Spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Elliot escapes the pain of Ray's beating into a family road trip that behaves like a television sitcom. His father drives, his mother and Darlene join them, and canned laughter accompanies the violence around them. Tyrell is trapped in the boot of the car. Familiar faces appear in absurd roles, including Gideon as a police officer. Elliot keeps questioning the journey, unable to accept the cheerful responses to events that frighten him.
Mr. Robot explains that the fantasy was meant to carry Elliot through the worst of his injuries. Elliot wakes in hospital, where Ray makes clear that their working arrangement is now a matter of obedience. Later, confined again by Ray's men, Elliot thanks Mr. Robot for taking the pain for him. A childhood memory follows, with Edward telling his son about losing his job and inviting him to name the computer shop he plans to open.
Angela trains with Mobley and Darlene for the operation against the FBI. Their time is short because the bureau is leaving E Corp's offices. Cisco supplies the equipment, having been punished by the Dark Army for asking questions. Angela plants the device and talks her way past a suspicious FBI agent, but the connection fails. Darlene guides her through another attempt from her desk. Before Angela can finish the commands, Dom arrives at her cubicle and waits.