So the title for 2x10 “Cold Harbor” is a reference to this historical battle from the US Civil War. The battle of Cold Harbor was notable for several reasons:
- It was considered a huge loss for the Union, earning Ulysses S. Grant the title of “fumbling butcher” for losing around 7,000 men during the battle. Grant’s recklessness did enormous damage to the Union forces morale and was divisive in the eyes of the Northern populace.
- Despite this, the battle ended up being a turning point for the Union army as it forced the Confederate forces to divide their attention on multiple fronts, thus leading directly to the former achieving eventual victory over the Confederacy.
How does the season 2 finale reference this?
A reckless battle plan that resulted in enormous losses but ultimately led to the defeat of an enemy force because it resulted in the latter losing their initiative and being forced to divide their attention between multiple fronts.
Mark Scout’s shaky alliance with his innie led to the release of his wife Gemma, the test subject of Cold Harbor, thus leading to the project’s failure which was seen as “the most important event in human history” per Lumon. Helly’s rallying of the other innies on the severance floor to rise against Mr. Milchick was also a side-effect of this plan, proving to be instrumental in Gemma’s escape.
With Gemma on the outside, the severance chip in her head containing all the innies perfected for the Cold Harbor project are effectively dead and of no use to Lumon. Presumably, they’ll be eager to get a hold of it in some form or fashion. But with Devon, Cobel, Reghabi, and maybe even Gretchen (who I believe is a police officer? and would be concerned about her husband’s safety trapped inside Lumon) teaming up with her, that will be no easy task for the company (we love women in STEM).
As for the innies, Helly and Mark S will be, I assuming, leading the charge to survive and try to take down Lumon from the inside. If they are able to somehow prevent any of the severance chip protocols from taking effect - which is a long shot, depending on Mr. Milchick’s allegiances - they could theoretically hold the floor and further muck up Lumon’s plans.
Cold Harbor was an enormous loss for the Union before they started winning. Helly and Mark S are definitely due for some consequences considering their reckless actions in the finale. I suspect Dylan and Mr. Milchick will also face severe repercussions in season 3. I really don’t see how the innies can get out of this unscathed and we should all prepare for the eventuality that one or more of them are in for a world of hurt when Lumon reassert their control.
Which leaves Gemma on the outside. She remains to be the key to all this and has Cobel and Reghabi - if the latter is willing to work with her - armed with crucial knowledge of Lumon and the severance technology. But Gemma doesn’t have Mark beside her, who I think will face the worst of Lumon’s wrath.
I think it will really be up to Gemma, unfortunately, to figure a way out of this mess. We don’t even know how she feels about the innies, since she hasn’t had a close relationship to them like the other outies. And after watching innie Mark run away with Helly, I would not blame her for feeling somewhat antagonistic.
TL;DR Season 3 is Gemma Scout’s season. What she chooses to do will decide the fates of everyone, outies and innies, for good or ill.
I can’t wait. We’re really going to see a masterclass of acting from Dichen Lachman. Her time to shine is coming up.
ADDENDUM: I FORGOT IRVING, MY BAD. Add him to Gemma’s team.
