“Chikhai Bardo,” the seventh installment of “Severance” Season 2, is a masterstroke of psychological unease, a meticulously crafted descent into the heart of Lumon Industries’ insidious machinations. This episode transcends mere storytelling; it’s a visceral experience, a chilling exploration of manipulation, trauma, and the erosion of human identity. The glacial pace, often a point of contention, serves as a deliberate tool, amplifying the creeping dread that permeates every frame. We are not merely watching a narrative unfold; we are being immersed in a meticulously constructed psychological labyrinth.
Severance Season 2
The episode opens with what appears to be a tender origin story: Mark and Gemma’s initial encounter at a blood drive. Their shared wit, their immediate connection, their budding romance – these moments of human connection are juxtaposed with the ever-present, ever-watchful eye of Lumon. The blood drive, far from a charitable endeavor, is revealed as a data-gathering operation, a means of acquiring biological information on potential subjects. Lumon’s logo, emblazoned on the medical equipment, serves as a stark reminder of their omnipresence, their insidious reach into the most intimate aspects of human life.
This is not a chance encounter; it’s a calculated move, a crucial step in Lumon’s long-term strategy. The company’s involvement in the blood drive, and later, the fertility clinic, underscores their pervasive influence, their ability to infiltrate and manipulate seemingly benign institutions. The appearance of Dr. Mauer, the architect of Gemma’s torment, lurking in the background, serves as a chilling foreshadowing, a harbinger of the horrors to come.
The narrative progresses, tracing the trajectory of Mark and Gemma’s relationship, from the joy of pregnancy to the devastation of miscarriage. The fertility clinic, another seemingly innocuous institution, bears the Lumon logo, further cementing their control over the couple’s lives. The cards that Gemma receives, that appear to be a psychological test, are a clear indication that Lumon is testing Gemma, and seeing if she is a viable subject for their nefarious experiments.
The initial theory that Gemma willingly left Mark is effectively dismantled. Her love for him is palpable, her desire to reunite with him unwavering. Her desperate attempts to escape Lumon’s clutches, her insistence on saying “I love you” first, all contradict the notion of a voluntary separation. The question remains: how did Lumon acquire her? Was her car crash a staged event, a calculated abduction? Or did the company capitalize on a tragic accident, seizing an opportunity to acquire a valuable asset? The fact that her will is not her own, makes the experiments that Lumon is conducting all the more tragic.
Within the confines of Lumon’s facility, Gemma is subjected to a series of psychological experiments, a gauntlet of emotional and physical trials. She is forced to inhabit multiple severed identities, each trapped in a simulated reality, each enduring a unique form of torment. Plane crashes, dental procedures, mundane tasks like writing thank-you cards – these experiences are designed to elicit specific emotional responses, to test the limits of human endurance.
The purpose of these experiments remains shrouded in mystery. Is Lumon mapping the human psyche, exploring the nature of trauma and resilience? Are they testing the efficacy of severance technology, exploring its potential applications beyond the workplace? Or are they manipulating human emotions, creating a population of docile, controllable individuals?
Drummond’s ominous reminder that Gemma will be “disposed of” after entering the Cold Harbor room adds another layer of intrigue. The significance of this room, its guarded status, hints at a deeper, more sinister purpose. The theory that Cold Harbor is related to death, that Lumon is attempting to resurrect the deceased, is a chilling possibility. The opening credits of Season 2, featuring a car submerged in a frozen lake, and Gemma’s preference for drowning over suffocation, provide further clues.
The worship of Kier Eagan, Lumon’s founder, suggests a cult-like devotion to his ideals. The company’s focus on the soul, its exploration of consciousness and identity, points to a grander ambition than mere corporate dominance. Lumon’s goals could be as grand as acheiving immortality, and controlling the very nature of human consciousness.
“Chikhai Bardo” is a tour de force of psychological horror, a meticulously crafted episode that delves into the darkest corners of Lumon’s machinations. The revelation of the company’s long-term manipulation of Mark and Gemma’s lives adds a new layer of complexity to the narrative, deepening the mystery surrounding their ultimate goals. The experiments conducted on Gemma, the significance of the Cold Harbor room, the cult-like devotion to Kier Eagan – these elements point to a grander, more sinister purpose.
