Severance Season 2 Episode 7, titled "Chikhai Bardo," delivers not only intense revelations but masterful storytelling as it delves deep
into the mysteries of Lumon and particularly the character Gemma, played by Dichen Lachman. The episode opens with the powerful words
"She’s alive," referring to Gemma, marking the moment fans have eagerly awaited since the cliffhanger ending of Season 1. The previous season spent plenty of time shrouding
Gemma's fate in uncertainty, positioning her as the estranged wife of protagonist Mark (Adam Scott).
Through beautifully shot flashbacks directed by Jessica Lee Gagné—in her directorial debut—the episode
barrages viewers with bittersweet memories of Gemma and Mark's relationship including their meet-cute, high hopes of starting
a family, and the
painful grief resulting from infertility struggles. Cinematographer Gagné captures the essence of their love, lending warmth to the flashbacks through grainy film. The couple's deep connection starkly contrasts with the cold, sterile atmosphere of Lumon, where Gemma is trapped.
Viewers learn harsh truths about Gemma’s current reality, as they witness her forced servitude on the Testing Floor, where she is subjected to various trials, each delineated by different rooms. Comically and tragically, these spaces mirror troubling aspects of her life with Mark. Gagné’s direction reflects the pervasive theme of loss of autonomy, as distressing scenes juxtapose playful memories of Gemma and Mark's initial encounters.
Each room Gemma enters triggers alternate identities, forcing her 'innies' to undergo torturous tasks—like writing endlessly monotonous “thank you” cards or enduring painful dental procedures. These scenarios appear to reflect not only the cruel whims of Lumon but also the internalized traumas Gemma has endured. The narrative culminates when Gemma, tired of being Nick's plaything, strikes back against Dr. Mauer (Robby Benson), the cold psychiatrist who preys upon her vulnerabilities, and attempts to escape. Instead, tragedy strikes as she finds herself back as Ms. Casey on the Testing Floor, signifying the distressing extent of her severance.
The psychological undercurrent of the narrative raises questions not just about Lumon’s methods, but also about the nature of identity itself. Gemma’s character arc poignantly emphasizes the agony of severance—being divided from her core self—while also shedding light on themes of memory, love, and the hope for reuniting with Mark. The episode asks how much of Gemma’s true self remains as she navigates the fractured realities imposed upon her by Lumon.
Another poignant moment arises when Gemma's past relationship with Mark reveals the significance of their initial meeting—where awkwardness and vulnerability blossom during blood donation. The symbolism does not go unnoticed—as this blood bank is ensconced with the ominous presence of Lumon. The seeds of their future pain are planted early, foreshadowing not just their romantic tragedies but also the corporation’s manipulative grip on their lives. Their shared turmoil crescendos when Gemma suffers a miscarriage and faces layers of emotional distress, only to succumb to Lumon—now her captor.
Key to this episode's depth is the exploration of the consequences of trauma and the psychological scars borne by both Mark and Gemma. Each character is deeply affected, and it reveals how their trauma fundamentally changes their relationship dynamic. The culmination of the couple’s attempts to conceive and their unravelling relationship poignantly leads to the moment of Gemma’s alleged death—a clockwork tragedy bound to ensnare audiences.
By the end, viewers are left pondering the broader thematic connotations of the episode, with Gemma's ordeal underlining the struggles imposed by soul-crushing corporate entities like Lumon. The episode leaves one to question: what is the true cost of severance, and what remains of one’s self when their identity has been fractured? The term "Chikhai Bardo"—the state between death and rebirth—echoes throughout Gemma's trials; it parallels the characters’ struggles as they battle their circumstances and break the barriers imposed by Lumon.
Episode 7 is not just another chapter; it’s pivotal for the show’s narrative arc, and it serves as a vessel for its thematic exploration of trauma and identity, making it clear this season is more than mere corporate satire—it’s woven with raw emotional intelligence. The episode’s thrilling revelations, tangled emotions, and heart-wrenching dynamics compel viewers to question their own perceptions of reality amid Lumon’s tainted machinations.