S1E2 - Unwashed and Somewhat Slightly Dazed

After the shocking discovery that The Mission is far more complex and dangerous than he believed, and the only human who can guide him abandons him to protect her family and her sanity, Faraday must go it alone.

Episode Recap:

In the whirlwind, Faraday receives his instructions from Thomas Newton; he is to go to a company called OriGen in Seattle. Justin is freaked out by what she has witnessed and fears for her sanity. But, between the hell which is Faraday’s journey and the hell which is the debt that awaits her with Josiah’s needs, the house being on the brink of foreclosure, and more, something has to give. Faraday tries to take a plane to Seattle but difficulties ensue. Justin is called to pick him. This requires a detour to pick up her father Josiah Falls from a seniors day center, and a stop off for supper at a drive through, where Faraday meets the young Molly Falls. The plan is to have supper with the Falls family and then Justin will take Faraday to a bus station. But Faraday insists Justin is crucial to the mission and tries to remove the obstacles to her getting involved.

Meanwhile, Faraday making contact pops up on people’s radars. Enter the CIA. Senior agent Drew Finch sends her underling Spencer Clay. Clay ends up in remote Alaska talking to the last living scientist who knows the truth about a secret file on Thomas Newton. Spencer discovers what happened to Newton 45 years ago. Spencer has the scent of the prey now.

Notable Quote:

"Humans, you have to let the virus in again. If our mission is to be successful, you have to let them in. You have to see with their eyes. You’re gonna need some of these sapiens to help you. But you mustn't become attached. The key to our salvation is inside." - Thomas Newton

From tvshowtranscripts.ourboard.org

Questions for Discussion

Did any particular scene, dialogue, or character strike you positively or negatively? Why?
How does the cinematography work with the plot? Did any particular angles or shots strike you?
Given his views on “storing the aged” and the efficiency of a well-planned death, why did Faraday not euthanize Josiah?
How is the Falls family (Josiah, Justin, Molly) navigating their precarious predicament?
How is Faraday adapting so far?
What is your first impression of Thomas Newton? Does it change after we meet the reclusive scientist Patel in Alaska?
We’re introduced to a series of relationships: Thomas & Faraday, Spencer & Drew, Faraday & Justin, Molly & Faraday, and the Falls family. Compare and contrast them.
Given he is a scientist, how do you understand Josiah’s prayer? What kind of God does Josiah believe in? Did you notice any other prayer in the episode?
In view of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey idea, how would you describe Faraday’s journey into the ‘unknown’ so far?
Comment on co-creator Alex Kurtzman’s point of view: “Great science fiction makes you think about your place in the universe, that’s the point. But it also entertains you, and it allows you to go to different worlds, and to envision things that you didn’t even think were possible, and you get transported into a whole universe, and I think that’s what the show does.”