James Plouffe. The EVP of Technology at E Corp. In the span of one day, he lost everything financially and tries to keep an optimistic outlook on decrypting the data. But his mask of optimism is broken when the interviewer asks how he can tell the public to remain calm, especially given the dire situation. Then he pulls out the gun in his bag, and then...
Dissonant Serenity: Price is pretty chill considering 400 billion dollars were burnt by fsociety.
Driven to Suicide: James openly denounces any possibility of fixing the economy before graphically shooting himself on live television.
Five Stages of Grief: Not used, but referenced to make a point. In an event like this, how many people would fall into Denial? Believing that this can all be fixed? Then when does it go into Bargaining? When tech companies force their employees to work harder to decrypt the data? Then when does it come to a horrifying Acceptance? That the damage has been done, and this can't be fixed?
Foreshadowing: James' looks of despair when Angela gives him space is evident that he has passed the Despair Event Horizon, but still tries to keep a straight face. A disturbing nod to what he intends on doing on live TV.
When Elliot hallucinates the empty Times Square, Elliot's entire family appears with Mr. Robot with the child Elliot declaring that they all are part of him.
Irony: When Plouffe is interviewed, the breaking news ticker is titled "Plouffe: Cybersecurity Team Optimistic about Data Recovery". Another bit of foreshadowing of his despair, but also a sad Genius Bonus for those who understand how data encryption works (especially for ransomware attacks).
Soundtrack Dissonance: During Elliot's tour of the E Corp building, there is catchy and upbeat music, like a techno-circus for comparison.
The Stinger: Whiterose speaks about Rome burning (referring to the hack).
While Rome Burns: A disguised Whiterose tells Philip Price the original story about Nero. Price isn't familiar with it, apparently not being big on the humanities.
