‘Severance’ Star Dichen Lachman Reveals Emotional Insights on Gemma’s Heartbreaking Episode: ‘A Part of Her Is Gone’

SPOILER ALERT: This summary contains spoilers for Season 2, Episode 7 of “Severance,” streaming now on Apple TV+.

She’s alive! Well, a part of her is. Gemma is captured on Lumon’s Testing Floor, where she’s forced to experience different identities by activating her severance chip.

Mark’s wife, Gemma, is finally revealed in this episode, played by Dichen Lachman. Her presence shifts from charming and playful to heart-wrenching as we dive into their past through flashbacks and glimpses of her current situation.

Gemma’s story unfolds through beautiful cinematography by Jessica Lee Gagné. We see her early days with Mark, starting with a fateful encounter at a blood drive. Their connection is strong, but the dark shadow of Lumon looms over them, evident in the logos on medical equipment and fertility clinic forms during their struggle to conceive. These challenges strain their relationship, leading to a heartbreaking farewell just before Gemma’s supposed death.

Meanwhile, on the Testing Floor, she’s subjected to different scenarios, each drawing out various identities. One scene takes her back to a Christmas morning where she’s expected to write thank you notes, while another puts her in a dentist’s chair, illustrating the physical and mental strain placed on her.

Mark’s work involves navigating files related to these Testing Floor experiences, including one ominously named Cold Harbor. This room’s objective remains unclear, but it doesn’t seem promising for Gemma and Mark. After all, Lumon isn’t likely to let her go easily after all this time.

As the episode progresses, Gemma attempts to escape, taking desperate action against Dr. Mauer. However, she finds herself trapped again, reverting to her “innie” role as Ms. Casey, manipulated by Mr. Milchick, who orders her back down. This internal struggle showcases the complexity of Gemma’s psyche; she must unite both identities to escape Lumon.

In an interview with Variety, Lachman shares insights about playing Gemma. She emphasizes the importance of portraying a grounded relationship with Mark amidst their struggles. She expresses gratitude for the support she received from the cast, especially Adam Scott, making her performance in this episode feel vital and necessary.

As for how Gemma was able to be deemed dead while actually being alive, Lachman suggests a possible twist involving Lumon using some concoction to simulate death. This theory fits within the eerie atmosphere of the show, hinting at the corporation’s control over their lives.

The dynamic between Gemma and Dr. Mauer is fraught with tension; he manipulates her and lies about Mark’s life after her “death.” Gemma’s growing desperation finally surfaces in the episode, leading to her attempt to break free from her mental prison.

As we follow Mark’s reintegration journey, viewers ponder how his past feelings might complicate his search for Gemma. The series raises many questions about Lumon’s true intentions and the depth of their control over the characters’ lives. With a mix of suspense and emotional stakes, the plot thickens for Mark and Gemma, leaving us eager for what lies ahead.