The Season 2 finale of Severance shocked audiences with its philosophical questions and eerie atmosphere. The seventh episode, “Chikhai Bardo,” revealed a disturbing truth about Gemma’s (Dichen Lachman) existence at Lumon Corporation. In stark contrast to her robotic portrayal as a “wellness counselor,” the show humanized Gemma, showing her to be funny, loving, and vulnerable.
However, this newfound humanity came with a horrific price. Lumon manipulated Gemma’s pain, faking her death and confining her to windowless quarters. They also experimented on her, subjecting her to distressing events like staged dentist appointments and airplane disasters. The true purpose of these actions remains unclear but appears to be linked to the revival of Kier Eagan, Lumon’s founder.
The show’s portrayal of Gemon’s treatment is a stark contrast to its initial absurdity, highlighting the corporation’s sinister nature. Mark (Adam Scott), Gemma’s love interest, initially asked her “Who are you?” only to be met with a response that distinguishes her from Helly R. This sharp distinction underscores Lumon’s cruel manipulation of Gemma’s emotions and identity.
Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2025/03/severance-season-2-finale-twist/682128