“Chikhai Bardo” was a landmark episode of the Apple TV+ brain-bender.
Here are its biggest revelations, explained.
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Warning: This article contains spoilers forSeveranceseason 2, episode 7, “Chikhai Bardo.”
Dichen Lachman in ‘Severance’.Credit:Apple TV+
What happens inSeveranceseason 2, episode 7?
Though she supposedly died in a car accident, it turns out that she’s alive inside Lumon.
In this episode, a captive Gemma is forced to enter a series of different rooms.
‘Severance’ season 2, episode 7.Apple TV+
Some of them are truly frightening (a plane in extreme turbulence).
Others are painful but necessary (a trip to the dentist).
And some are just annoying (writing Christmas cards).
Robby Benson in ‘Severance’.Apple TV+
Of course, she’s severed again, emerging from the elevator as Ms. Casey.
She’s met by Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman), who tells her she arrived by mistake.
He sends her back to the testing floor.
Sandra Bernhard in ‘Severance’.Apple TV+
The episode ends with her collapsing and whispering Mark’s name.
Who are the doctors inSeveranceseason 2, episode 7?
We see two different Lumon staffers interacting with Gemma in episode 7.
‘Severance’ season 2, episode 7.Apple TV+
The first is Cecily, who’s played by actress and stand-up comedy legend Sandra Bernhard.
He whistles the same song when we see him as Gemma’s dentist in one of the rooms.
But he’s more than just a dentist to one of Gemma’s many severed personalities.
Adam Scott and Dichen Lachman in ‘Severance’.Apple TV+
(Anyone else gettingEternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mindvibes?)
Interestingly, Mauer even appears via flashback in the fertility clinic that Mark and Gemma visit.
This particularly intrigued Lachman, whoshared her own (unconfirmed) idea about what it meanswithVariety.
Dichen Lachman in ‘Severance’.Apple TV+
“Theyve definitely been watching [Mark and Gemma] for a long time,” she said.
What are the rooms Gemma is forced to enter?
Observant viewers will recognize these as the names of the files completed by Mark and the Macrodata Refinement crew.
Robby Benson in ‘Severance’.Apple TV+
Think of it as “Sever On Demand.”
How is MDR involved?
What happened to Mark and Gemma?
‘Severance’ season 2, episode 7.Apple TV+
In season 2, episode 7, we get a good chunk of backstory.
After a montage of their idyllic courtship, we learn that Gemma is pregnant.
Unfortunately, she suffers a miscarriage, leading them to try IVF.
Finding no success, their relationship begins to suffer, with Mark especially radiating anger.
One night, she leaves but never comes home.
Instead, Mark is met on his doorstep by police officers who inform him that Gemma has died.
So, what’s the deal with Ms. Casey?
This likely has to do with Lumon’s interest in what management calls the “severance barrier.”
Erickson touched on this topic whenspeaking withMashable.
What is Cold Harbor?
“Cold Harbor” is a phrase that’s come up often this season.
But it’s also the only room that Gemma has yet to enter.
Kier will take away all his pain just as Kier has taken away yours."
That’s just speculation, though we assume more answers will arrive in the coming weeks.
Where can I watchSeverance?
Both seasons ofSeverancearestreaming on Apple TV+.
