Synopsis: While returning to the Enterprise in a shuttlecraft, Lt. Worf inadvertently creates a quantum fissure in space.
This episode illustrates what it is like for the Logos-driven rational conscious ego, when it is overwhelmed by Eros-driven irrational unconscious material.
In “Parallels” Lt. Worf unknowingly travels through a pocket of space that is unstable and opens a quantum fissure that creates numerous realities that he is constantly being torn between. This illustrates what it is like for the conscious ego when it is suddenly confronted by unconscious material that erupts into its ability to perceive through a complex.
In the episode, Worf must deal with situations which he knows are not real, but it is not until the evidence of a quantum fissure is too great, here by the appearance of over 285,000 versions of the Enterprise, that the crew of the vessel come to his aid to devise a way to contain the rift in space. This is not unlike how many individuals come to depth psychology, by the appearance of unconscious material that their conscious egos must find a way to deal with. Fortunately, as Carl (C. G.) Jung has theorized, this is what complexes are for. Just as the Enterprise is a vessel to help Worf find an answer to what he is facing, complexes allow individuals’ conscious egos to contain and confront bits of material from their unconsciouses.
mydailysoultrek 