'The Dropout' Episode 5: Fans mourn Ian's death, laud Stephen Fry's portrayal

Elizabeth's actions claim a dedicated man's life after he is subpoenaed to testify against the company's faulty technology
Stephen Fry as Ian Gibbons (Hulu)
Stephen Fry as Ian Gibbons (Hulu)

Spoilers for 'The Dropout' Episode 5 'Flower of Life'

Hulu's newest acquisition 'The Dropout' which follows the true story of Theranos' founder Elizabeth Holmes has been grabbing eyeballs and all for the right reasons. Previously we saw her and her lover bag a deal with Walgreens by falsifying information, but as they say, all lies eventually catch up with you, with tonight's episode continuing the plot.

The official synopsis for Episode 5 reads: 'With the Walgreens deadline looming, Elizabeth and Sunny scramble to find solutions to their technological failures; Ian is drawn into Elizabeth's lawsuit against Richard.' So read on to know more in-depth about what happened in the latest episode of 'The Dropout' and what fans had to say.

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Episode 5 sees Richard Fuisz (William H. Macy) continue his lawsuit against Elizabeth (Amanda Seyfried) for the patent to her technology. This led to him sending Ian Gibbons (Stephen Fry) a subpoena for him to be deposed as Ian's name was there on all the patents making him the ideal candidate to expose her. But this put him in a tricky spot which could lead to him losing the job that he needs in order to get health care. We previously saw him try and do the right thing as Holmes' lies didn't sit well with him. But for this, he was fired, then rehired a few hours later but in a demoted position.

In the three years that he was forced to sit at a desk and do unrelated abysmal work, the once chief chemist of Theranos had fallen prey to depression and had developed drinking problems. He used to love working in the lab but was stuck doing nothing for years. This saw him attempt to die by suicide the night before the deposition and later passed away in the hospital. His heartbreaking death was mourned by fans who also were furious at Holmes for being the root cause of it and showing no remorse. They also praised Stephen Fry's portrayal of the late chemist and commend his acting. Here's what fans who watched had to say.

Stephen Fry as Ian Gibbons (Hulu)

"@stephenfry your portrayal of Ian Gibbons is heartbreaking and deeply, deeply touching. The story is infuriating on so many levels, but I’m just in awe of your work. Thank you for sharing it #TheDropout. One of the most heartbreaking parts of #TheDropout on @hulu isn't about Elizabeth Holmes' deceit, it's seeing @StephenFry brilliantly play the late Ian Gibbons - the chief scientist of #Theranos who tried to do the right thing & was punished for it. Ian committing suicide broke my heart and Elizabeth & Sunny’s reaction to it show how cold-hearted they are. #TheDropout."

The Ian Gibbons scene in #TheDropout , while I knew it was coming, broke me. The dog didn’t help.  Ian died. #TheDropout #TheDropoutHulu. I feel so bad for Ian Gibbons he really was a good and honest man and was loyal to the science and the truth. Elizabeth Holmes was truly fucked up #TheDropout." 



 



 



 



 



 



 

'The Dropout' returns with new episodes on Hulu every Thursday.

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