What Is Cold Harbor in Severance S02E02? Ending Explained

Severance Season 2 Episode 2, titled “Goodbye, Mrs. Selvig” introduces audiences to a new plot device called Cold Harbor. Accordingly, fans of the show have been wondering what this Cold Harbor is. Moreover, they are also curious about its implications on the larger storyline. Season 2, which expands on the lore and worldbuilding of Season 1, sees Mark Scout and his allies grapple with the consequences of their actions in attempting to expose Lumon’s shady and unethical practices.

Curious about Cold Harbor in Severance Season 2 Episode 2? Here is the concept explained.

What is Cold Harbor in Severance Season 2 Episode 2’s ending?

Cold Harbor in Severance Season 2 Episode 2 is an encrypted MDR file that Mark Scout was working on. This file actually made a fleeting appearance at the end of the Season 2 premiere. It appeared on a computer screen featuring Ms. Casey, who is allegedly Mark’s deceased wife Gemma.

The screen which had the name Cold Harbor and Ms. Casey’s photo, showcased several percentage readings. On the screen, “ITNO 25.00” was written. This indicated that it had something to do with Ms. Casey’s creation. Additionally, there is also a 68% reading, which indicates that Cold Harbor is somewhat close to completion.

Meanwhile, at the bottom of the screen, there were five percentage readings displayed in a row. This setup was reminiscent of the sorting boxes used in the MDR, where encrypted data is placed after employees experience certain feelings. Each reading was labeled with an acronym WO, DR, FC, and MA. Based on these abbreviations, it appears that they are linked to the four tempers emphasized by Lumon founder Kier Eagan. The four tempers are Woe, Dread, Frolic, and Malice.

It seems Cold Harbor is an incredibly valuable project for Lumon. This is evidenced by Helly persuading management to get Mark Scout, who is shown to have brilliant encrypted data refinement skills, back to work on Lumon long enough for him to complete the project. Moreover, it is also why Lumon rehired Irving and Dylan, to further persuade Mark into completing the project.

Not much else is known about the project besides this. However, it seems to be a reference to the real-life Cold Harbor, a historic district situated in Virginia and the site of the infamous Battle of Cold Harbor during the American Civil War.