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Even XXXXX, XXXXX XX, 2013 | TAB NAME Odd 2 TV ENCORE By Jacqueline Spendlove TV Media T hese days, a lot of us take for granted that we, and practi- cally everyone we know, have constant access to our very own personal computers. Even the least tech-savvy among us wield the power to communicate, shop, watch movies and retrieve an encyclopedia's worth of knowl- edge 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 "sili- con 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 Graybeals Carpet 2 x 3" Young's Culligan 3 x 3" Harrison- Merzger 2 x 2" On the Cover explains in an AMC preview for the show. "People in Texas were basically drafting off of the inno- vations happening in Silicon Valley and New York." The title refers to a computing instruction that causes all com- mands 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 charis- matic 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 techni- cal 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 poten- tial. Joe sees that potential, how- ever, 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 chances," says executive produc- er 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 mot- ley crew is Cameron Howe (Mackenzie Davis, "That Awkward Moment," 2014), a 22-year-old engineering prodigy who breaks the male-dominated computing industry mold when she drops out of college to join Joe's project. Though brilliant and talented, the obstinate Cameron sticks out like a sore thumb at Cardiff Electric — blasting punk music, stealing from her col- leagues and leaving a trail of general carnage in her wake. She begins a volatile relationship with Joe that actress Davis describes as "very combative, very sexual ... she just loves a fight." 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 gar- nering comparisons with the Emmy Award-winning "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." Though "Halt" takes 'Halt and Catch Fire' delves into the PC revolution of the '80s 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 him- self 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 subordi- nate. Despite the comparisons, Cintron assures us that "Halt" is 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 com- pletely new take on the pretty dry world of computers." Mackenzie Davis as seen in "Halt and Catch Fire" D&J Liquors 3 x 2" 5th & Broadway, Logansport • (574)722-2215 • 1-800-886-2215 Mon-Thurs. 9AM-6PM; Fri. 9AM-7PM; Sat. 9AM-5PM Professional Installation Available r r s TM CARPET • CERAMIC • WOOD LAMINATE • VINYL • REMNANTS ALL ON SALE Limited Time Special Financing Available!! All with EXPERT installation & many remnants to choose from. Pinnacle Vodkas $ 11.99 Smirnoff $ 10.99 3 Convenient locations for all your party needs! Shake w/ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish w/orange slice East - 3800 E. Market St., West - 1236 W. 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