Severance Season 2 Episode 7 is titled “Chikhai Bardo.” After the release of episode 6, viewers are sure that the episode title generally hints at the overall theme of the plot. So, what does Chikhai Bardo mean? Let’s find out.
Here’s what Chikhai Bardo could mean in Severance Season 2
In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Chikhai Bardo represents a pivotal moment—it’s the first stage of death, a razor-thin boundary between life and the final breath. The title of Severance Season 2, Episode 7, Chikhai Bardo, could suggest a major character’s transition between life and death.
The most compelling theory revolves around Gemma and the Cold Harbor project. Lumon employees have repeatedly hinted at Cold Harbor’s historical significance, emphasizing that Mark is the only one who can complete it.
Piecing together the clues, it appears that Cold Harbor is directly tied to Gemma/Ms. Casey’s consciousness. Perhaps, in his severed state, Mark is unknowingly refining Gemma’s data within Cold Harbor. If this theory holds, then as Mark nears completion, Gemma could experience Chikhai Bardo, the liminal phase between life and death. Lumon might be attempting to create a “refined” version of Gemma — and Mark, unknowingly, is at the center of it.
At present, Mark is roughly 85% done with Cold Harbor. However, Reghabi is accelerating his reintegration process. If Mark becomes “unsevered” before finishing Cold Harbor, the entire project — and possibly Lumon’s grand experiment — could collapse.
Additionally, Chikhai Bardo might not apply only to Gemma—it could also represent Mark’s transition and reintegration. In Season 1, Petey fought to override his severed state but ultimately died. If Mark’s reintegration fails, he too could hover between life and death.
Mark already shows warning signs, including nosebleeds, just like Petey. If Reghabi rushes the reintegration, Mark’s life could be in grave danger. The process is untested, and any mistake might push him past the point of no return.
The episode’s title comes at a crucial moment. After Episode 6’s shocking revelations, multiple characters might now exist in their own version of Chikhai Bardo. As they drift between suspended states of consciousness, Episode 7 could expose cracks in Lumon’s carefully controlled world.
This show masterfully explores memory, identity, and consciousness. Choosing Chikhai Bardo as the episode title isn’t random—it’s a deliberate clue in Lumon’s unsettling puzzle.
Originally reported by Arpita Adhya on ComingSoon.
