Apple TV+Alongside the dastardly new villain Dr Mauer, Severance Season 2 Episode 7 introduces his “evil” sidekick, who’s played by Sandra Bernhard – and there’s a reason you recognize her.
The latest chapter of the Apple TV+ series was the most explosive yet. Not only do we get to see what’s happened to Gemma, but we also learn more than ever what Lumon’s overarching goal is. Unsurprisingly, it’s not good.
We learn this through the Testing Floor, a place that, up until this point, we’ve only known is accessible via the Exports Hall. Season 2 Episode 7 gives us our first look at what happens down there, and how it’s connected to MDR.
Much like Ms Cobel and Mr Milchick, the Testing Floor is run by a terrifying duo: Dr Mauer and an unnamed nurse, whose face is a familiar one.
Sandra Bernhard takes on a different kind of role in Severance
ABCThe new Severance character is played by Sandra Bernhard, a ‘90s icon who’s appeared in a wide range of classic TV shows and movies over the years. You may recognize her as Nancy Bartlett Thomas from Roseanne.
She’s also appeared in the Apocalypse and NYC seasons of American Horror Story, and guest starred in the likes of The Sopranos, Will & Grace, Ally McBeal, The L Word, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, 2 Broke Girls, Broad City, and Pose.
On the big screen, Bernhard’s acting credits include The King of Comedy, the Pulp Fiction parody Plump Fiction, and Zoolander.
The star first made a name for herself in the world of comedy with her sharp-witted standup sets. Her one-woman show Without You I’m Nothing became a cult hit, which was later adapted into a 1990 film of the same name.
In Severance Season 2, she takes on a far darker role. Bernhard’s nurse is responsible for monitoring Gemma throughout her time on the Testing Floor, carrying out physical and psychological tests after every room she’s made to go into.
Apple TV+The rooms – from Wellington to Allentown – are the names of the files Mark has been working on at MDR. Episode 7 reveals that each room activates a different Innie for Gemma, and the nurse transports her to every one, ensuring that she’s wearing the correct outfit.
Before getting started for the day, the nurse asks her, “If you were caught in a mudslide, would you be more afraid of suffocating or drowning?” Gemma replies, “Drowning.” It seems that whatever’s going on in these rooms has something to do with her individual fears.
Whatever they’re up to, Bernhard’s character knows Gemma is suffering and she’s playing a big part in that.
When Gemma attacks Dr Mauer to escape and find Mark, Bernhard’s character runs after her, screaming, “Gemma, stop,” proving she’s just another cog in Lumon’s evil machine.
Season 2 Episode 7 has Sandra Bernhard Easter egg
Following the release of the latest episode, there’s been plenty of excitement about her debut, with one highlighting an Easter egg to her most famous role.
“Severance Easter Egg: Episode 7 introduces Sandra Bernhard, famous for playing Nancy in Roseanne, while also placing the famous Roseanne knitted couch quilt in Mark and Gemma’s house,” they wrote on X/Twitter.
Another quipped, “Sandra Bernhard playing a wacko nurse in this week’s Severance episode was not on my bingo card,” while a third added, “Biggest possible grin appeared on my face when Sandra Bernhard popped up in tonight’s episode.”
Since her character’s name was not given, there have been plenty of joke comments directed towards Bernhard herself, with one writing, “Sandra Bernhard how could you do this to Gemma?”
Another rather bluntly said, “F**k you Milchik! F**k you the f**kass creepy doctor!!! F**k you Sandra Bernhard!!! F**k you Cobel!!! F**k you Mark’s brother in law!!!!” Over on Reddit, one fan described everything they’re doing on the Testing Floor as “indescribably evil.”
Find out when the next episode drops with our guide to the Severance Season 2 release schedule. You can also read our guides to Asal Reghabi, whether Helly’s pregnant, and Cold Harbor.
If you want to refresh your memory, we have recaps of Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, and Episode 6.
