Two episodes in to season two. And I am addicted. I forget which episode it was, but Gordon is unpacking all of that new boxed up hardware, Commodores, Ataris etc. It reminded me of when I was a kid and I walked into RadioShack, Computerland or even Toys R Us and saw all of stacked up neatly and being PO'd that my mom wanted the PC instead of the Atari.
The computer industry in the '80s and the '80s in general is really compelling setting. Sticking it in the somewhat arcane Silicon Prarie makes it even more so because we've seen and heard enough about Silicon Valley over the years. For me, this show is like Mad Men, only there are more characters that I actually want to root for despite the fact that they are all flawed in some way.
Cameron-Genius but undisciplined. An artist with a vision but lacks the ability to implement it. But she is the embodiment of the frustrated future that is approaching.
Gordon- Wozniak? Genius, but lacks the sales and communication skills. Addicted to alcohol and now drugs. Sometimes seems pathetic, but grows a spine when absolutely required.
Joe-Is he supposed to be the Steve Jobs? a total copycat with no technical ability. By the end of the first season, he realizes that even the programmers can see through his BS. Sees visions of others, picks the winners. Can be good at managing the big picture but too volatile to be considered a reliable steady hand.
Bosworth-No technical ability, but the kind of leader that earned the respect of his people. Took one for the team in going to jail. Good at management and leadership, but he is a total mess. He won't be able to lead again until he can actually start to act like the boss.
Donna-Maybe the most well rounded and stable character and the unsung heroine. But she is still limited by the sexism and motherly expectations of the time. She just wants to make stuff and not deal with the admin crap.