
‘Severance’ Star Dichen Lachman Breaks Down the Tear-Jerking Season 2 Finale and What’s Next for Gemma!
2025-03-24
Author: Jia
Warning: Major spoilers ahead from the season two finale of Severance, titled “Cold Harbor.”
In a stunning twist that left fans reeling, the season two finale of Apple TV+’s Severance pushed boundaries and tugged at heartstrings, especially for star Dichen Lachman. Known for her disarming portrayals, Lachman, who plays Gemma Scout, expressed how the emotional stakes of the finale overwhelmed her during filming.
Throughout the series, Lachman's character, Ms. Casey, experienced significant separation from the main cast, mirroring the isolation felt by her character. In season one, she had limited interactions with other characters until being sent back for failing to protect Helly R (Britt Lower). Season two saw a shift, giving Lachman a vital spotlight in episode seven, “Chikhai Bardo,” which poignantly explored Gemma's backstory, including her heartbreak over infertility and the explosion of emotions tied to the revelation of her supposed death in a car accident.
The finale took viewers on a rollercoaster of emotions, but the most gripping moment occurred when Outie Mark (Adam Scott) finally reunited with Gemma, leading to a deeply emotional and precarious sequence. Lachman recalls feeling an authenticity in the performance, saying, “It felt so real that I got caught up in the story.”
However, filming the reunion was not without its challenges. Lachman and Scott initially clashed during those scenes, leading to an awkward but memorable moment. She joked, “For some reason, Adam and I totally butted heads like no one’s butted heads before.”
The tension peaked during Gemma and Mark's emotional farewell, as they rushed for the elevator — a critical moment that signified their impending return to their distorted identities. Lachman hinted at the complexity of this transition, with Mark weighing the emotional baggage tied to both Gemma and Helly R. As Gemma cries out, the question of whether she recognizes her husband transforms into a burning focal point for the audience.
Looking ahead, Lachman expressed concern for Gemma’s fate, especially with the ominous control Lumon has over the narrative. She stated, “What scares me is whether she will even be able to make a next move.” Fans are left speculating if Gemma can escape her dire situation.
Lachman's insights delve deep into the narrative’s intricacies, exploring themes of identity, trauma, and love. The implications of Lumon's testing methods spark debate, raising questions about their intentions—are they genuinely trying to alleviate trauma, or are they plunging their subjects further into despair?
The finale left more unanswered questions than resolutions, such as the fate of the innies and whether Gemma's traumatic memories can ever be healed. As Lachman notes, “Touché! How long have you got?” implying that there’s much more to explore.
With season three confirmed, fans eagerly await the developments in Gemma's journey, alongside her complex relationships. Lachman hopes that both Gemma and Helly R’s love stories can find closure, while simultaneously yearning for a fair resolution for all characters involved.
As we brace ourselves for what’s next, Lachman’s powerful performance in Severance reminds us of the importance of human connection—even in a world designed to sever it. Don’t miss the chance to get lost in this contemplative, sci-fi drama that forces us to confront the lines between our identities and traumas.