S1E7 - Cracked Actor

With the CIA bearing down on them, Faraday and Justin decide that going public is their only shot at survival; they hatch a desperate plan to save the machine and ensure the safety of Justin's family, even as Justin's faith in Faraday is threatened.

Like the title suggests, this episode shows the cracks of some of the characters. We find out Spencer's backstory, why Drew knows him so well and why he's so desperate. We also learn more about Newton's hidden motivations. And Lisa shows her rogue card; what is she up to? The truth is "iterative" as Faraday says.

Faraday and Josiah are both changing. And the truth and betrayal hang in the balance. Faraday and Justin take a drastic step to get in front of the momentum. But does Faraday also have hidden motives? Who can you trust?

Notable Quote:

"Everyone on Earth is either an alien or a dinosaur. If you're a dinosaur, you've been on the planet for a long, long time. Lived many lives. You are wise, very tough, you know the terrain, you know how to survive. An alien, essentially just arrived, doesn't have any of that. But, uh, does have perspective." - Faraday

tvshowtranscripts.ourboard.org

Questions for Discussion

Hatch tells Justin, “You were right to trust me but you have to let me handle this.” Was she right to trust him? What other dynamics of trust or betrayal emerge?
How has Faraday put everything he’s learned about humanity so far into his ‘pitch’ to the journalist Penny Morgan?
Why does Lisa show Justin the surveillance room?
This episode talks about truth and being authentic. There are layers to truth, and it can evolve. But when does that slip into untruth? Does being authentic or having integrity mean you never change?
How does the twisting action reflect the episode title, ‘Cracked Actor’?
Is Newton right by calling humanity’s chief trait our ability to lie? Why do we?
Why does Newton tell Faraday that he was born to be his ‘special boy’?
What is Spencer really up to?
By episode’s end do you trust Faraday?