The Dropout Review: Iron Sisters (Season 1 Episode 6)
On The Dropout Season 1 Episode 6, “Iron Sisters,” the story moves forward with substance, Elizabeth’s cruelty takes yet another step deeper, and an interview brings out the hypocrisy at the center of the entire corporation.
I don’t think I could have dreamt a better dynamic for any episode of TV than Laurie Metcalf and William H. Macy. Individually, they’ve been brilliant in their minor roles so far. Together, they’re impossible to look away from, constantly quipping in a way that only they can and providing a spark of humor within some of the gravest situations.
What’s done differently on “Iron Sisters” that I appreciate is the interspersed moments of Elizabeth at a photoshoot, her face front and center to the camera, as she’s being asked a series of questions about herself.
When she can’t recall (or isn’t aware of) answers to personal questions, we really get the chance to see just how lost she is in her own lies.
It’s been obvious from the beginning that Elizabeth is getting more evil by the day. For me, “Iron Sisters” is the best example thus far of her steady fall. Lab employees are constantly warning that real people are getting falsified results. Real people are in danger.
And Elizabeth, often smiling, pretends to care, then promptly dismisses their concerns.
While a woman within the company is trying to expose Theranos’ lies and being threatened with retaliation, Elizabeth is working on a promotional video claiming Theranos is empowering women. It’s a powerful example of the very real problem of radical feminism. It’s a feminism for one, not for all.
The theme of feminism carries strongly through “Iron Sisters.” Here’s Elizabeth holding herself up as an example of women succeeding in a male-dominated field, which should really be a good thing. But then at the same time, here are all these women who have been negatively affected by Theranos, and Elizabeth trivializes their pain.
Meanwhile, all the men involved in Theranos can pat themselves on the back and congratulate themselves on their staunch feminism.
Since the conclusion to this episode has whistleblowers coming forward and news outlets catching onto the truth, we’re sure to see Elizabeth’s downfall begin soon. I’ve said before that we needed to hate her more before her arrest ultimately happens, and I’m not sure we’re there yet.
Although, I have to say that anyone who celebrates their thirtieth birthday by having all their guests wear masks of their face isn’t earning any favor points with me.
If the series follows the pattern it’s been on, we’ll be seeing an Elizabeth-centric episode next. And if that happens, I’m sure it’ll be exactly what we need to have us all cheering at her eventual trial.
What I really want to see, though, is more of Sunny. He is evil and cruel and controlling and ruthless, but he’s also one of the greatest catalysts behind Elizabeth’s crimes. He’s fascinating and awful, and I can’t get enough.
No matter what, we’re getting a pretty great soundtrack. And you just can’t beat those dance moves, am I right?
What did you think of this episode of The Dropout? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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The Dropout airs Thursdays on Hulu.
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