A core theme explored in this episode is the loss of agency. Kovacs—the ultimate rebel—is literally betrayed by his own skin due to the military hardwiring in his sleeve. Similarly, the mystery of Quell involves whether she is truly herself or merely a "sleeve" being piloted by another consciousness.
: Poe continues to struggle with memory corruption. He refuses to "defrag" because it would erase his memories of Lizzie and Kovacs, creating a growing risk to their mission. Human Perspectives Altered Carbon 2x2
“The scene in which Kovacs learns he has higher tolerance settings in this sleeve that are hurting his ability to get drunk is pretty clever.” Vulture · 6 years ago A core theme explored in this episode is the loss of agency