pup that Elliot rescued from its hateful owner in the first episode will stick around, the answer is yes.

“I think it’s a really clever aspect of the show and [a way] for Elliott to express I would say something that’s very relatable, and it’s needing the attention of a pet, at times, when humans won’t do,” Rami said. “It is, after all, man’s best friend and… here’s a little furry animal who… does not judge Elliott and I think that is something, at times, he really, really needs when he comes home.”

“Mr. Robot” Season 1 airs Wednesday at 10/9c on USA. The show has already been renewed for a second season.

— Jolie Lash