I see it used on species that don't have individial identities, where one controls the brood, and for those it makes sense and I don't mind.
Didn't see this ep so not sure it applies.
Starship troopers is a good example perhaps, not many others I can think of.
Star craft 2 did this well IMO, where the brood without mother splits into chaotic disordered groups who are aggressive to everyone.