USA’s humble hit cyberdrama Mr. Robot has already delved into some supremely strange sophomore season territory, notably the surprising midseason reveal of Elliot’s delusion-dressed institutional setting. However, as Season 2 readies a (hopefully satisfying) revelatory climax with the first part of finale “Python,” it’s clear that the show is not quite done unveiling its insanely oblique, symbolism-strewn bag of tricks with the odd scenes involving Angela’s captivity. While these scenes were quite perplexing, writer/producer Kor Adana provides an interesting explanation. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kor Adana claims that Angela was being subjected to a test of worthiness, further explaining: Angela was asked questions both odd and intrusive by a mysterious little girl under the moral duress that not only will a fish tank in the background drain, but the girl will be abused if Angela doesn’t comply. Yet, with said questions kicking off with, “Have you ever cried during sex?” and “Red or Purple?,” Angela’s bewilderment was understandable. The questions also depicted hypothetical scenarios resembling the kind of old adventure games played on the very antique computer sitting in that room. However, as Adana affirms, this was simply Whiterose’s algorithmic style hacker approach to determine Angela’s value in the “Phase 2” plan, specifically why (secret co-conspirator) E Corp CEO Phillip Price is so fixated on her. Yet, the contents of the dark and relatively empty room seem to carry the kind of potent pop-culture symbolism that has become a staple on Mr. Robot, as embraced by creator Sam Esmail; something also affirmed by the myriad Easter Eggs visible in not only the room, but the vintage video games listed on the computer screen. In fact, the inquiry quickly transformed into a game to find a mysterious key, which Angela was apparently holding (symbolically,) the entire time. As Adana explains of the array of oddball knickknacks: Yet, there might be an additionally powerful component in the 1950’s music played on the radio when Angela was being transported to the compound, notably the instrumental “Night Train,” which was famously played in Back to the Future (Angela and Elliot’s favorite movie to watch together while getting high,) at the Enchantment Under the Sea dance. A later scene with Elliot had The Penguins’ “Earth Angel” – another prominent tune from that film – play in the background. While we essentially know the reason, Angela’s abduction might turn out to be more connected to Elliot than we thought. This is especially the case with the (apparent) reemergence of Martin Wallström’s Tyrell Wellick, with whom Elliot (under the influence of Mr. Robot,) forged a mysterious plan.
