In my humble opinion as a movie critic, what truly sets “Severance” apart is its intriguing central enigma, centered around the titular technology developed by Lumon Industries and the cryptic tasks undertaken by the Macrodata Refinement team. What makes “Severance” truly shine is its ability to prioritize character development over plot twists, gradually revealing the happenings at Lumon without withholding answers solely for dramatic effect, instead using each revelation to further flesh out the intriguing world inhabited by its exceptional ensemble cast. The seventh episode of Season 2, titled “Chikhai Bardo,” may very well be the series’ finest moment, delving into the heartwarming bond between Mark (Adam Scott) and Gemma (Dichen Lachman) before her apparent demise. Not only does this episode offer an emotional journey, but it also sheds light on why the MDR work is so crucial to the storyline.
WARNING: Spoilers below for Severance Season 2, Episode 7
The season 1 finale of ‘Severance’ unveils that Gemma is alive on the Testing Floor within Lumon, a location initially mentioned on Petey’s (Yul Vazquez) map. Although it remains uncertain whether she deliberately went there or was sent due to her car accident, Episode 7 offers insight into her daily life in this facility. Each day commences with comprehensive medical checks conducted by a nurse, portrayed by Sandra Bernhard. Subsequently, Gemma is led to designated areas like Wellington, Dranesville, Allentown, and Cairns, whereupon her severance chip triggers alternate personas tailored exclusively for each environment. For instance, within Wellington, she transforms into a fearful dental patient, while in Allentown, she’s compelled to write Christmas thank-you notes until her hand seizes up. In simulated settings such as a plane, she encounters turbulence and panic.
The personalities created by the severance chip have no memory, which means each version of Gemma exists only in a terrifying scenario – envision the dread of having your entire life distilled into keeping your mouth open while a dentist probes your teeth. These harrowing experiences are meant to test the limits of the severance chip by subjecting individuals to intense stress, pain, and despair, determining how much a person can endure before the boundaries between consciousnesses break down. Mr. Drummond (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson) underscores the importance of this task when he asks Dr. Mauer (Robby Benson) if “the severance barriers are holding,” suggesting that MDR’s role is to ensure these artificial personalities remain separate.
Interestingly, each room shares its name with the folders that the MDR team organizes into five labeled containers on the main floor, suggesting a direct link between the refiners’ tasks and Gemma’s pain.
Is the MDR Team Creating Each of Gemma’s Severed Personalities?
In Episode 7, it appears that every file the MDR team perfects either develops or alters the character that activates when Gemma steps into a certain room. This relationship is supported when Gemma mentions that she has never been in Cold Harbor – which coincidentally is the name of the project Mark is currently handling at Lumon. The series consistently underscores the significance of completing Cold Harbor, as Helena Eagan (Britt Lower) persistently urges Mark to get back to work specifically for this task.
In Episode 7, it becomes clear that when Cold Harbor is finished, Gemma’s destiny will be irrevocably decided. Mr. Drummond ominously warns Dr. Mauer, “Once he’s done, you’ll have to bid her farewell.” This implies that Cold Harbor serves as the culmination of Lumon’s research project. When Gemma inquires about what happens after she visits all the rooms, Dr. Mauer replies enigmatically: “You’ll witness the world anew, and the world will bear witness to you. Mark will gain from the world you’re creating. Kier will alleviate all his suffering, just as Kier has eased your own.” This language hints at a metamorphosis instead of death – maybe a complete overhaul of Gemma’s consciousness in line with Kier Eagan’s warped ideology.
The emotional fallout from this disclosure is tremendous. Unbeknownst to Mark, his innie (inner self) has been unwittingly involved in his wife’s torment. Every time he categorized numbers into containers, he was essentially molding the ordeals Gemma faced on the Testing Floor. This also sheds light on why Lumon is so determined to keep the MDR team secluded and under its thumb. By keeping them oblivious about the authentic nature of their tasks, Lumon can continue to process data that directly influences real human lives. However, there’s a glimmer of hope: Mark’s present reintegration could potentially save Gemma from her harsh existence at Lumon.
Severance Season 2 streams new episodes every Thursday on Apple TV+.
What do you think is inside the Cold Harbor room? Share your theories in the comments!
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2025-02-28 15:20