[lukeholder]

Hmm the “token” scene with Einstein was the pivotal interpersonal misunderstanding / paranoia trigger for the antagonist.

[psychphysic]

It also tells us that Strauss does not quite understand the game.

He had the medal pinned on him, he thinks this is a badge of honour. A mark of the lowly shoe sales man come good. Einstein tells us this was the marking of the end of his usefulness.