Cupertino Season 1 Episode 4 Review: Private Jets, Big Bets, and Champagne

Cupertino Season 1 Episode 4, titled A.J. & Buddy, takes on the topic of prediction market platforms with a lighthearted touch and less condemnation than we’ve seen towards AI and other emerging technology on the show so far.

I’ll admit I was a bit surprised by the nonchalant take on prediction markets when they can be so incredibly damaging – not just from a gambling and addiction perspective, but from the very fact these bets can alter what happens in the real world. (If you’re curious for more information on prediction markets, John Oliver has a great segment available on YouTube.)

So far, Cupertino hasn’t pulled punches when it comes to taking on the less savory side of unchecked technology companies, and yet, their take on prediction markets felt flippant and almost like an after thought while Christy is kidnapped (somewhat willingly) on a private jet, Olivia is getting herself covered in baking powder and fighting cops, and Natalia is setting up a chaise lounge and punching bag back at the law firm wondering where everyone has gone off to. I’m not condemning the antics – they’re great television and I grinned the whole way through. I’m just surprised by the tonal shift regarding tech. So far, the show has not-so-quietly been pointing out potential dangers & evils of technology being released without safeguards and careful testing. And yet, the burgeoning prediction market topic is given boyish faces with wide eyes and a sense of loyalty to friends.

It’s a surprising choice, given what we’ve seen from the show so far. The unexpected take aside, the episode was extremely enjoyable. Michael’s ex-girlfriend shows up at the law firm, which hints that we’ll be seeing a lot more of her as the story progresses, which should keep things interesting.

I also loved Olivia’s character development in this episode. It was only a matter of time before her sheltered country girl persona was going to get a shake up and the “corruption” as Christy calls it has now begun. Olivia starts by taking on criminal law and finds herself wrestling with three cops while she tries to prevent her client from getting his fingerprint scanned. And equally notable, Olivia caves to peer pressure almost instantly. As Christy offers up some celebratory champagne to Michael and Olivia, Olivia admits she’s never drank before. It takes nothing but a feather light touch from Christy to get Olivia to grab up a glass and take a big gulp. Cut to the next scene and she’s cradling the bottle protectively.

While I’m amused by the instant corruption, the drink of champagne felt less earned than the fight with cops. I’m not against watching Olivia shed parts of her innocence as she delves further into the real world of law and the dark corners within, but I was a touch surprised by her willingness to fling off a part of her identity so quickly. (Being someone who doesn’t drink.) Then again, I have previously mentioned that Olivia seemed eager to become less sheltered, so perhaps a friendly glass of champagne with people she trusts in a secure location was exactly the excuse she’d been looking for to try a sip of alcohol.

I appreciated the reprieve from the Bo storyline this episode gave us. While I’m not against it, it was nice to feel as if this arc of the season wasn’t completely taking over every moment of the show. And it’s clear Bo will be right back on the center stage next week, thanks to the lawsuit Nichole brought to the office.

After such a punchy, fast-paced, and fun episode this week, I do wonder whether next week will be much more serious and will prepare for a heavy topic.