On any typical week, fans of Severance can anticipate emotional twists and deep character explorations, but season 2, episode 7, titled "Chikhai Bardo," takes this to another level. Directed by Jessica Lee Gagné, whose cinematographic skills have always been pivotal to the show’s aesthetic, this episode intertwines three distinct timelines with grace and coherence, providing viewers with the most ambitious narrative of the series yet.
Set against the backdrop of Mark and Gemma's past, we first encounter them at the college where both work, donating blood together. This tender moment is not merely coincidental; it establishes the deep connection between the couple before the tragic events of the narrative unravel. Mark, portrayed charmingly by Adam Scott, is immediately captivated by Gemma, the Russian literature professor played by Dichen Lachman. The nostalgic sequences are interspersed throughout the episode, highlighting their earlier intimacy against the sterile and oppressive environment of Lumon.
Visually, the differences between the two timelines are stark. The vibrant saturation and quaint living surroundings where Mark and Gemma thrive contrasts sharply with the drab and artificial fluorescence of Lumon's facilities. This subtext builds emotional resonance, drawing viewers closer to the more human aspects of Mark and Gemma's relationship—their aspirations, struggles, and the looming shadow of tragedy.
The narrative delves deep, illuminating the couple’s heartbreaking attempts at starting a family. Gemma’s experience with miscarriage is depicted poignantly through visuals and emotional undertones. Early scenes show Mark buying baby items, hinting at their wishes for parenthood, which soon turn somber as Gemma suffers the loss of her pregnancy, leading to poignant reflections on their struggles with fertility treatments linked with Lumon.
Gemma finds herself subjected to oddities and tormenting procedures on the Lumon Testing Floor, where she is not just assigned tasks but drawn through surreal experiences each day. These experiences include being thrust back and forth between rooms representing nightmare scenarios—such as dental pain and forced festive tasks—all orchestrated by the sinister Dr. Mauer (played by Robby Benson), who also embodies aspects of her former life and traumas. His character serves as both tormentor and twisted comfort during this fragmented chapter of her life.
Despite the introductory scenes of tenderness, episodes like "Chikhai Bardo" hint at the psychological manipulation happening under Lumon's dark surface. Gemma's repeated encounters with drab and painful tasks reveal the harrowing nature of her severance, transforming the episode's thematic focus on love and loss to also include psychological distress within Lumon’s experimental framework.
Following Gemma’s experiences, the episode juxtaposes Mark’s current emotional struggle as he faces the harsh realities of his beloved’s fate. The episode highlights Mark’s internal conflict after his reintegration seizure and his connection with Gemma. It leads to questions about their respective experiences and his determination to find her.
The episode also explores pivotal dialogue, particularly around the “Chikhai Bardo” theme, which symbolizes the liminal state between life and death. Gemma expresses curiosity about her future after clearing the rooms with her innies, prompting Dr. Mauer's chilling response, “Mark will benefit from the world you’re siring.” This connection to fertility introduces layers of meaning around agency and motherhood.
On the surface, the episode is rich with visual metaphors, combining emotional storytelling alongside psychological horror. Several themes emerge prominently: the impact of grief on relationships, the harsh realities of loss, and the moral dilemmas posed by Lumon’s practices. Each room Gemma visits serves as both prison and reflection of her inner struggles, capturing the sharp contrasts between vivacious moments and stifling torment.
One of the compelling narrative devices is the parallel timing of events—viewers witness Mark's desperation after realizing something is wrong with his wife unraveling against Gemma's reality. The frenzied pace adopted by the episode contrasts their warmth with Mark’s present chaos, building suspense with every cut between timelines. This reflects on the broader psychological themes explored on the show and allows viewers to connect deeply with both characters' anguish.
By the episode’s conclusion, viewers are left grappling with monumental questions about Lumon's intentions and Gemma’s fate, marking the episode as one of the most impactful to date. The interplay between the emotional arcs of these two beloved characters sparks important conversations about agency, pain, and the oppressive weight of secrets.
Gemma's and Mark’s storyline is not just about their love—it’s about exploring boundaries of identity within trauma and experimentation. "Chikhai Bardo" beautifully encapsulates the series' excellence, reinforcing Severance's status as boundary-pushing television. With only three episodes left, the looming tension about Lumon’s dark intentions and what awaits Gemma and Mark grows ever more pressing, leaving audiences eager for resolution and connection.