The fifth episode of Severance has been released, bringing with it new questions. Unlike previous episodes, this one did not provide us with complete information; instead, it focused more on creating ambiguity and deepening the mystery. Some of the events from the previous episode were ignored, and we still don’t know how the roles of certain characters are shifting. Key questions remain unanswered, such as Helly’s status within the company, Irving’s fate in the outside world, and what exactly has happened to Mark.
The Complex World of Lumon: A Vast Iceberg with Only Its Tip in Sight
Looking at the broader narrative, it’s clear that everything we’ve seen so far is just a small fragment of the truth. The series invites us to observe only the tip of an iceberg, while deeper layers of the story remain hidden beneath Lumon’s enigmatic structure. This episode, titled Trojan Horse, directly references the Greek myth and appears to have a connection with Helena’s character as well. In Greek mythology, Helen was a central figure in the Trojan War, and here, her name might reflect the intricate and enigmatic nature of Helena’s role in the story.
The episode begins with an unidentified individual walking through rows of shelves without revealing their face. These shelves contain various office supplies such as erasers, paper clips, paper, and disinfectants. This detail could suggest that Lumon manufactures many of these items itself. Additionally, the girl seen beside Felicia had previously appeared in the company’s experimental section, hinting at a significant connection. Another crucial element is the presence of dental tools being transported by employees, which may tie back to Lumon’s deeper philosophy regarding teeth.
The Significance of Smiles and Their Role in Lumon’s System
Throughout the episode, we repeatedly see an emphasis on the perfect, uniform smiles of key figures like Helena, Milchick, and Natalie. These smiles might not just symbolize corporate discipline but could carry a deeper meaning. Historically, during the slave trade, the condition of a person’s teeth was a major factor in assessing their value. This could mirror Lumon’s managerial philosophy, where control and surveillance over employees are maintained at the highest possible level.
It appears that the project Mark is working on is approaching its final stages. But the real question is: What is the project’s true goal? Is it an attempt to resurrect a specific individual, or is Lumon seeking a path to immortality? This episode hints at the possibility of creating a biological replica of someone. Given that Lumon has already exerted control over employees’ minds, it may now be moving toward controlling physical aspects of their bodies—such as their teeth. This could be a step in the process of fully merging mind and body.
In this episode, Mark takes pills that were previously hinted at in the show’s opening credits. These pills are likely related to the mental integration process. They might be intended to prevent neurological disturbances caused by this process, or perhaps they serve as a way to deactivate the implanted chips. Another crucial moment is Mark’s silence around his sister. He doesn’t reveal any details about his work, seemingly trying to protect her, as he doesn’t want his family entangled in Lumon’s affairs.
In a conversation with his sister, Mark mentions a rope falling into the water. This reference might be a result of the integration process blending his memories together. This moment directly connects to a statement made by employees in the first episode, where they mentioned that before elevators existed, ropes were used. It’s possible that Mark, by experiencing these fragmented memories, is in the process of reclaiming parts of his past.
One of the biggest mysteries raised in this episode is what happens to employees whose chips have been deactivated. It seems that after their chips stop functioning, they experience complete memory loss, rendering their minds essentially blank. Lumon may be bringing these employees back into the company and resetting their memories. This could explain why Mark has no recollection of falling from a rope and why character behaviors have shifted after the incident.
This episode of Severance raised more questions than it answered. The connection between Greek mythology and the series’ story remains strong, and the clues presented suggest that Lumon’s ambitions extend far beyond those of an ordinary corporation. The emphasis on themes such as smiles, teeth, immortality, and mind control highlights the deeper complexity of this narrative. As we approach the season’s finale, the question remains: Will these mysteries be unraveled, or will they continue to linger in the shadows?
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