Uncovering the Sinister Truth Behind Lumon’s Lies in ‘Severance’

The second season of “Severance”is diving deep into the deceptive practices of Lumon Industries. In the episode titled “Chikhai Bardo, ” we witness firsthand how far Lumon is willing to go to achieve its objectives, even if it means weaving intricate lies.

This season provides an intriguing glimpse into Lumon’s motives concerning its severed employees. We’ve observed the extremes to which the company will resort to ensure Mark S.(Adam Scott) completes his assignments, demonstrating the board’s unwavering commitment to the company’s success. This dedication comes at a steep cost, particularly to Helena Eagan (Britt Lower), who is continually subjected to risks as Lumon repeatedly forces Helly R.back onto the severed floor.

In the seventh episode, we gain unique insights into Mark Scout’s relationship with his wife, Gemma (Dichen Lachman), while also peeling back the curtain on Lumon’s inner workings. This episode raises critical questions about the organization’s ethics and the lies offered to the severed employees.

While we have some background on how Mark and Gemma transitioned from their roles as professors to involvement with Lumon—Gemma’s status as a living character—this episode paints a haunting picture of Lumon’s impact on its workforce. Many viewers are left pondering the real implications behind these developments.

Dissecting the intricacies of “Chikhai Bardo” will undoubtedly require a dedicated team of experts. However, it is essential to explore the significant deceptions presented to Gemma and Mark throughout this episode.

Gemma writing thank you notes in a Christmas room — (Image courtesy of Apple TV+)

An overarching question in “Severance”remains: what exactly is Lumon engaged in? Numerous theories have emerged around the purpose of the Microdata Refinement (MDR) department. Initially linked to explosions within the narrative’s research materials, the exact correlation remains ambiguous. However, we have witnessed Helly R.’s growing competence in handling numerical data.

A new theory has surfaced post “Chikhai Bardo” that offers a compelling perspective on Lumon’s actual activities. It appears that Gemma’s severed selves are each navigating spaces that evoke their greatest fears, hinting at sinister motivations. For instance, during a conversation with Mark, Gemma expresses her distaste for writing thank-you cards, while one of her severed selves finds itself perpetually at the dentist and another on a flying adventure.

This leads to the speculation that Lumon aims to refine the severance process for a broader application, potentially linking back to the severed woman spotted by Devon (Jen Tullock) at the birthing center.

It feels like they’re trying to prep severance for the mass market, testing it out in everyday but painful scenarios until she can keep her temper balanced doing each one #severance pic.twitter.com/V0CDwIXCSJ

— Cris ✨ (@lionesspike) February 28, 2025

Does this mean Gemma is enduring this cycle daily to determine if her various incarnations can withstand emotional torture? Or is there a more malevolent reason behind her confinement away from Mark?

The Most Detrimental Lies of All

Robby Benson sitting in a sweater on Severance — (Image courtesy of Apple TV+)

In “Chikhai Bardo, ”the narrative alternates between Mark’s memories of Gemma pre-severance and Gemma’s grim reality within Lumon. Throughout her journey, she encounters a series of men (all portrayed by Robby Benson), each associated with specific projects developed by the MDR team. This suggests that Gemma may possess multiple severed identities.

As she debriefs after each “session, ” her inquiries about Mark magnify her emotional struggle. By the episode’s conclusion, Gemma appears fatigued by her tasks, drained from the emotional weight of “I’ll Be Seeing You” by Billie Holliday playing in the background during a visit from Dr. Mauer, another character played by Benson. They discuss the impact of her work, and Gemma expresses her desire to return home.

In a critical moment, however, Dr. Mauer delivers a devastating blow by asserting, “Your husband remarried last year and has a daughter now.” The audience is aware that Mark has not moved on, yet it appears Gemma is oblivious to the fact that Mark is now engaged with Lumon. This doubles Mauer’s deception, underscoring Lumon’s strategies to keep Mark tethered while ensuring Gemma remains uninformed.

Doubting Mauer’s words, she attempts to flee, inadvertently awakening the “Ms. Casey” persona and condemning herself to remain trapped within Lumon.

The True Villain Revealed?

Mr. Milchick standing in an elevator — (Image courtesy of Apple TV+)

Initially, viewers may have felt empathy for Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman), who navigates the difficulties of leadership amidst pressures from the board while surrounded by overly inquisitive MDR employees. My earlier sympathies stemmed from his mundane efforts, such as fixing paperclips.

However, episode 7 complicates this narrative. After Dr. Mauer’s deceit, Gemma flees with the hope of reconnecting with Mark, only to find herself on the severed floor, navigating the same dim corridor Irving (John Turturro) painted earlier. In this critical moment, she transforms into Ms. Casey and encounters Mr. Milchick.

Instead of rebelling against the company, Milchick remains loyal, urging her to turn back by fabricating a tale that her “outie” visited Lumon for an art exhibit and got lost. Ms. Casey, lacking awareness, accepts his fabricated reality but pauses, indicating a flicker of doubt.

While Ms. Casey can’t be held responsible for her actions—the intricate dynamics of her identity are to blame—this interaction reveals Milchick’s steadfast commitment to Lumon, even at the cost of his morality.

The Significance of Mark

Gemma and Mark together on Severance — (Image courtesy of Apple TV+)

Ultimately, one must question: is it Mark or Gemma who holds the greater significance in “Severance”? In this episode, Dr. Mauer appears subtly at the fertility clinic Gemma and Mark visit, creating ambiguity about his role in their situation. His involvement suggests that their struggles with parenthood might be intricately tied to Lumon’s broader agenda.

Could it be that Gemma opted for the severed program to shield herself from the heartache of potential miscarriage if they conceive? Or might Lumon have intentionally lured Gemma into their realm, anticipating that Mark would follow? This narrative ingeniously poses a classic chicken-or-the-egg dilemma, as both scenarios seem plausible and intertwining.

“Chikhai Bardo” enriches this qualified quandary, highlighting Lumon’s relentless pursuit of success. Ultimately, the question remains whether Lumon is adequately prepared for the lengths Gemma and Mark will go to fight for one another.

Source & Images