Chikhai Bardo

This is the most powerful, emotional, and arguably lore filled episode of the series so far. Out of all the backstory episodes in television, considering how bold and layered this series is it's no surprise how this one sticks out compared to the rest. The constant back and forth of learning so much about a character and the torturous things they've been accustomed to, to getting emotionally gut punched by the history of the most emotional dynamic of the series that we didn't get to see until now. This is my favorite of the season so far and considering the title of the final episode I'm assuming the climax is going to be a similar but more chaotic and grand finale from what we witnessed with season 1. Gravity Falls had a chokehold on many people episode to episode in terms of theorizing and plotting, and I'm glad it's being brought back with Severance. Dan Erickson impressed yet again, but given the dynamics of this episode Jessica Lee Gagné was phenomenal in the direction she took. Putting aside shows that concluded and were already on-going, so far this is the biggest accomplishment of TV this decade.

Severance has exceeded my expectations in multiple ways. The last three episodes of season one cemented the show for me but this episode managed to bring this series to a whole different level.

The first thing I would like to point out is the cinematography and directing. Severance hasn't fallen short, especially in this second season, but this one blew my mind. You can feel the passion and care that has been put into this project. The transition and the grainy look in the flashback sequences really made it feel intimate and meaningful.

The acting was also top notch. Dichen Lachlan (Gemma) was incredible and managed to bring a powerful rollercoaster of emotions, all ranging from confusion, sadness, and hope. Adam Scott and Jen Tullock have always impressed me but they also tapped into untouched territory that we haven't seen yet in this series.

I'm trying to avoid spoilers but if you haven't seen this series and want to know if it's worth watching, the answer is yes.

Take a bow Jessica Lee Gagné! Everything about this episode - the plot, the pace, the sets and most importantly, cinematography is 10/10.

I have never seen better 50 minutes of television - and rarely 50 continuous minutes of any motion picture.

It has the dead wife montage. But it blooms in a way that we feel like the honeybee flying around in anticipation.

It opens up the Severance lore more than any other episode (barring S1 finale). But it makes it even more eerie.

We see more of the sterile Lumon but with georgious aesthetics. It is menacing with a friendly facade. Its clinical precision is handled by steely grip. It takes you to a prison of hope - that you volunteered into but cannot escape.

This episode should be (and I hope, will be) studied in art schools for ages.

As a starter, this episode is directed by the cinematographer Jessica Lee Gagné, and if she reads this: thank you! They could easily tell whole story plainly but this way, just just amazing. The transitions, how timeline goes one to another. Details that make you remember old episodes and exact moments... I hope she directs more in the later episodes.

It's been an episode where we go in depth of the story. The story that led us to see S1E1, so loong back. But also we were able to see current moments and had a chance to find connections. It gives us a solid idea of the relationship between Mark&Gemma and how all this happen. The transitions and all cinematic details help you to understand whole story lot easier if you ask me.

I believe that was a common idea that innies were a lot positive people than outies. We seen a lot of scenes that support this idea rather than Gemma, imo.

In conclusion, lots of anger, sadness, hard-to-describe-without-spoilers moments wait for you and this is the episode that is worth every single second of it.

This episode is nothing but perfection and for Severance standards that is a high bar. I truly believe Severance is one of if not the best show ever made (at least in my opinion) and this episode proves why I love this show. It hit me in the feels, it gave me adrenaline, it made me smile, laugh even, and of course it made me cry. This episode is the core reason why Severance is what it is and why it asks more questions instead of answers them, because when they finally answer them it feels better than if they resolved this story in episode 1. Best episode of the season so far and possibly one of the best episodes of television ever created.