[This article contains significant spoilers from the finale of Severance season two, titled “Cold Harbor.” ]
Life Imitates Art for Dichen Lachman
Dichen Lachman, a key figure in the acclaimed Apple TV+ series Severance, has found her off-screen experiences unexpectedly mirroring those of her character. Throughout both seasons, Lachman plays the multifaceted roles of Gemma Scout, Ms. Casey, and 24 other ‘innies’, often distanced from the main cast, much like her characters.
Character Development and Season Two Dynamics
In the first season, Lachman’s character, Ms. Casey, occasionally engaged with other characters, but was ultimately sidelined after failing to monitor Helly R. (Britt Lower) effectively. By season two, her presence shifted primarily as a fragment of Mark Scout’s (Adam Scott) psyche. The narrative followed his journey to reconcile his two identities, manifesting visions of Lachman’s character sporadically throughout his experiences.
A Highlighted Transformation in “Chikhai Bardo”
Season two took a pivotal turn in the critically acclaimed seventh episode, “Chikhai Bardo,” which allowed for Gemma’s substantial character exploration. Directed by Jessica Lee Gagné, this episode unpacks Gemma’s four-year relationship with Mark Scout, exposing their struggles with infertility and culminating in Mark’s shattering discovery of her supposed death in a traffic accident. Additionally, the episode portrays her life as a guinea pig on Lumon’s testing floor, illuminating her existence as the product of Mark Scout and Mark S’ subconscious constructs.
The Season Finale: Emotional Reunions and Choices
The season finale, helmed by Ben Stiller, culminated in an emotional reunion between Outie Mark and Gemma, who had been held captive on the testing floor. Mark, steered by Helly R and supported by Devon Scout-Hale (Jen Tullock) and Harmony Cobel (Patricia Arquette), embraces a treacherous mission to rescue her. Lachman reflects on the emotional gravity of these scenes, stating, “It felt so real that I got caught up in the story.”
Tensions on Set and Character Dynamics
A unique aspect of filming was Lachman’s on-set experience with Adam Scott. Despite the tender narrative, the first day of shooting proved unexpectedly tumultuous, filled with awkward tension. Lachman humorously recalls, “For some reason, Adam and I totally butted heads… It was hard not to laugh during such a heartfelt moment.”
A Choice Between Two Lives
As the plot thickens, Innie Mark must decide between his two loves, Gemma and Helly R. While Gemma longs for Mark’s companionship, Innie Mark hesitates, creating an emotionally charged dilemma. Lachman states, “I decided that Gemma doesn’t know at first that it’s Innie Mark…” as Gemma attempts to draw him back into her world, further deepening the emotional stakes of the storyline.
Future Uncertainties for Gemma
Looking ahead to the third season, Lachman expresses concerns regarding Gemma’s potential escape from Lumon’s grasp. “It seems like Lumon still has control,” she notes, encapsulating the ominous challenges her character may face. The ongoing storyline leaves viewers questioning her fate and whether she will find safety.
Reflections on Dual Role Experiences
Lachman draws parallels between Severance and her previous roles in science fiction, such as her appearances in Altered Carbon and Dollhouse. “I’ve always loved playing in this sci-fi world,” she shares, indicating a natural affinity for narratives that explore complex, tech-infused themes.
Symbolism in the Cold Harbor Test
In discussing a pivotal scene in the finale, Lachman reveals that the Cold Harbor test symbolizes the agonizing struggle Gemma faced with her infertility. “They’re testing the technology and whether this extremely painful moment for her outie had broken through the barrier of the innie’s mind,” she elaborates, suggesting deep emotional and narrative implications behind Gemma’s predicament.
The Emotional Toll of the Role
As Season Two concluded, Lachman experienced a mixture of relief and heartache. The filming of Gemma’s emotional arcs resonated internally with her, noting that even skilled actors can find it arduous to navigate such intense scenes. “It felt emotional… I kept crying that day,” she admits, demonstrating the profound connection she feels to her character’s journey.
Looking Forward: Character Journeys and Fan Engagement
With the anticipation of Season Three, Lachman remains hopeful yet uncertain about Gemma’s path and the looming questions regarding character fates. “I don’t know if she’ll even get out of there,” she cautions. Fans share her eagerness, discussing theories and interpretations that heighten their engagement with the series.
Filming Challenges and Creative Process
Throughout production, Lachman reflects on the meticulous creative process surrounding Severance, where scenes were frequently reworked to ensure they aligned with the show’s high standards for excellence. “It’s amazing attention to detail while also trying to do things that haven’t been done before,” she explains, encompassing the collaborative spirit that makes the series stand out.
Final Thoughts on Lumon’s Objectives
Lachman speculates on Lumon’s ultimate motivations, pondering whether their intention is genuinely to alleviate trauma for outies. “It seems they’re commercializing this technology,” she shares, questioning the ethical implications of erasing negative human experiences.
Anticipation for Future Projects
Beyond Severance, Lachman hints at her involvement in future projects, particularly expressing excitement about her role in the upcoming Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. “I hope there’s another Apes movie… Wes is one of our great young directors,” she concludes, leaving fans eager for both her and the show’s future.
***Severance season two is now available for streaming on Apple TV+. Additional insights can be found in The Hollywood Reporter’s finale postmortem interviews with director Ben Stiller, creator Dan Erickson, and the cast.