Harmony Cobel’s Shocking Past: Child Labor, Lumon’s Puppet, and the Severance Mastermind

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In the recently released episode two of “Severance” season two, titled “Sweet Vitriol,” there has been a range of opinions from viewers. Some have expressed disappointment over its slower tempo compared to previous installments, questioning why an entire episode was dedicated to Harmony Cobel (Patricia Arquette). This comes after the highly engaging episode before it, “Chikhai Bardo,” which delved deeply into Mark and Gemma’s relationship history, revealed current events regarding Gemma, and ended with Mark awakening from his “journeying” following the flooding of his severance chip. Given the multitude of intriguing developments in the world of “Severance” such as Mark’s integration, Gemma’s testing, and Helena’s spying on the innies, some viewers are perplexed as to why a Harmony-focused episode was chosen at this particular time.

In a different phrasing, “Sweet Vitriol,” unlike other episodes of Severance, didn’t have the usual rapid-fire dialogue, stunning visuals, or immersive setting we’re accustomed to. Additionally, it was shorter at just 37 minutes. Nevertheless, this episode played a pivotal role in the larger narrative of Severance. It provided insights into Harmony Cobel’s past that significantly alter our understanding of her character and the unfolding storyline.

The findings concerning Harmony significantly impact Mark and his readjustment, as well as Lumon’s objectives in the future. To underscore the episode’s significance, let me summarize its key revelations and their implications for the series:

1. Mark’s true identity – Unveiling that Mark is actually a clone changes everything we thought we knew about him and his role within Lumon. This discovery could challenge his sense of self and potentially alter his relationship with other characters moving forward.

2. The nature of Harmony – Learning more about the limitations and capabilities of Harmony, as well as the ethical implications involved in its use, will likely spark debates and conflicts throughout the show.

3. Lumon’s true motives – As we begin to understand Lumon’s ultimate intentions behind creating and controlling clones like Mark, it sets the stage for a tense power struggle between the company and those who oppose their methods.

4. The fate of other clones – With Mark learning about his own origins, it’s possible that he may seek out or encounter other clones in the series, leading to new alliances and challenges.

These revelations promise an engaging and thought-provoking journey for viewers as we delve deeper into the world of Lumon and the lives of its employees and creations.

Harmony Cobel Was Forced Into Child Labor

The narrative opens as Harmony steps into the frostbitten town of Salt’s Neck, a dilapidated factory settlement that appears deserted. This place is where she grew up and returns now to claim something from her past, specifically her childhood home which her aunt Sissy still inhabits. It’s clear there’s tension between them, as demonstrated by Harmony requesting an old acquaintance named Hampton (James Le Gros) to chauffeur her there, so that Aunt Sissy doesn’t recognize the vehicle. Upon arrival, Harmony heads straight for her childhood room, shockingly finding that her aunt has sold all their belongings, not given them away – but rather to the needy inhabitants of the town.

In her mother’s bedroom, Hampton shares some insights about Salt’s Neck. We discover that this small town hosts an ether factory operated by Lumon. Ether is a clear substance used for both medical and industrial purposes, acting as an anesthetic. However, it has a strong addictive quality, which seems to be a problem for most of the town’s residents. Moreover, Hampton reveals that the factory employs children, a concerning fact we learn during our conversation.

Harmony, alongside Hampton, breathes in the air, reminiscing that it’s been since she was eight years old that she last did so, implying that the factory may have employed children as young as that. The knowledge that she was compelled to work as a child in a town reliant on ether adds depth to her character, making certain aspects of her past actions more comprehensible. Her life has primarily consisted of labor and reporting to Lumon, with Lumon being a constant presence throughout her life.

Harmony Was Sought Out by Lumon Because She Was a Gifted Child

It’s clear that Harmony was not just bright but exceptionally intelligent. Her brilliance was recognized at such a young age that she was removed from her family to be educated under a scholarship program for gifted pupils. This intriguing detail is hinted at when Harmony rummages through the shed and unearths her yearbook from her days at the Myrtle Eagan School for Girls, which belonged to her time in the fellowship. Flipping through the pages of this book, we catch glimpses of her past, including photos of herself and other students who were part of the same fellowship program as Miss Huang (Sarah Bock), who is striving to achieve the same status through her collaboration with Mr. Milchick on the mysterious floor.

The illustrious Wintertide Fellowship, established and overseen by Lumon, is an accolade bestowed upon individuals in recognition of Jame Eagan (Michael Siberry), the eighth CEO of Lumon Industries and Helena Eagan’s father, who is also known as Helly R’s ‘outie’. As Harmony Cobel peruses her book, a photograph emerges of her receiving the fellowship from Jame, accompanied by an inscription. The caption reads: “Harmony Cobel has been acknowledged for her exceptional commitment to the Nine Core Values, making her the chosen recipient of the Year of Wiles Wintertide Fellowship.” It appears that Lumon has been closely monitoring Harmony throughout her life, instilling in her their values and shaping her according to their ideals.

She Didn’t Get to Say Goodbye to Her Late Mother Because of Lumon

As a child, Harmony’s mom was gravely sick. Since Harmony had to be sent to the Wintertide Fellowship, she could no longer look after her mother, leaving her Aunt Sissy to assume care. Sissy is an ardent supporter of Lumon and their teachings, often criticizing Harmony’s mom for doubting their ethics. Sissy wholeheartedly endorses Lumon’s doctrines such as the Four Temperaments, the Nine Core Values, and severance, viewing Jame Eagan in the same light as Kier, never questioning any actions taken by Lumon. This unwavering allegiance to Lumon has created a deep divide between Sissy and Harmony.

During Harmony’s time studying under the Wintertide Fellowship, her mother’s health deteriorated significantly. Unfortunately, Harmony didn’t learn about the critical state of her mother’s condition until after she had already passed away. Sissy believed that Harmony’s work at Lumon was crucial and should not be disrupted, even if it meant Harmony would never have the chance to see or talk to her mother again. Sissy claimed that it was actually their mother who made the decision to end life support in the end, but Harmony still feels resentful towards Sissy.

Given Sissy’s strong allegiance to Lumon and her role in stopping Harmony from bidding farewell to her mother, it’s not surprising that Harmony harbors a substantial burden of guilt and anger. This emotional weight has persisted for many years, significantly influencing Harmon’s life within and beyond Lumon. It also becomes clear why Harmony maintained a memorial in her basement with an oxygen tube.

Harmony Cobel Invented Severance and Its Procedure

The most significant discovery takes place at the end, making the whole episode absolutely rewarding. After meticulously scouring the entire house, Harmony eventually decides to explore the shed to search through her remaining belongings. It was there that she stumbled upon her yearbook from Myrtle Eagan School for Girls, along with a bust of Jame Eagan’s head. Inside the bust, she found a rolled-up paper containing designs and blueprints. These designs and blueprints were the original ideas and methods behind the concept of severance and its application.

It turns out that Harmony Cobel, not Jame Eagan as Helena suggested earlier, was the one who devised the severance process all along. However, because she was told it was arrogant to claim credit for something she achieved, she didn’t receive recognition for creating this groundbreaking concept and method. When Sissy asks why she never shared her plans, Harmony explains: “I was taught that knowledge belongs to everyone at Lumon. If I sought credit, I would be expelled.” Her response highlights how much she has sacrificed for Lumon, while they have taken so much from her. Despite the company emphasizing work over family, they treated her as a replaceable employee and let her go after a single mistake.

The disclosure significantly enriches our understanding of Harmony’s actions, particularly during season one. She was persistently connected to the detached floor, expressing indignation upon learning that Petey had been reassembled, arguing it was impossible. Curious to witness the consequences of her creation personally, she longed to understand how someone might reverse its effects. Moreover, this information clarifies why she has remained so devoted to Lumon and ultimately chose to take action instead of negotiating with the Board and Helena.

As a movie reviewer, I found myself deeply immersed in the latest installment, where Harmony, a character long-enslaved by an ungracious corporation, seems poised to walk away from her oppressors. Moreover, this episode hints at her potential role in Mark’s recovery following reintegration.

Though it might lack the fireworks of previous episodes, this quieter storyline lays the groundwork for crucial revelations that could shape the course of the series moving forward. It’s a testament to the show’s ability to deliver suspense and intrigue through subtlety and nuance.

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2025-03-13 01:02