Synopsis: The Enterprise is gripped by an advanced ancient computer program.
“Contagion” is about the health of the Enterprise’s computer systems, and in that regard, the vessel of the Enterprise can be seen as analogous to the human psyche.
This is especially true when it comes to the Enterprise’s engines, which utilize a blend of matter and anti-matter. When the two parts are stable, separated, and of the appropriate ratio, she is a powerful vessel, but when the barrier between the two is breached she is a potential bomb. In this episode this possibility occurs because an incompatible computer program infects the Enterprise and threatens to interfere with her self-regulating systems.
Similarly, according to the teachings of depth psychology, the human psyche has a conscious and an unconscious, which when properly balanced allow a person to pursue a normal life. However, when an unconscious element becomes conscious, a complex is created. While “complex” has negative connotations in popular culture, it can also be seen as an opportunity for growth.
In “Contagion” the crew of the Enterprise realize that a simple system shutdown and restart will clear the Enterprise of the harmful programming. In the human psyche, things are not so easy. If the unconscious material, which like the incompatible computer program, threatens the conscious ego is acknowledged and integrated into the psyche, the personal self-regulating system allows the individual to be made more whole. However, if the unconscious material is continually ignored, it is possible that the unconscious bits will overwhelm the internal healing powers of the psyche and cause us to shut down as a means to reboot. But unlike the computer programs of the Enterprise, this is not as easy as flipping a switch, can be detrimental, yet this too can also lead to growth, if perhaps a little more painfully.
Original post created 2 July 2021
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