THE DROPOUT (S1E5) “Flower of Life: The Alchemy of Morality And Intimidation

There can be an argument made that film and, primarily, TV is being flooded with an immense amount of content surrounding the biographical nature of some of the most recently famous grifters, frauds, and criminals, their misdeeds are shown in not only an artistic light but almost a sense of praise for the scandal they were able to conduct. And while some have framed the crime and its aftermath for what it was, others teeter along the lines of glorification. For Hulu’s latest venture The Dropout, this line is carefully treaded, maintaining a sense that the ends will justify the means while plunging into the darkness of corporate crime. And its latest episode “Flower of Life” is its darkest yet.

Launching Forward

Opening in 2013, it is now three years since the deal was put into place between Theranos and Walgreens, their prototype the first thing both Elizabeth Homes (Amanda Seyfried) and viewers see in “Flower of Life”. It is slick and clean, speaking to the future ambitions of both Holmes and Walgreens – yet missing its most vital component. Pressure continues to mount as Wade (Josh Pais) and Dr. Rosen (Alan Ruck) begin to put on the heat for delivery of the device, demanding an exact time for launch. With 140 million invested, and still not having seen the lab or the device, they are ready for their return.

As Holmes is juggling the expectations of Walgreens, Sunny (Naveen Andrews) is back in the lab, another demo in the works. The heat of expectations is intense from the very beginning, the overheating of the Theranos devices matching the shortening patience of Walgreens. But it is not only the exploding demos or demands for launch dates that propel the episode forward. Previously, Dr. Fuisz (William H. Macy) was served a lawsuit by Theranos in response to his patent. As Walgreens is preparing for the launch, the still ongoing lawsuit is concerning, and pressures Holmes further, wanting it resolved before the opening of the Wellness Centers in September.

It is this lawsuit that is the quietly circulating element of “Flower of Life”, the catalyst of not only destruction but of the full embodiment of the “villain”. A slow burner, Holmes and Fuisz’s need to win leaves collateral damage in its wake, solidifying the transformation of Holmes initiated at the end of “Green Juice“. Where she changed her look and voice, and subsequently her focus, this episode proves how closed off she has become to ensure success.

As Dr. Fuisz refuses to give in to the intimidation of Holme’s legal team, he finds an avenue that may allow him the chance at a win. As he looks over the patents for Theranos, he sees the name Ian Gibbons (Stephen Fry) listed alongside Elizabeth. Having Gibbons subpoenaed, Fuisz is sure that he has victory in sight. He knows something is off, and he is determined to figure it out. But for Gibbons, the truth is never as easy as it seems – and neither is the support.

Why Do NDAs trump the law?

Gibbons holds some of the pieces that could bring an end to Theranos, the knowledge that Elizabeth Holmes did not help develop any of the devices threatening a retraction of all Theranos patents. He enlists the help of Linda Turner (Melissa Watkins), a member of the legal team for Theranos, who assures him he will not have to testify. The Dropout is careful in its handling of Ian, not releasing all his struggles at the beginning, slowly peeling away the situation he is in – one that seems strangely reminiscent of the recent #Metoo in a way.

Because Ian is truly left with little choice in the matter, each decision available to him delivers devastating ramifications. If he follows the advice of the legal team, satisfying what they ask so he won’t testify, he loses everything he has worked for, never to work in his field of chemistry again. If he does not speak the truth in court, he could be found guilty of perjury. If he testifies and speaks the truth, he will have violated the NDA he signed with Theranos, bringing a different kind of lawsuit forward. The Dropout gives us time with Ian, a chance to truly consider the options he is laid out just as he is trying to do.

Much like the devastating effects those who had signed NDA’s under Harvey Weinstein would have faced if they had spoken up, under oath or not, Ian Gibbons is faced with choosing his family and their well-being for the truth, or to violate all he holds true and has worked for. There is such a deep moral examination into the situation Ian is in, and just by letting his story play out, his final decision resonates long after the episode has ended.

Morality and Core of Character

But it is not only Ian’s morality that is examined, his the desire and struggle to retain it, while for others – the loss of it. As Elizabeth Holmes demands that Sunny, as Head of Operations, meets the deadline set by Walgreens, she stands with her team, refusing to allow anyone to break into the Siemens blood machine – her competitor’s device. Yet, as the challenges become harder and harder to meet, with the September deadline fast approaching, she gives into Sunny’s demands. One may question whether it was to keep him by her side, but it may also be because Elizabeth Holmes does not fail.

Speaking with her Mother, Holmes comes to the realization that she didn’t really have hobbies as a child, things she would do for fun. Rather, she embarked on things she could win. She was always in it to win it. And with the unrelenting support of her Mother for the win, Holmes has carried this through to adulthood and into the inter-workings of Theranos. As she faces failure, and even potential fraud, her desire and need to win cancels her sense of morality, allowing Sunny to open the Siemens device, modifying in order to use it in place of their own.

The Dropout effectively establishes this sense of Elizabeth in the episodes leading up to this moment. What was less expected was her reaction to death. With the loss of her Uncle Ron, Holmes seems only slightly affected, shock or disbelief possible explanations. She is detached from others, the news of Uncle Ron coming as Sunny speaks of possibly ending things between them. As Holmes leaves for the funeral, there is the feeling she only went to put some distance between Sunny and herself. That Uncle Ron’s funeral gave her the excuse to run away – an accusation made by Sunny throughout the episode.

Though, Uncle Ron’s funeral sets up a deeper moment in the series – the death of Ian. As Holmes finds out Ian has died, there is a sense that she is moved with grief, the two have shared a close relationship at the start of the series. As she cradles the finger puppet prototypes, The Dropout gives us a glimpse at Elizabeth both coping and grieving at once, a moment Amanda Seyfried captures to perfection. You are waiting for the breakdown, you are holding your breath as she pushes herself forward returning to her meeting, but unable to completely commit to it. The episode cuts deepest as we watch her not only internalize what has happened but spin it to the benefit of the company. With Ian gone, he can no longer testify.

Conclusion

The Dropout delivers its deepest sense of grief and morality in the face of scandal within “Flower of Life”, giving the chance to fulfill Ian’s story, but also to continue to establish the continually changing nature of Holmes. With the credibility of past decisions and even the projections of her own mother, it isn’t hard to believe that it’s all about to break. And with the introduction of  Tyler Schultz (Dylan Minnette), it may be sooner than you think.

What did you think of the latest episode of The Dropout? Let us know in the comments below!

A new episode of The Dropout premieres on Hulu every Thursday!

Watch The Dropout