The seventh episode of Severance Season 2 carries an enigmatic title: “Chikhai Bardo.” For those paying close attention to the series, this choice immediately raises a red flag. But what exactly does this title mean? And what secrets are hidden within the details? Let’s explore the most intriguing trivia, Easter eggs, and theories from Severance 2×07 that may have gone unnoticed.
1. “Chikhai Bardo” and the Buddhist Concept of Death
If Severance excels at anything, it’s weaving deep symbolism into its narrative. “Chikhai Bardo” was not chosen at random. In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Bardo represents an intermediate state between life and death. Chikhai Bardo specifically refers to the moment of death when an individual’s consciousness faces its own dissolution.
Now consider: which character is facing their “death” in this episode? Is it Mark, as he uncovers truths about Gemma? Or could it be a broader metaphor for the structure of Lumon itself?
Additionally, this Buddhist reference suggests that the series is delving into profound concepts of identity and consciousness. From the very first episode, the division between “innies” and “outies” has posed philosophical questions. That’s why every new clue about Lumon is crucial to understanding the company’s true purpose.
2. The Butzemann Fertility Center: Coincidence or Conspiracy?
In one of the flashbacks, we see Mark and Gemma visiting the Butzemann Fertility Center. What could be just a trivial detail becomes suspicious when we notice something curious: the name “Butzemann” comes from German folklore and is associated with a figure similar to the bogeyman, used to scare disobedient children.
Furthermore, a critical detail stands out: Lumon’s droplet-shaped logo appears on the clinic’s form. This suggests that Lumon had already been present in Mark and Gemma’s lives long before the memory severance procedure. This raises key questions: Was this fertility center just an ordinary clinic, or was it part of Lumon’s experiments?
After all, we know that Lumon has a deep interest in biotechnology, making this connection far from accidental. Given the company’s history of manipulating lives without its employees’ awareness, this revelation could hint at something much more sinister.
3. Dr. Mauer: The Man Behind the Mystery
Another significant presence in the episode is the enigmatic Dr. Mauer, played by Robby Benson. He appears as a key figure in the mystery surrounding Gemma. But there’s an intriguing detail: in one scene, he is seen whistling “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” a song about a tragic shipwreck.
The most curious part? This is the same whistle heard from the mysterious man in the export corridor during episode 5 of this season. At that time, he picked up a set of dental instruments before vanishing down the hall. Now, we finally understand what those instruments were for.
This could be a minor, unrelated detail, but given Severance‘s meticulous storytelling, it may be a clue to something bigger. If there’s one thing this show loves, it’s subtly connecting puzzle pieces. In this case, the shipwreck could symbolize Gemma’s fate. But was her “death” planned? Or is this yet another red herring designed to make us question everything?
4. Room Names and Their Connection to Real Battles
Each room in Lumon’s testing floor has a peculiar name: Allentown, Cairns, Rhodes, Wellington, Cold Harbor. But there’s a pattern—they are all references to real-life battles, many known for their tragic outcomes and high human costs.
This suggests that the experiments at Lumon might be viewed as a kind of “war” against human consciousness. Could it be that the employees inside the company are unknowingly soldiers in a psychological battle?
Given everything we’ve seen about Lumon so far, this theory is far from absurd. The company’s approach to controlling its workers has always been strategic, and these battle references might be another nod to the ongoing war between free will and corporate dominance.
Conclusion: What Does It All Mean?
Episode 2×07 of Severance stands out for its symbolism, subtle connections, and further proof that Lumon has been embedded in the characters’ lives long before the severance procedure. But the big question remains: who is really in control?
With so many secrets yet to be uncovered, it’s impossible not to wonder if every episode detail is hiding something bigger. Moreover, the connections between the flashbacks and the present suggest that answers are closer than ever.
Did you catch any hidden Easter eggs or clues that others might have missed?
Discover More!
Want to explore more details about this episode of Severance? Check out these related articles:
- The Mystery of Gemma’s Death – What really happened to her? We analyze the clues scattered throughout the series. Read here.
- Lumon’s Experiments and the Fragmentation of the Mind – How do the company’s trials affect employees’ identities and consciousness? Find out here.
- Episode 2×07 Recap – A general overview of the episode and how it fits into the show’s bigger mysteries. Read here.
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