Severance 2×07 not only expands the mystery surrounding Lumon Industries’ experiments, but also revisits one of the most intriguing questions: the mystery of Gemma’s death.
Mark and Gemma’s Story: Love, Loss, and Conspiracy
In the episode Chikhai Bardo, the audience delves deep into Mark and Gemma’s past, uncovering the origins of their relationship. In a flashback, we see Gemma participating in a blood donation campaign, where she meets Mark. From the very first moment, there is a natural connection between them, a sense of mutual understanding that quickly turns into love.
Gemma was a teacher, and in one scene, she is shown reading The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Tolstoy. While the series does not explicitly explain the connection, this reference reinforces the themes of alienation and mortality that permeate Severance.
The couple got married and dreamed of building a family, but an unexpected tragedy disrupted their plans. Gemma became pregnant but suffered a miscarriage, leading them into a period of grief and emotional distance. Seeking another chance to have children, they turned to the Bootsman fertility clinic, unaware that Lumon was already monitoring them.
Small details reveal this connection: Dr. Mauer discreetly appears at the clinic. The form Gemma fills out features a droplet logo identical to Lumon’s symbol. This suggests that the company had plans for her even before her supposed death.
The difficulty of conceiving again and the pain of their loss strained their relationship. Shortly after, Mark received the devastating news that Gemma had died in a car accident.
But did that really happen?
Gemma’s Supposed Death: What Do We Know?
Someone informed Mark that Gemma had died in a car accident, and he even saw her body. But the revelations in this episode make us question:
- Was the body Mark saw really Gemma’s? Could Lumon have created a convincing simulation to deceive him?
- If Gemma died, how does she appear alive in Lumon’s experiments? This indicates that Lumon either faked the accident or manipulated her death.
- Why would Lumon be interested in erasing her from Mark’s life?
The answer may lie in the experiments the company conducts.
How Did Lumon Fake Gemma’s Death?
The series invites us to explore three main theories, each more intriguing than the last. They address Gemma’s whereabouts and the true extent of Lumon’s power.
1. Her Death Was a Hoax
Some believe that Lumon staged the fatal accident to remove Gemma from her previous life and insert her into its dark experiments. With advanced technology capable of manipulating memories and creating artificial realities, the company would benefit from her “disappearance.” By keeping her hidden, Lumon ensured she became a key subject in their trials without raising any external suspicion.
2. Gemma Was Kidnapped and Erased from Mark’s Life
Others argue that Lumon directly captured Gemma and used advanced memory-erasing techniques to prevent anyone from questioning her whereabouts. The company has already demonstrated, through its consciousness-rewriting procedures, that it can reshape entire individuals.
In this scenario, turning Gemma into the perfect test subject, free from emotional ties, would be a cold yet effective tactic.
3. Gemma Volunteered for the Experiments but Lost Control
Some believe that Gemma willingly participated in these experiments, possibly drawn in by promises of medical advancements linked to the fertility clinic. However, Lumon may have crossed ethical boundaries, turning her into an essential instrument for developing new mind-manipulation technologies.
When Gemma realized the full extent of the procedures, she might have already lost the ability to return to her old life.
Conclusion: An Accident or a Conspiracy?
With all the clues Severance has provided so far, Gemma’s death seems less and less like an accident. Instead, it appears to be part of a carefully orchestrated strategy by Lumon.
If the company has the power to erase lives and reprogram minds, what would stop it from doing so on an even larger scale?
And what about you—what theory makes the most sense? Do you think Mark will uncover the truth before it’s too late? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Want to understand more about Lumon’s experiments?
In episode 7, we discover dark details about the testing department and the fragmentation of the human mind. But what is the true purpose behind these experiments?
Click here to dive deeper into this mystery:
Severance 2×07: Lumon’s Tests and Mind Fragmentation
Available on Apple TV+
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Love Easter Eggs?
Episode 2×07 of Severance hides revealing clues and connections. What does ‘Chikhai Bardo’ really mean? Discover the most intriguing Easter eggs and theories here!
