I really liked the episode overall and see a semi-hidden message that feels worth discussing here. Or should I say it feels worth me bringing it up. If anyone responds we have a discussion.
The intro fake album was brilliant, and I can’t help but wonder if Norm paired it with this story to draw attention to the fact that in the story we appear to be watching a man go insane, but he is arguably more sane then the huge number of people on Earth right now who claim to believe/follow/obey a god who demands loyalty to himself over all else.
As many remember, in the old testament bible, a certain religion's god demands that one of his followers kill his son. That father attempts to kill his son in compliance, until an assistant to the god intervenes once it is clear where the father's loyalties lay. (“God commands Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. (Genesis 22:5 and 22:8). After Isaac is bound to an altar, the angel of God stops Abraham at the last minute, saying "now I know you fear God." At this point Abraham sees a ram caught in some nearby bushes and sacrifices the ram instead of Isaac.” )
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binding_of_Isaac
In our story, the hero is faced with the same choice -- but he chooses a different path –- despite clear evidence (to him) that his god is real.
As a father I applaud his choice, and hope I would make the same choice, for I would rather burn for eternity than betray and kill my own child, and I am highly suspicious of religions that include that atrocity as an option.