A "kernel panic" occurs when a UNIX operating system detects a fatal error from which it cannot recover. It is roughly the same as a "blue screen of death" (stop error) in Windows. The panic sends highly technical information to administrators and developers designed to help the identify the problem.
The extension: The .ksd extension denotes a file encoded by Keep Safe, an app providing military-grade encryption of devices and back-ups for video and photos.
Summary
Episode Notes
Based on Romero's criminal record, the conversation with Mobley where he was recruited takes place at Christmas, 2014.
Elliot takes adderall to get rid of Mr. Robot. Adderall is a stimulant generally prescribed to treat ADHD. It improves attention and wakefulness, but in larger doses, side effects include euphoria, insomnia, hallucinations and paranoia.
The print on Phillip Price's wall is the 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria by a Yugoslav nationalist at Sarajevo, which triggered World War I.
Technology
In the flashback, Mobley tried to recruit Romero due to his skills in phreaking. Phreaking was the skill of emulating audio frequencies to access and manipulate telephone systems before phones became digital.
Romero's PC was likely ignited by thermite trap that triggered when FBI agents tried to access his computer. Thermite is a pyrotechnic that burns at high temperatures to melt the metal plates or silicon chips in hard drives.
Ray and his associates use Bitcoin for their unspecified business. Bitcoin is an open-source cryptocurrency using an open ledger with public and private keys. Transactions in are anonymous to others with access to the network, so it has become popular with criminals.
Music
"Holly, Jolly Christmas" Recorded by Burl Ives (1964). Plays as Romero take Mobley to see the Fun Society arcade for the first time.
"You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" Recorded by Dusty Springfield (1966). Plays as Romero locks up the arcade after being recruited by Mobley.
Opening, from the soundtrack of Mishima. Composed by Phillip Glass, performed by the Phillip Glass Ensemble. Plays when Elliot imagines himself being kidnapped and forced to drink fluid concrete.
"The Highwayman" Recorded by The Highwaymen (Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, 1985). Plays as Agent DiPierro gets ready for work.
"Lovely Allen" Recorded by Holy F**k (2007). Plays in the montage where Elliot realizes the adderall has worked and Mr. Robot is gone.
"Just Say the Word". Recorded by Jerry Townes. Plays as Angela arrives for her dinner with Phillip Price.
Trivia
Romero's first name is Leslie.
Easter Eggs
The man in the flat black had resembles a character from "Breaking Bad".
