Apple TV+’s Severance Season 2 is back, and it wastes no time diving into the mysteries left hanging in the explosive first season.
The second season premiere starts with more questions, shocking twists, and cryptic clues that have fans scrambling to piece together Lumon’s sinister plans.
This post will explore the major theories, the mysterious Cold Harbor file, and the big questions Episode 2 raises. Buckle up—things are about to get wild!
What Is Lumon Hiding in Severance Season 2?
Right off the bat, we learn that Lumon is up to its old tricks. Mr. Milchick tells Mark S. that five months have passed since the events of Season 1’s finale, but is it true? Several details suggest otherwise.
To begin with, Milchick is still unpacking his office, and Ms. Cobel’s name remains on his computer, raising suspicions about his timeline.
Plus, Mark’s outie life suggests only a weekend has passed. Fans suspect Lumon is feeding lies to cover up the fallout of the Overtime Contingency activation.
Why would Lumon lie? Because controlling the narrative is critical for a company with so many secrets.
This deceit is just one of many signs that Lumon has bigger plans that hinge on the mysterious Cold Harbor project.
Theories About Helly R and Cold Harbor
One of the standout mysteries of Episode 2 is Helly R’s return. Is she the rebellious Helly who fought to expose Lumon in Season 1,
or is she actually Helena Egan, heir to the Egan family empire?
Helly claims she didn’t see anything unusual when she woke up, but fans know that’s a lie.
Is she hiding the trauma of discovering her identity as an Egan, or is she still working against Lumon?
Meanwhile, Helena Egan is seen reviewing footage of Helly’s interactions with Mark, almost as if she’s studying how her innie behaves.
And then there’s Cold Harbor. This encrypted file appears to connect directly to Ms. Casey (Mark’s presumed-dead wife, Gemma).
During a brief scene, we see Ms. Casey surrounded by monitors tracking her vitals and emotions, key metrics linked to the mysterious MDR work.
Fans believe this data could be part of a larger experiment, possibly involving cloning or reintegration.
Cold Harbor’s name could also reference real-world science.
The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, known for its work in DNA and cancer research, is a potential nod to the show’s themes of manipulation and control.
Why Is Mark S. Critical to Lumon?
Despite firing Irving and Dylan, Lumon desperately wants Mark back to complete the Cold Harbor project. Why?
Mark has shown a unique aptitude for refining encrypted data.
His success in MDR has caught the attention of Lumon’s higher-ups, including Helena Egan, who states, “We need Mark S. back to work long enough to complete Cold Harbor.”
Cold Harbor’s progress appears to be tied directly to Ms. Casey’s status.
In Episode 2, data from Mark’s work increases her “readings,” suggesting their lives are intertwined in ways we don’t fully understand yet.
Fans are also theorizing that Cold Harbor could involve brain mapping or even recreating personalities.
If this is true, Mark’s connection to Gemma/Ms. Casey might hold the key to Lumon’s endgame.
What’s Next for Severance Season 2?
Episode 2, titled Goodbye, Mrs. Selvig, leaves viewers with more questions than answers.
Where is Ms. Casey now? Why does Lumon need Mark so badly? And what exactly is Cold Harbor?
Theories range from cloning experiments to world-building hints about Lumon’s connection to the Civil War.
Interestingly, Cold Harbor was also the show’s working title during production, hinting at its central importance to the story.
Final Thoughts
Severance Season 2 continues to deliver a masterclass in mystery, leaving fans hungry for answers.
With its intricate storytelling and endless Easter eggs, the show proves why it’s one of the most compelling thrillers on television.
What do you think Cold Harbor really is? Stay tuned for more updates on Lumon and the Severed Floor as new episodes drop every Friday on Apple TV+.
