Fans of the TV+ series Severance are reeling after the latest episodes, particularly the unsettling Chikhai Bardo, which appears to seal the fate of Gemma Scout, played by Dichen Lachman. The mysterious Cold Harbor room and Mark S’s (Adam Scott) cryptic file have sparked intense debate among viewers on , reports the .
One fan, Annahsbananas, theorized: “The cold harbor room would be the death room. They ask what she feared the most? Drowning or suffocation. She answered drowning.”
They proposed that once Mark perfects the four tempers for the innie of the cold harbor room, Lumon will simulate a boat sinking, putting Gemma on the brink of drowning, as hinted at by the Doctor’s rendition of The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. The user suggested that Lumon aims to test whether the trauma of drowning would “bleed over” from the Innie to the Outie, potentially symbolizing the death of the ego, as alluded to in the painting in Mr. Milchick’s (Tramell Tillman) office, which some fans believe represents Freud’s Iceberg Theory.
This theory posits that only 10 percent of our behavior is driven by our conscious mind, while the remaining 90 percent stems from the unconscious mind and the deeper levels of consciousness that lie hidden beneath the surface, much like an iceberg. A fan proposed a complex theory about a popular show, saying: “So I think the room is a much darker thing than just “death”.
“I think “Gemma” as we know it will be replaced by someone else…like “invasion of the body snatchers” but more sci fi than horror (if Mark doesn’t rescue her first).”
Milchick’s painting could relate to Freud’s Iceberg Theory about ego (Image: APPLE TV)
[FAN REACTION]
This statement suggests an intricate plot twist involving character replacement and elements of science fiction. Evidence from season two, including suggestive cutaways to a painting, support this hypothesis.
Moreover, there are additional intriguing details, such as the episode titled Chikhai Bardo, which refers to Buddhist beliefs regarding death, and Gemma’s perusal of mysterious Lumon cards.
The second season’s opening credits also contribute to the speculation, featuring imagery of icebergs and a car wreck, which could symbolize either ego death or literal demise within the Cold Harbor room.
Another viewer reflected on the notion, offering their view: “My theory on Cold Harbor is that it will be the ability to switch between an innie and an outtie automatically and any traumatic or painful event is automatically the reality of the innie.”
Gemma Scout has been Lumon’s human guinea pig for years (Image: APPLE TV)
This theory implies a groundbreaking development where characters can shift states to cope with adverse experiences.
They continue with the economic implications: “Every test so far has been for planned situations- dentist, airplane, Christmas. But, if Lumon can sell severance for the unplanned events, they’ve hit pay dirt.”
A third enthusiast pitched in with yet another perspective: “My theory is that Cold Harbor is a birthing room that Gemma’s innie was supposed to test by conceiving a child with Mark. When it becomes clear to Lumon that Gemma is unable to conceive a child, Lumen decides to “kill” her outtie so that Mark can move on and possibly father a child with someone else.”
This introduces a rather disturbing possibility of corporate interference in the most personal aspects of life.
Dr Mauer was testing Gemma for Lumon (Image: APPLE TV)
One viewer shared their interpretation: “The last episode definitely wanted people to think about it being her infertility, Mark’s infidelity, and Helleny’s probable pregnancy. Mengele was in her fertility clinic and presumably causing some of the problems.
“She’s been down there for years. Her (and Mark) dealing with the loss of her returned child through suffocation (blanket) or drowning (bath or pool) would be a test of the greatest possible grief [sic].”
These theories have emerged following the release of some details about the Severance season two finale on the internet, including its rating and runtime of 76 minutes, making it the longest episode so far.
The Australian Classification Board has rated the episode MA 15+ Restricted on its website due to the violent content in the episode fittingly named Cold Harbor.
The site further mentions “Strong violence and blood and gore”, hinting at potentially grim and intense scenes in the upcoming episode.
Severance season 2 airs on Apple TV+ on Fridays