Ep 15. Net Worth

The episode titled "Net Worth" is the fifteenth episode of the fourth season of the science fiction television series Sliders. Directed by David Peckinpah and written by Scott Smith Miller, this enthralling episode originally aired on May 8, 1998.

Our adventure begins as we join the Sliders—Quinn Mallory, Rembrandt "Crying Man" Brown, Wade Welles, and Professor Maximillian Arturo—as they continue their relentless journey through parallel universes. In this particular episode, our intrepid travelers find themselves stranded on a world where the internet and virtual reality have become the foundation of society's every interaction.

Once the Sliders land, they immediately notice a stark contrast to the technologically advanced world they recently left behind. Everything here seems centered around a new cutting-edge technology called "VirtuVision." VirtuVision enables individuals to experience an incredibly realistic virtual reality, unlike anything they have ever encountered before. As our heroes navigate this new realm, they quickly become aware of the profound impact this technology has had on society.

To their astonishment, they discover that almost everything—work, shopping, entertainment, and even personal relationships—has moved into the virtual space. People spend most of their lives immersed in VirtuVision, with society progressively becoming more detached from the physical world. Real-life connections and interactions are becoming increasingly rare and frowned upon.

Intrigued by this transformation, the Sliders venture deeper into this digital landscape to understand the consequences of such an extensive reliance on virtual reality. They soon encounter a problematic situation when they witness a looming conflict between two factions within VirtuVision: the gamers and the businessmen.

The gamers believe that VirtuVision should be a place free from corporate control, a haven for exploring unlimited possibilities. In contrast, the businessmen, led by a character named Michael Mallory, Quinn's estranged brother, endeavor to manipulate VirtuVision into a tool for profit and control.

As they delve further into the conflict, the Sliders find themselves embroiled in a fight for the soul of VirtuVision. Quinn is particularly invested, as he discovers that his brother's influence on this world goes far beyond just the corporate realm. Personal matters lurk beneath the surface, adding an emotional weight to their mission.

Throughout their journey, the Sliders confront thought-provoking questions about the ethics and implications of an all-encompassing virtual world. They must navigate a complex web of corporate greed, personal vendettas, and societal transformation. As they grapple with these issues, they also face great danger, including life-threatening situations and powerful adversaries seeking to protect their vested interests.

Driven by their determination to preserve the integrity of VirtuVision and prevent it from corrupting society, the Sliders must devise a plan to bring about positive change within this virtual realm. Along the way, they encounter unexpected allies and adversaries, each with their own stake in this battle.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are taken on a thrilling ride through stunning virtual landscapes, while witnessing the personal growth and development of our beloved Sliders. With the stakes higher than ever before, they must use their wits, resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment to navigate this perilous digital world and find a way to continue their interdimensional journey.

"Net Worth" offers an intriguing exploration of the social, moral, and emotional consequences of immersive virtual reality. With its captivating storyline, relatable characters, and thought-provoking themes, this episode of Sliders is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats while leaving them with a lingering sense of reflection.

Please note that this episode description aims to capture the essence of the episode without revealing any spoilers or specific plot details.