Those are the words that echo through the first few seconds of this episode.
An apt question, but perhaps an unknowable answer.
Whiterose is an enigma, a carefully curated persona, a power player, and a threat to humanity.
Credit: Scott McDermott/USA Network
But who is Whiterose really?
Back in 1982, seven years before forming the Deus Group, things were simpler.
As Zhi Zhang, shes secured a deal for IBM to have its very first plant in China.
Back at their hotel, Zhi and his translator are revealed to be a couple.
Theyll finally be able to reveal their true selves, two men in love.
Those words hit Zhi in the gut.
He hasnt shown his partner his true self.
So, while hes away having a few drinks with some corporate higher-ups, Zhi prepares the reveal.
She sheds her male mask and puts on her mothers dress.
She flicks on the light so her partner can see for himself.
Theres only one response: you look beautiful.
None of this is meant to end well, though.
This is the formation of Whiterose, not the ascendance of Zhi Zhang.
That means they must stay and continue living in the shadows.
They cant reveal their true selves.
This is too much.
Thus, Whiterose is born, in a moment of intense trauma and loss.
In the present day, Whiterose is honoring where she came from.
She thinks Elliot is planning something, and that it might involve Price.
Whiterose can see it might be true, so she chooses to go on the offensive.
And as a replacement for Price as CEO?
Shes tapped Tyrell Wellick.
So much of this season so far is about the way our trauma shapes us.
Theres a reason the season opened withAngelas murder.
Theres so much violence and chaos in this world, and whileMr.
What else do we have?
But not every connection made is a productive one; trauma can still creep in.
Just look at Elliot running into Krista, his old therapist.
Shes terrified of him, and hes similarly pained by her reaction.
Theres no happy coexistence here.
Itll be especially unhappy if Vera gets his hands on Krista.
He wants to convince him, not force him.
So, a human connection is needed.
Elliot is closed off.
Hes singularly focused on Whiterose to the point that he doesnt see the human cost of what hes doing.
Do the ends really justify the means here?
The two chat, bonding a bit over their fraught parental relationships.
Elliot nearly lets her leave, but then rushes outside and kisses her.
A magical Christmas Eve connection, or a way to get the job done?
It seems like its a bit of both.
He knows what its like to hate himself, to contemplate death.
Hes opening up, seeing that letting people in doesnt always lead to disaster.
Unless that person is Tyrell Wellick.
The plan is to act normal, like hes not plotting Whiteroses downfall.
This might be it.
The Dark Army might know exactly whats going on now.
