The Dropout: The New Miniseries on Elizabeth Holmes




Hulu recently just released its new miniseries called The Dropout which is a 5 episode series that tells the story of Elizabeth Holmes and her failed invention of Theranos. As we looked at her at the beginning of the course, this series was intriguing as Amanda Seyfried does an amazing job playing Elizabeth Holmes and the talking in circles and personalities that she pulls on different people in order to continue her venture. The docuseries takes you behind the story of Holmes and her invention as it looks at the trials and tribulations she faces throughout the journey as well as the support and the hate she got from many along the way.  

Q: Prior to our understanding and review of Elizabeth Holmes in class, what did you think of Theranos? Did you think it was a legitimate invention and that it would go far/be successful or did you get the feeling that it was too good to be true?

Q: Even though Theranos failed, do you think there should be an invention similar to it (one that would allow for individuals to have their blood taken at home with just one drop and it could ultimately read everything about you)? Do you think an invention like this would be vital to the world today? Why or why not? 

Q: After watching the trailer for The Dropout, do you think it is seen as an accurate depiction of Holmes and Theranos? 


Watch the trailer for The Dropout here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7rlZLw9m10&ab_channel=Hulu 



Comments

  1. Claire DavidsonMarch 21, 2022 at 2:23 PM

    In regard to entrepreneurs and start-ups, just like Holmes and Theranos, do you believe that if Holmes has received greater funding and greater support from her peers and investors, do you think the invention still would have failed? Was the reason why it failed due to Holmes' failed software/hardware designs that promised people great things and quickly spiraled out of control- as the main thing that Holmes promised (only one drop of blood is needed for phlebotomy tests everywhere) was unable to come to fruition? As I mentioned in my first blog post on Holmes and the documentary on her, I mentioned I had a chronic illness that required me to get blood tests done twice a year. If Theranos had been successful and was properly executed, I firmly believe that the invention would have helped millions worldwide- as the idea of giving vials of blood is wildly unappealing, getting the chance to do these tests through just a finger prick was a miracle. I also believe that Holmes promised way too much to her peers, investors, as she fell under pressure and truly believed that she was going to be able to create this miraculous invention that would save people time and energy.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tony FengApril 2, 2022 at 8:35 PM

    Hi Claire! Great post. For your first question, while watching the documentary about Theranos, I wanted the invention to be real because it would’ve been something that improved the lives of others. I believed that it deserved to be successful because it was something that would revolutionize the medical industry and could potentially save lives as well. Even though Theranos was a scam, I do hope that something similar to it will become a reality one day.
    For your last question, after watching the trailer, I think it is depicting the events accurately but I think the movie assumes that Elizabeth Holmes was actually trying to have a successful business. I personally felt that she planned everything from the start and created a persona that would help her achieve her goals.

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