Technically speaking ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ delves into the PC revolution of the ‘80s

By Jacqueline Spendlove TV Media

These days, a lot of us take for granted that we, and practically everyone we know, have constant access to our very own personal computers. Even the least techsavvy among us wield the power to communicate, shop, watch movies and retrieve an encyclopedia’s worth of knowledge with just a few mouse clicks and key strokes.

It’s easy to forget that just a few decades ago, the heavily computer-based society in which we now live was just coming to light.

To remind us, AMC is taking things back to the ‘80s with “Halt and Catch Fire.” The new period drama gives an insider’s view into the pivotal personal computer revolution to show just how we got to where we are technologically. The series kicked off earlier this month, and its next episode airs Sunday, June 15, on AMC.

AMC describes the series, which is set in the so-called “silicon prairie” of Dallas, Texas, as taking place “roughly one year after IBM all but corners the market with the release of its first major product — the IBM PC.”

“This is the story you don’t know,” creator Chris Cantwell explains in an AMC preview for the show. “People in Texas were basically drafting off of the innovations happening in Silicon Valley and New York.”

The title refers to a computing instruction that causes all commands to compete for control, which leads the system to self-destruct. It doesn’t take a genius to see where the show can take this metaphorically.

Joe MacMillan (Lee Pace, “Pushing Daisies”) is a charismatic but volatile former IBM executive who quickly shoots to the top of the sales team at his new company, Cardiff Electric. His idea is to reverse-engineer his former employer’s personal computer and create his own version that’s even better: faster, lighter and cheaper. Though Joe has the vision, he needs the product, and for that he needs to recruit some exceptional technical minds to help create his machine.

He enlists the help of Gordon Clark (Scoot McNairy, “Monsters,” 2010), a proficient engineer whose confidence has been shattered by a past failure, and he’s since allowed himself to be held back from his full potential. Joe sees that potential, however, and when he approaches Gordon and reminds him of the talent he possesses, Gordon sees the opportunity for a second chance at creating something great.

“We love the idea of second chance Chris Rogers. “Redemption is one of the greatest narratives there is.”

The task that Gordon’s erratic new boss has lain before him, however, is to build what seems like an unbuildable machine, and the stress puts further strain on his already tense marriage. If redemption’s to be achieved here, it won’t be without cost.

The third member of this motley crew is Cameron Howe (Mackenzie Davis, “That Awkward Mo- trail of general carnage in her wake. She begins a volatile relationship with Joe that actress Da- sexual ... she just

AMC is the network that brought us explosive hits such as “Breaking Bad” and “The Walking Dead,” so hopes for “Halt and Catch Fire” are high. Not surprisingly, the series is garnering comparisons with the Emmy Awardwinning “Mad Men,” one of the network’s most highly acclaimed series, now in its final season.Both are period dramas that examine a piece of a world on the brink of change and, according to Hollywood.com writer Christian Cintron, “it offers the same blend of businessmen with mysterious motives, dark, self-destructive tendencies and nostalgia.” hardly just another version of “Mad Men” with a new techie hat.

“It definitely has the potential to provide the same tune-in appeal,” he asserts, “with a completely new take on the pretty dry world of computers.” seen in “Halt and Catch

While the characters and story arc are fictional, the show is based in reality and, according to “The Next Web,” show runners approached real participants of the birth of the PC who are still around today to help make sure the technical aspects of the show are accurate.

Though “Halt” takes place roughly two decades later than “Mad Men,” there’s still an “old boys’ club” vibe that echoes that of Sterling Cooper.

Enigmatic Joe MacMillan himself bears whispers of “Mad Men’s” leading man, Don Draper: he’s slick, handsome, sharp and driven, and he knows how to bend people to his will. There’s also, of course, the after-hours activity with his female subordinate.

Despite the comparisons, Cintron assures us that “Halt” is

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak himself hosted a postscreening panel at SXSW and applauded the show’s accuracy. “I give this show a 10, and that’s so rare for me,” “The Next Web” cites him saying at the panel. Whether or not you possess an active interest in computers and how they came to be, it’s safe to assume that AMC will deliver a story worth tuning in for. Check out the next episode of “Halt and Catch Fire” airing Sunday, June 15, on AMC.

ACROSS

1 “__ and Catch Fire” on AMC

5 Pillow cover

16 ‘E’ in EMT, for short

39 __-soprano

40 Married stars of TLC’s “The Little Couple”: 3 wds. 43 Marilu’s role on ‘90s comedy “Evening Shade”

44 Big name in sauces

45 Actor Mr. Wilson

49 __-relief

50 Portrayer of Jaws in James Bond movies, Richard __

51 Legendary magazine

52 Nav. rank

53 “Anything __?”

54 “__ the Groove” by Madonna

DOWN

1 Possesses

2 Museum fare

3 Kathie Gifford link

4 “The Lead with Jake __” on CNN

5 “Old __” by Elvis Presley

6 Where Elvis was a student, __ High School

7 On the ball

8 TNT’s “__ in the First”

9 Comedian/actor who is a “Saturday Night Live” alum: 2 wds.

10 Nasty

11 “General Hospital” pros

19 Six-pack muscles, briefly

20 “Snakes __ _ Plane” (2006)

21 Taxis

22 __/__ radio

23 “Oprah’s __” (Interactive self-help show on OWN)

27 “Mockingbird” by __ & Charlie Foxx

28 El __ (Warm ocean current)

32 Everything

33 Mr. __, “Fantasy Island” character

34 “Take Me Bak ‘__” by Slade

TLC’s wedding gown

Randy

42 Broadway composer Mr. Styne (b.1905 - d.1994) 46 Get the game show