Halt and Catch Fire (TV Series) The 214s (2014) User Reviews

Best Episode Yet

[maxpower-28-778432 · 10/10 · 21 July 2014]

The Twists. The Turns. Simply put: pure excitement. This was a roller-coaster of an episode. The Cameron and Bosworth track. The Donna and Hunt track, the Donna and Gordon track, the Gordon and Joe track, the Gordon and Cameron track... etc., etc.... all the tracks intersected and intertwined in a crescendo towards COMDEX. Just an amazing piece of writing, acting, directing, editing, and producing. This is the episode I've been waiting for and have always believed this show could be. If only the critics were paying attention. Let's not forget that this is a period piece, and every time the phone rings in Donna and Gordon's house, we are reminded of how solid this part of the production is. Every tiny detail of the 1980's is attended to. As a child of the 80's, whose first love was a TRS-80, it's hard not to love this show.

Full of Excitement!

[gab-14712 · 9/10 · 16 July 2020]

"The 214s" is no doubt the best episode in Halt and Catch Fire's interesting first season. A lot of action took place. Gordon becomes sane and acts like a leader! John Bosworth makes the change from angry boss to tragic hero with a knack for inspirational speeches...and a father figure. Donna has a decision to make because after all, her neighbor and former coworker of Gordon's "knows what she is up to." The episode, written with excellent character moments from Dahvi Waller and Zack Whedon, is an excellent, tense watch. And for the first time in a long time, the gang is back together! Breathing in the same room as one another. Wooooooow!!

John Bosworth is hauled away in handcuffs when it comes to light (with Cameron's help) that he embezzled money from the company to keep the project afloat. Nathan Cardiff delivers a stop work order for the PC, now known as "The Giant." The PC was going to be displayed at COMDEX, but those plans are in jeopardy. Joe visits his father at IBM and his father offers to take him back. Gordon decides to take charge from this new change and steals the PC. He gets Joe and Cameron to join him as they decide to hit the road to the computer convention. Donna has a decision to make about her marriage. Perhaps a revelation in her garage will lead her down the correct path.

This is an excellent episode and my favorite one of the season. Everything was at stake here; the project, marriage, careers, etc. Gordon had to plead with Joe to not go back to IBM and throw everything away. I felt his character change seemed a bit abrupt compared to his quirky, drunken, and depressed attitude from previous episodes. Anything to rid ourselves of Donna's flirtations with her boss also helps!

My Grade: A

All In!

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 12 August 2015]

Cardiff is invaded by the authorities because John, with the help of Cameron, has stolen money to keep the company solvent so the new computer, Giant, can be finished. Joe has gone to see his father, who has offered to take him back into IBM. Meanwhile, it appears that Gordon's marriage could be over. But there is a kicker. It is the rush that comes with having nothing to lose. Gordon breaks in and steals the Giant. He enlists Cameron and, ultimately, Joe (after a lot of talking), and they decide to take the prototype to Comdex, the huge computer show. Gordon is suddenly sane (he claims he has always been) and becomes a true leader. There is a touching scene between Cameron and John. He will probably go to jail but is determined to keep her out of it. This is a terrific episode.