Overview
- A mysterious figure in the season finale, potentially a doppelganger of Mark, suggests the depths of Lumen’s hidden secrets.
- Cobel’s possible origins as the first severed test subject raises questions about memory alterations and psychological complexity.
- Cloning experiments at Lumon and the depiction of a digital board hint at the company’s nefarious objectives.
Season 2 of Severance has concluded, delivering a finale that left audiences bewildered and yearning for more. The riveting plot intertwined Mark’s quest for clarity surrounding the enigmatic circumstances of his wife’s death with the disturbing realities of Lumen’s secretive operations. The end of the season spawned numerous questions, amplifying the suspense and making it nearly unbearable for fans eager for Season 3.
As viewers try to piece together the puzzles left behind, many have embraced intricate theories that deepen the intrigue surrounding Lumen. These fan speculations promise an exciting exploration into the show’s enigmatic narrative and are bound to spark discussion until the next season airs. Below are some of the most captivating theories that are sure to keep the fandom engaged.
8 The Significance of the Man in the Hallway
The Man in the Hallway: Mark’s Doppelganger Observes Him
Among the unsettling moments of the finale is a brief encounter with an unidentified man lurking in the hallway, casting a shadow over Mark. Initially appearing to be just another security personnel, this figure is credited on IMDb as “Man in Hallway”and later identified as “Shadow Mark,”reminiscent of Mark from the Oro sequence. Unlike Mark Watcher, who is portrayed by a different actor, this disturbing doppelganger hints at sinister layers underlying Lumen’s environment.
The presence of Shadow Mark implies that Mark is under surveillance by more than just standard security measures. This enigmatic figure may represent a failed experiment or a darker version of Mark himself, hinting at Lumen’s deeper and more pervasive control. The corridors of Lumen seem to hold even more secrets waiting to be discovered.
7 Cobel’s True Role as the First Severed Subject
Harmony Cobel Might Be the First to Undergo Severance
One intriguing theory posits that Harmony Cobel, known as Mrs. Selvig, was possibly the first subject to undergo the Severance procedure. Given her pivotal role in its development, it isn’t beyond belief that she would volunteer for her own creation. This adds dramatic complexity to her character, contrasting the warm, nurturing Mrs. Selvig with the cold, controlling Miss Cobel.
Such a duality in her character implies a fractured identity, potentially stemming from a complicated manipulation of her memories. Should she have indeed been the first test subject, it stands to reason that the procedure might have skewed her recollections, complicating her narrative and delving further into her psyche—making her a compelling figure to watch in future seasons.
6 Cloning Experiments at Lumon
Is Lumen Conducting Dark Cloning Experiments?
In the world of Severance, straightforward narratives are rare, and one growing theory emphasizes that the MDR team may be entangled in cloning research. This hypothesis stems from numerous peculiarities, such as the strange “goat room”and the meticulous documentation of Mark S.’s Cold Harbor file. Notable is the flash of Mark’s wife, Gemma, along with purported vital signs during the Season 2 premiere, further fueling speculation.
Some theorize that the Severance process’s true aim extends beyond mere memory alteration, possibly delving into the ethical boundaries of consciousness transfer into artificial vessels. Lumen’s fascination with preservation, evident in everything from wax sculptures to the eerie resemblance of a clone version of the Eagan family homestead, suggests an obsession with eternal life or resurrection amidst these dark undertakings.
5 The Board Is a Digital Construct
Could the Board Be a Network of Digitized CEOs?
Some fans surmise that the “board”is not made up of living individuals but is instead a composition of digitally stored consciousnesses from Lumen’s previous CEOs. This chilling theory proposes that Lumon has potentially mastered a means to preserve the intellect of former leaders post-mortem, allowing them to manage the company indefinitely. The goal? To seamlessly transition these digital minds into new physical forms, maintaining the company’s leadership across generations.
Several instances in the series lend credence to this notion. For example, the muffled voice heard during a board meeting in Season 1, episode 8, is speculated to belong to Jame Egan, the last living board member. Moreover, Helena’s casual mentions of contacting the board in front of Cobel evoke suspicions about the functionality and accessibility of this supposed digital entity. The concept of “revolving,” a narrative introduced by Egan, strongly supports the perspective of consciousness transfer upon death, insinuating that successors like Helena might one day assume control.
4 Irving’s Return as an Anti-Lumon Advocate
Could Irving Become a Key Figure in an Anti-Lumon Movement?
One of the more enigmatic plot points from Severance surrounds Irving’s mysterious phone conversation, suggesting that his narrative isn’t over just yet. Despite appearing to conclude his arc in Season 2 with a growing sense of disillusionment regarding Lumon, this cryptic exchange hints at further developments. Fans theorize that his caller could be an acquaintance from his past or a new character connected to a rebellion against Lumon.
There’s a strong possibility that this confidant is linked to an underground faction like the Whole Mind Collective, which could provide Irving with pivotal insights. His newfound awareness of the export hallway and the cryptic mention of a “message”indicate that external forces are influencing his understanding, laying the groundwork for stunning reveals in Season 3.
3 Helly May Be Expecting
Helly’s Possible Pregnancy: Complications of Identity and Relationships
The theory surrounding Helly’s potential pregnancy presents compelling evidence that invites further investigation. Mark and Helly have shared intimate moments, yet the show has threaded in unsettling imagery related to infants, from the eerie representations in the introductory sequence to Lumen’s shadowy presence at Gemma’s fertility clinic. Miss Casey’s incomplete remark in Episode 5—”Your Outie is going to be—” ends just before a significant revelation, hinting at potential parental themes.
If true, this theory would turn the dynamics of the show’s relationships upside-down. The implication that Mark’s innie may have fathered a child with Helly, compounded by Helena’s own manipulative ties to Mark, poses a whirlwind of questions. Who truly is the child’s parent, and how does the consciousness that carries it hold legitimacy? Should Mark succeed in reconnecting with Gemma, how would he explain his fragmented identity and unknowing paternal role? These dramatic developments could set the stage for an intense and unpredictable narrative in Season 3.
2 Everyone in Kier Could Be Severed
The Town of Kier: An Expanse of Severed Existence?
The eeriness of Kier creates a feeling of disconnection from the outside world, almost as though it exists in its own, severed reality. With a unique state abbreviation and specific license plates, Kier appears isolated from wider societal interactions.
Examining Ricken and his acquaintances unveils a curious blend of wisdom juxtaposed with childlike antics, producing scenes that resonate oddly with the viewer. For example, Ricken’s musings on historical events and Patton’s exaggerated excitement over mundane discoveries provide fodder for speculation that points toward deeper mysteries. Moreover, characters like Rebeck exhibit unexplained physical anomalies, perhaps suggesting multiple severance chip insertions. Names following a severance theme add further evidence that Kier may encapsulate an entire population of altered existences.
1 Gemma’s Death Might Be a Deception
The Alleged Death of Gemma: A Possible Lumen Cover-Up
A chilling enigma within Severance revolves around Gemma Scott’s purported death. Official accounts suggest she perished in a car crash, and Mark claims clear memories of seeing her body. However, the season finale raised unsettling inconsistencies hinting at a more elaborate scheme. The theory that Gemma’s “death”might have been fabricated points to indications of drowning, opposing the official narrative. With her image appearing alongside water in the opening credits and her statements suggesting a preference for drowning, suspicions are only heightened.
Considering Lumen’s dubious affiliations with medical institutions, it isn’t far-fetched to envision the company orchestrating a meticulously concealed plot to kidnap her—perhaps using resources to stage her death. But what of the body that Mark reportedly witnessed? Was it a crafted illusion, or did Lumen manipulate Mark’s memories to fabricate a false narrative? Even the ashes he keeps close could be a ruse. Such layers of complexity insinuate that Severance has merely skimmed the surface of the larger, ominous machinations at play within Lumen.