Beta: [s1e4] The Master

The episode titled "The Master Beta" actually refers to the of the HBO comedy series Silicon Valley , though its official title is " Fiduciary Duties " . Here is the "story" of what happens in that episode:

: Richard and the Pied Piper team attend a lavish toga party thrown by their eccentric investor, Peter Gregory, featuring a performance by Flo Rida. Richard, feeling the pressure and drinking too much, drunkenly promises Erlich a seat on the company's board of directors—a decision he immediately regrets the next morning when Erlich presents video evidence of the promise.

: Ultimately, Erlich's over-the-top confidence saves the day during the meeting with Peter Gregory. Richard realizes that while Erlich is obnoxious, he is a necessary "fiduciary" presence for the company, and officially grants him the board seat.

: The episode ends with Richard discovering an old photo showing that Peter Gregory and his arch-rival Gavin Belson were actually close friends in their youth, adding a layer of personal history to their corporate war. Community Perspectives

“"Fiduciary Duties" found Richard in over his head again when it comes to the business side of things, but also learning that delegation is not a bad thing.” Collider · 12 years ago

“It was a great and surreal dig at competitive companies, who acquire people just so someone else can't have them.” Collider · 12 years ago Gavin Belson rivalry develops? SILICON VALLEY Recap Season 1, Episode 4 - Collider

Fans and critics often highlight the relatable (and absurd) depictions of corporate culture in this episode.

: Big Head, having been cut from Hooli's "Nucleus" team because he doesn't actually know how Richard's code works, finds himself in a bizarre corporate purgatory. He discovers a group of "unassigned" employees on the Hooli roof who spend their days drinking beer and "resting and vesting"—getting paid large salaries to do nothing just so competitors can't hire them.