“Bad Money” does a terrific job of continuing the story of Richard’s constant struggle to claim power in the ultra-competitive world of Silicon Valley (it’s also an incredibly funny half hour of television). By following Russ’s advice to do what he wants, Richard robs himself of any freedom he’s no longer calling the shots–Russ is, and it’s only a matter of time until the two of them disagree on such a major level that it causes the collapse of what Richard has been able to build up until this point. There’s a lot of talk in “Bad Money” about what Richard should do versus what he wants to do, and while he is, for the most part, “his own man” throughout the episode, his choices ultimately cost him the independence that he has always sought. Silicon Valley has always be a series about underdogs, even while it’s also being a biting satire, but the main story that the show really been telling overs its first 11 episodes is of Richard gaining and asserting his independence. He wants to make another billion dollars, and if the signs aren’t pointing in that direction, then he’ll be out of the company as quickly as he joined it.

He’s essentially the world’s biggest and richest douchebag, who can’t stop reminding the guys that he made over a billion dollars by putting “radio on the internet.” Unlike Peter, Russ doesn’t really believe in Pied Piper he sees potential and wants it to succeed, but this all about the bottom line for him. Russ couldn’t be any different from Peter. While he wanted to make money, it was more than that for him: he wanted to watch these guys create something great. Sure, their conversations could go to some interesting places, but Peter believed in Pied Piper and, more importantly, believed in Richard.

In “Bad Money,” however, that changes a bit, as Richard invites the lion that is Russ Hanneman (Chris Diamantopoulos, doing some really funny work) into the Pied Piper inner circle, accepting Russ’s financial backing, despite how toxic everyone says he is, and thus making his company’s greatest challenge the guy who’s controlling it.Īlthough Peter Gregory could definitely be difficult during Silicon Valley‘s first season, Richard and the rest of the guys were still able to talk to and reason with him for the most part. Whether it’s Gavin Belson or an ex-girlfriend, the group’s problems have been outside forces impacting the way they do work and the success of their emerging company.

Up until this point on Silicon Valley, most of the threats to the Pied Piper gang have been external.

Silicon valley season 3 review