The second episode of Severance Season 2, titled “Goodbye, Ms. Selvig,” has aired, and as always, it is filled with intricate details and thought-provoking elements. In this analysis, we will examine some of these details and the questions raised in this episode.
The episode title, “Goodbye, Ms. Selvig,” contrasts with the previous episode’s title, “Hello, Ms. Cobel.” This contrast highlights the dual nature of the show’s characters. The theme of duality—between personal and professional lives—is particularly evident in Severance, especially with Mark, who essentially lives two separate lives: one in the real world and the other within Lumon Industries.
Mark’s Mythological Reference: Persephone
Mark, the show’s protagonist, faces new challenges in this episode. In one scene, his sister asks him, “Who am I?” Mark responds with the name “Persephone.” In Greek mythology, Persephone is the daughter of Zeus and the queen of the underworld. This reference could be deeply connected to the events happening inside Lumon, where employees spend half their existence in a seemingly hellish environment.
The symbolism continues: Persephone exists in both the world of the living and the world of the dead, just like Mark, who navigates between his two identities. This duality is a recurring theme throughout the episode.
Lumon’s Mysterious Intentions
Lumon remains as enigmatic as ever. In this episode, we learn that Mark returned to the company because of his grief over losing his wife, Gemma. But is Lumon’s only goal to utilize Mark’s skills, or is there something deeper at play?
One of the prevailing theories is that Lumon is working on a project to replicate or even resurrect people after death. This theory gains traction with the presence of Casey, Mark’s coworker, who bears a striking resemblance to Gemma. Could Casey actually be a replica or version of Gemma? And is Lumon manipulating Mark’s emotions to further its own agenda?
Symbolism in Colors and Objects
The color symbolism in this episode is particularly intriguing. Inside Mark’s house, an aquarium holds two fish: one blue and one orange, separated by a divider. The blue fish symbolizes Mark’s controlled and restricted life at Lumon. The orange fish represents his personal, free life in the real world.
This visual metaphor reinforces Mark’s ongoing internal struggle between his two identities.
This episode raises many compelling questions:
- Why does Lumon need Mark? Is it because his grief makes him an ideal subject for their mysterious projects?
- Is Casey truly Gemma? Or is she an artificial recreation designed by Lumon?
- What is Lumon’s ultimate goal? Are they striving for immortality, or do they have an even more sinister purpose in mind?
With its deep symbolism and unresolved mysteries, Severance Season 2, Episode 2, pulls viewers further into Lumon’s enigmatic world. Mark and his colleagues are entangled in a web of secrets that could lead to shocking revelations. Based on the clues in this episode, it seems Lumon is working on a groundbreaking project that could completely alter the fate of its employees.
If you have your own theories or noticed any hidden details in this episode, feel free to share them in the comments!
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