Silicon Valley 5.8 FAQ
What’s it called?
“Fifty-One Percent.”
Who’s responsible?
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” writer-director Alec Berg helms from his own teleplay.
What says HBO?
“The launch of PiperNet finds Monica suspicious of an early success, and the team must race against the clock as their future is threatened. Realizing he's made more enemies then friends, Richard makes a surprising move.”
It’s the season finale already?
Seasons two, three and four consisted of 10 episodes each. Like season one, season five only has eight.
How does the finale start?
With Richard dressed as the Pied Piper. “Okay, everybody,” he implores, “Let’s do this!” Within seconds, a title card reads “Two Months Later.”
Is Richard’s surprising move teaming with Gavin Belson?
Why would that be surprising?
Does Erlich Bachman (or his corpse) turn up this week?
No, but Jian Yang, who continues to manifest a worthy substitute, is back.
Does the dishy Monica make out with anybody at Pied Piper?
Monica and Gilfoyle spend the night together.
What’s going on with Dinesh and Jared?
Dinesh has another Tesla adventure. Jared completes his brutal training of Richard’s assistant.
The big news?
Amazon chief Jeff Bezos looms over the plot (but does not appear).
What else is HBO not telling us?
Server attendant Ponytail John, played by comedian Henry Phillips, makes his first appearance since April 2007’s “Terms of Service.”
What’s great?
Jian Yang. The passage-of-time gags. Big Head’s Big Gulp. Richard’s Rick Sanchez-like dance and sloganeering. The return of Ponytail John. The homage to “Spaceballs.” “I walked in here normally.” “He’s a racist and a witch.”
What’s not so good?
No ninth episode this year.
How does it end, spoiler boy?
With a callback to the season premiere. “I know,” says Jared. “It’s exciting, right?”
10:15 p.m. Sunday. HBO.
