Episode 7 Changes Everything
In episode 7 of Severance, Gemma/Ms. Casey (portrayed by Dichen Lachman) screen time lasts more than 5 minutes—every second feeling like a revelation.
And in her directional debut, Severance’s cinematographer Jessica Lee Gagné lends her vision to what is possibly the series’ best episode to date.
What I loved most about the portrayal of Mark’s relationship with Gemma is that it wasn’t overly idyllic. Of course there are moments which showcased their dynamic in a dream-like sequence, but it doesn’t fail at illustrating the couples’ greatest highs and lowest of lows.
They met, fell in love, and naturally, tried for a baby. Gemma turns out to be infertile and seeks help, which inadvertently became the pair’s biggest downfall.
And if it wasn’t obvious already, Lumon is rather questionable. To say even ‘immorally wicked’ would be putting it lightly. It seems it was some elaborate scheme to make Gemma their lab rat to further test the capabilities of the Severance Chip. As to what made her the ideal candidate for project Cold Harbor is unknown, but preying on her vulnerability was key in doing so. Perhaps Gemma went to Lumon on her own accord under false pretenses.
Still, I think the specifics of Gemma’s car accident remain unclear. Mark claims to have seen her body, but if she’s trapped on the testing floor, what did he actually see? In Episode 7, it’s heavily implied Lumon owns, or at least, has access to health facilities, making it possible that everything from the accident, health records, certifications were also their doing.
Project Gemma
If the plan moving forward is to save Gemma from the testing floor, I can’t imagine it being without major sacrifice or Lumon employee(s) going rogue. Milchick showed promise until recently, so unless he gets majorly screwed over it’s unlikely. Helena is almost a concrete no. A part of me suspect it’ll be Cobel. She’s been MIA for quite some time and that can’t be without reason. Her obsession with Mark, Ms. Casey, as well her own motives might be of use in a way we may not expect.
Reghabi did tell Mark that Gemma is essential to the company, and so any threat to the completion of Cold Harbor would mean Lumon goes on lockdown. And let’s not forget if Mark’s reintegration in any way jeopardizes its’ completion, his chances of reuniting with Gemma further diminishes.
At this point, the only thing that could stop Lumon is bad press.
Irving’s Painting
Last thing, what does Irving know about the hallway leading to the testing floor? What is his involved and the connection?
After this episode, it’s no longer a matter of odd fixation. It was so clearly planted to foreshadow something bigger. Among MDR, Irv has been with Lumon the longest so there must be some history that’s soon to be revealed.
We’ll just have to see. Episode 8 has a runtime of 37 minutes…jeez.