The latest episode of Severance on Apple TV+ delivers an emotional and intense experience. The episode, titled Chikhai Bardo, focuses on the relationship between Mark (Adam Scott) and Gemma (Dichen Lachman).
It takes viewers through their history, from their first meeting to the tragic moment when Mark believes Gemma has died. The episode confirms that they were both college professors. Mark taught History with a focus on World War I, while Gemma specialized in Russian literature.
Throughout the episode, there are several references to important works of Russian literature. Two of Leo Tolstoy’s novellas, The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Hadji Murad, play a significant role.
These stories are not just background details. They hold deeper meaning and seem to reflect what is happening to Gemma and Mark. Severance often includes literary connections that reveal important truths about its characters, and this episode is no different.
The Death of Ivan Ilyich Reflects Mark and Gemma’s Struggles
Tolstoy is one of the most famous writers in history. His works belong to the tradition of Russian realism. Although his books deal with deep and serious themes, his writing style is clear and direct, making it accessible to many readers. The Death of Ivan Ilyich is one of his most powerful stories. It follows a government official who feels dissatisfied with his life.
He does not love his family, and after an accident, he begins to experience a slow and painful decline. As he nears death, he reflects on his past and realizes that he has lived in a selfish and meaningless way. His final moments bring him a painful understanding—his life was “not right” because he lacked compassion and genuine human connection.
This story appears in Severance when Mark and Gemma first meet. At the time, she is grading a paper about religious conversion in The Death of Ivan Ilyich. Later, Dr. Mauer (Robby Benson) mocks this story during Gemma’s captivity at Lumon. He sarcastically says, “Let me guess, he dies in the end.” However, Tolstoy actually reveals Ivan Ilyich’s fate at the very beginning of the novella.
The story of Ivan Ilyich explores two ways of living. The first is an “artificial life” driven by selfish goals and social expectations. The second is an “authentic life” shaped by kindness and human connection. At first, it seems that Mark and Gemma had real and fulfilling lives before Gemma’s supposed accident.
Meanwhile, at Lumon, their “innie” versions live artificial lives. However, the truth is more complicated. Lumon presents the severance process as a way to escape suffering. In reality, the people inside Lumon’s system may be the ones living authentically. Without the pressures of the outside world, they are free to form real connections, even while enduring isolation and pain.
Ivan Ilyich finally finds peace when he accepts the connection between the body and the spirit. He no longer fears death because he realizes that his suffering has meaning. In Chikhai Bardo, both Mark and Gemma experience their own painful transformations.
Gemma has been forced into an experiment where Lumon suppresses her true self. Mark, on the other hand, may be approaching the final stage of reintegration. They are both leaving behind their old identities and stepping into something new. Their journey is difficult, but it may lead to something real, just as Ivan Ilyich’s suffering ultimately brings him peace.
Hadji Murad Reveals Clues About Gemma’s Past
Another important reference in Severance is Tolstoy’s novella Hadji Murad. The episode first mentions this story when Mark gives Gemma an ant farm before she begins a lecture on the book.
Unlike The Death of Ivan Ilyich, which was written during Tolstoy’s religious awakening, Hadji Murad was one of his final works. It is darker and explores themes of betrayal, survival, and the harsh realities of power.
The story follows Hadji Murad, a real historical figure who fought against Russia before switching sides. After his brother’s death, he allies himself with the Russian army. However, this decision leads to his downfall. The Russians ultimately do not trust him, and he meets a violent and tragic end.
In Severance, Lumon operates in a way that mirrors imperial Russia. Joining Lumon can feel like an act of betrayal, just as Hadji Murad’s defection made him an outcast. The episode suggests that Gemma’s entry into Lumon may not have been voluntary.
She appears physically healthy in Chikhai Bardo, which raises questions about her supposed accident. Instead of being injured, she may have been taken by Lumon or convinced to join under false promises.
Mark and Gemma struggled with infertility before she disappeared. Lumon may have offered her a way to fix their problem, making their offer tempting at a vulnerable time. Dr. Mauer tells Gemma that Mark will benefit from the world she is creating, which mirrors Hadji Murad’s belief that joining the Russians would help protect his remaining family.
However, Hadji Murad eventually realizes that he is alone and betrayed. His tragic fate could foreshadow the risks Gemma faces at Lumon. If Lumon tricked her into joining, she may need to fight her way out before it is too late.
Could Hadji Murad Foreshadow a Rebellion Against Lumon?
One final connection to Hadji Murad appears in a conversation between Devon (Jen Tullock) and Dr. Reghabi (Karen Aldridge). Devon considers calling Harmony Cobel (Patricia Arquette) for help while Mark is unconscious.
Reghabi warns her that Cobel is deeply loyal to Lumon, comparing this decision to siding with an enemy. However, Cobel has already had her own conflicts with Lumon and Helena Eagan (Britt Lower).
If she joins forces with Devon and Mark, it could represent another act of betrayal, much like Hadji Murad’s shifting allegiances. The difference is that Cobel’s defection could lead to a better outcome—at least, that is the hope.
Some theories suggest that Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman) could also turn against Lumon. Although he received a promotion, he faces constant pressure from the Board to meet their expectations. In Episode 5, “Trojan’s Horse,” he endures a difficult performance review.
He also experiences unsettling moments, such as receiving a bizarre blackface painting of himself as Kier Eagan. In Episode 6, “Attila,” he appears increasingly stressed by Lumon’s demands. If he reaches a breaking point, he might shift his loyalty. If this change benefits the innies, it could be a crucial turning point in the fight against Lumon’s control.
Severance continues to deliver deep and meaningful storytelling, blending philosophy, literature, and mystery. As Season 2 progresses, it becomes clear that every detail matters. The connections to Tolstoy’s work add more layers to the story, hinting at the fate of Mark, Gemma, and the rebellion against Lumon.
Severance is streaming on Apple TV+, with new episodes released on Fridays.
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