Brilliant brainiacs of ‘Silicon Valley’ still can’t win ’em all

Thomas Middleditch

Silicon Valley” has always ventured into the nitty-gritty of the tech biz, exploring its “mad” geniuses’ realm while translating that seemingly otherworldly culture into a watchable and accessible series.

That’s still the same scenario four seasons in, and it becomes an even more entertaining series to watch because of the continuing growth—and the occasional devolution—of its underdog nerds.

The fourth season of the series (streaming on HBO Go) centers this time on how algorithm developer Richard Hendricks (Thomas Middleditch) decides to pursue a new venture—the creation of a new and improved internet—and all the business and relationship complications that result thereafter.

From leaving his CEO position in the fledgling company, to forming alliances with former rivals, it is mostly about how Richard has evolved into a more knowledgeable player of the game.

Now more than ever, he has more complicated or heated discussions with his teammates—the glib Gilfoyle (Martin Starr), the hesitant Dinesh (Kumail Nanjiani), and the mild-mannered Jared (Zach Woods)—and the rollercoaster shifting of alliances with potential funders often takes a toll on their partnership.

Corporate figure and series jerk Gavin Belson (Matt Ross) still proves himself a thorn in their sides in the early episodes, but as he is eventually ejected from his tech company Hooli, his switching of allegiances brings a new equation to the table.

Gavin and Richard make an initially tentative alliance, and understandably so, as the former has been hounding the latter for one reason or another since the beginning.

This added dynamic is helpful, just as there are hijinks inspired by the rapport between startup “incubator” Erlich (TJ Miller) and his pesky talent Jian-Yang (Jimmy O. Yang), and the uneasy bond between Gavin and his replacement Jack (Stephen Tobolowsky).

Much has changed for the tech geniuses of the show, except for “Big Head” (Josh Brener) who, despite his less-than-impressive intellect, keeps getting all the lucky breaks. And they get introduced to the amiable but unpredictable Keenan (played by the now-portly, but still capable Haley Joel Osment), who figures in an interesting subplot.

Haley Joel Osment

It’s regrettable that Miller’s character has been written out of the show, as the actor felt “it was the right time” to leave, according to an interview last month.

But life goes on: Richard, who has become strategic with his dealings, can still be impulsive and petty, especially after meeting an ex with a successful boyfriend at a tech convention.

Oh, how they’ve grown, but they’re not necessarily mature yet, as repeatedly evidenced by their socially inept ways and penchant for genitalia jokes.

This season is also effortlessly mirthful, partly because of the tight episodes written by cocreator Mike Judge (“Beavis and Butthead”), and because it further illustrates how brilliant brainiacs aren’t always equipped with unerring decision-making skills, in this increasingly frenetic and cutthroat industry!