Ep 1. So It Goes

In the season 4 opener of Halt and Catch Fire, entitled "So It Goes," the year is 1994 and our protagonists are reeling from the personal and professional upheavals of the past few years. The episode kicks off with a series of glimpses into the characters' lives, including Joe MacMillan (Lee Pace) as a successful CEO in San Francisco, Cameron Howe (Mackenzie Davis) as a radical video game designer living in Tokyo, and Donna Clark (Kerry Bishé) as a newly single working mom in Silicon Valley.

As the episode progresses, we learn that these glimpses are just the tip of the iceberg, as each character is grappling with profound changes and challenges in their personal and professional lives. Joe, now the CEO of a major internet company, is struggling to reconcile the ruthless ambition that got him to the top with the emotional toll it's taken on his relationships and wellbeing. Cameron, still chasing her dream of creating a truly revolutionary game, is facing intense pressure from all sides as her vision clashes with the realities of the gaming industry. And Donna, who has started her own venture-capital firm, is struggling to balance her work with her role as a single mother.

The three characters are drawn back into each other's orbit when Joe approaches them with an idea for a new project: an internet browser that can seamlessly integrate all of the major internet services of the time (including email, chat, and search). Though each character is hesitant to get involved, they eventually become intrigued by the potential of the project, and tentatively agree to work together once more.

As the episode draws to a close, we see glimpses of the challenges the characters will face as they embark on this new project. Joe must navigate the treacherous waters of Silicon Valley's cutthroat business culture, while Cameron faces the daunting task of creating a truly next-level piece of software. Donna, meanwhile, must juggle the demands of her work with her responsibilities as a mother, and face the possibility of a new romance.

Overall, "So It Goes" sets the stage for what promises to be a compelling final season of Halt and Catch Fire. As always, the show explores the complex dynamics of ambition, innovation, and personal relationships in the high-stakes world of technology. The episode is full of poignant moments and character development, as well as some exciting hints at what's to come. Fans of the show and newcomers alike will undoubtedly find plenty to enjoy in this thought-provoking and entertaining episode.