Synopsis: Acting Ensign Crusher’s school science project puts the Enterprise at risk when it evolves into living beings trying to protect themselves.
In “Evolution” the nanites that disrupt the operation of the Enterprise’s computer systems can be seen as analogous to how bits of unconscious material disrupt an individual’s conscious ego.
In the episode, these nanites multiply and become engrained into the ship’s computer system. “Evolution” provides two ways to deal with this disruption. Dr. Paul Stubbs, who is a visitor on the ship, wants to destroy them. Captain Jean-Luc Picard believes that they are a new form of consciousness and must not be destroyed but communicated with. Stubbs does kill some of the nanites, and in turn he is attacked and rendered immobile. Through Lt. Commander Data’s cooperation, Picard is able to communicate with the nanites and work out a satisfactory outcome for all concerned.
This mirrors the two basic ways that the conscious ego can chose to deal with the unconscious. If the conscious ego tries to suppress the bits of unconscious material brought to its attention, those bits will only get bigger and more destructive. If, however, bits of the unconscious are acknowledged and integrated into the conscious ego, then the psyche becomes stronger and more whole.
Original post created 20 July 2021
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