Apple TV+Severance Season 2 Episode 8 is titled ‘Sweet Vitriol’ – and fans may have already worked out what it means.
Episode 7 of Severance was incredibly emotional, exploring Mark and Gemma’s relationship before they ended up at Lumon and her constantly traumatic life on the Testing Floor beneath the Exports Hall.
It’s all leading to Cold Harbor (as Mr Drummond says, it’ll be one of the “greatest moments in the history of this planet), but we still don’t know exactly why she’s down there, nor has MDR been fully explained.
Meanwhile, one character has been MIA since Episode 3: Harmony Cobel, last seen facing off against Helena before doing a runner (presumably to Salt’s Neck). She may return in Episode 8 – and the series has already dropped a clue for what to expect.
Severance Season 2 Episode 8 has something to do with ether
Apple TV+We know Severance Season 2 Episode 8 is set to focus on Ms Cobel (several reviews before the show’s release have said as much), and it’ll be less than 40 minutes long. However, ‘Sweet Vitriol’ is secretly a massive clue about the show’s lore.
Firstly, what does ‘Sweet Vitriol’ mean? Well, it was a nickname for ether (a chemical compound used for fuel, medicine, and recreational use) in the 16th century.
As the University of Bristol explains, “the first ether to be discovered was diethyl ether, which was synthesised in 1540 by the German botanist Valerius Cordus by distilling a mixture of ethanol and sulfuric acid (then known as oil of vitriol). He called his discovery ‘sweet oil of vitriol’ (oleum dulce vitriolic).
“Around the same time, the Swiss physician Paracelsus, experimenting on dogs, discovered that this oleum dulce vitrioli acted as a painkiller.”
Apple TV+Also, ether addiction became prominent in the 19th and 20th century; there were even organised parties known as ether frolics, where guests would inhale large amounts of it.
So, what does this have to do with Severance? “Frolic” is one of the Four Tempers, alongside Woe, Malice, and Dread.
And, more importantly, Kier Eagan worked in an ether mill as a stew-man – where he met his wife, Imogene. The episode’s synopsis says “discoveries will be made” – perhaps we’ll find out more about Cobel’s connection to Lumon, which could have something to do with an ether factory.
If you’ve watched Episode 7, find out why you need to read The Death of Ivan Ilyich, why the Damona Birthing Retreat is so important, and keep our guide to the Severance Season 2 release schedule bookmarked.
You can also read our breakdowns on Asal Reghabi, the Glasgow Block, and the Lexington Letter. There’s another big theory you should read up on too: Helly might be pregnant.
