This post reveals spoilers from this week’s episode of Severance, titled “Sweet Vitriol,” currently streaming on Apple TV+.
This week’s episode of Severance steps back from its main storylines to delve deeper into the series’ universe and character backgrounds. While last week’s episode, “Chikhai Bardo,” felt necessary with its emotional and intense moments, “Sweet Vitriol” comes off as less essential. It seems to serve more as a pause before the season finale.
This episode marks the return of Harmony Cobel after her last appearance in “Who Is Alive?” Although played by the talented Patricia Arquette, her absence hadn’t been particularly felt. Her character often seems less complex compared to others like Milchick, who has taken over several of her narrative roles in a more intriguing way. When Devon suggested that Harmony might aid Mark, it was a surprise to realize how long she had been missing from the story.
If the goal was to bring Harmony back into the fold, she needed a more developed character arc. This episode offers some context for her previous actions, revealing that she is the original inventor of the severance procedure—a major piece of the overarching storyline. Jaime Eagan has been credited with her work, making her a more pivotal figure in the series.
However, does this background justify the entire 38-minute episode? Not really. Many viewers are still invested in other characters who have faced stagnant arcs for several episodes.
Harmony returns to her hometown, a place that once flourished thanks to Lumon but now resembles a ghost town. It’s a bleak backdrop for her character’s return, highlighting how far she has come since those days. There’s also a hint of nostalgia, as we learn that Harmony and her friend worked as child laborers for Lumon during the town’s prosperous years.
But her visit isn’t merely about looking back. Harmony seeks closure regarding her deceased mother and proof of her contribution to the severance project. To achieve both, she must confront her Aunt Sissy, played by the esteemed Jane Alexander.
Throughout her journey, there are tender moments, such as Harmony lying on her mother’s deathbed, trying to connect with a figure she lost long ago. These experiences shed light on her current motivations, though they may not fully justify her past behavior.
Despite some poignant scenes, the timing of this reflective episode might feel off. Previous episodes have successfully explored character depths while maintaining a gripping narrative, pushing the action forward. In contrast, this episode often leaves viewers craving insights into the fates of characters like Dylan and Helly.
Both this episode and “Chikhai Bardo” draw inspiration from Lost, which expertly wove together characters’ pasts with the main plot. However, “Chikhai Bardo” executed this concept in a far more compelling manner, keeping audiences engaged while breaking from the usual pace—something “Sweet Vitriol” struggled to achieve.
Source link
Adam Scott,Apple TV+,John Turturro,Patricia Arquette,Severance
