Severance Season 2 is inching closer to the finale, and the meaning of Episode 8’s title, “Sweet Vitriol,” holds a significant clue towards the plot progression. If and when Mark’s reintegration is complete, the Lumon employee holds several leverages to take down the evil corporation. The big question remains: how will the most powerful people of Lumon conceal the truth from coming out?
Sweet Vitriol’s possible meaning in Severance Season 2, explained
The title of Severance Season 2 Episode 8, “Sweet Vitriol,” means diethyl ether, a compound made by distilling ethanol and sulfuric acid. Viewers who have closely watched the show might remember that Lumon’s founder, Kier, initially worked at an Ether factory. So, the episode will tie in Kier’s origination of Lumon and the corporation’s actual intention.
To put it simply, Episode 7 has already indicated how the MDR (Macro Data Refinement) team is working on files to make the severance happen more accurately. As Gemma visits the rooms, previously mentioned as file names, viewers understand that Lumon is likely preparing for mass severance.
Hence, the “Sweet Vitriol” episode could unveil Lumon’s last and greatest attempt at pushing more people towards the severance. Innie Mark’s Cold Harbor file is the most important factor. Fan theories reportedly suggest Cold Harbor ensures the innie versions of Lumon’s employees will not have their subconscious peeking through.
But with Mark’s reintegration now almost complete, Lumon may not get the desired result they were hoping for. The evil corporation’s fear remains that severing the brain alone can not stop the subconscious from merging.
Redditors have also theorized that the upcoming episode will reveal some more history of Kier’s origin. A fan wrote: “I think Sweet Vitriol may have info on Eagan lore and hopefully touch on the courtship of Kier and Imogene. Finding romance whilst stirring the giant vat of ether.”
Harmony Cobel, Lumon’s enigmatic enforcer, could also be the missing link to the Sweet Vitriol mystery. Reghabi calls Cobel, a Lumon soldier, in Episode 7. Despite limited screen time in Season 2, Cobel likely guards crucial secrets about the corporation’s history. The next few episodes could finally unveil her true role in Lumon’s web of deception.
