If you’ve ever had the opportunity to experience *Terminator 2: Judgment Day* without any prior knowledge of the storyline, you’ve encountered one of sci-fi’s most remarkable twists just as intended. (And if you inexplicably haven’t seen *Terminator 2* yet and are blissfully ignorant of its plot, treat yourself and watch it right away. We’ll be right here.)
The twist, of course, comes with the astonishing disclosure that Arnold Schwarzenegger’s relentless T-800 is no longer the antagonist. This time, he’s been dispatched from the future to safeguard the heroes from an even more formidable danger.
In a moment that the film’s trailer couldn’t resist revealing, Schwarzenegger’s T-800 brandishes a shotgun, points it at young John Connor (Edward Furlong), and orders, “Get down,” before firing at the far more lethal T-1000 lurking behind him. From that point forward, the landscape of sci-fi storytelling was irrevocably altered.
### The Villain-Transformed Hero Concept
Since *Terminator 2*, the concept of a former antagonist evolving into a hero has emerged as a cherished sci-fi motif. Consider the *Marvel Cinematic Universe*, for instance—Loki began as a significant foe confronting the Avengers, only to eventually redeem himself and even save the multiverse in his independent series.
Now, another notable sci-fi program seems to be gearing up for its own *Judgment Day*-like twist. That program is *Severance*, and the character on the brink of a profound transformation is none other than Harmony Cobel.
### Is *Severance* Ready to Execute a *Terminator 2*?
Played by Patricia Arquette, Harmony Cobel was initially depicted as a heartless middle manager at Lumon Industries, appearing to derive enjoyment from tormenting Mark (Adam Scott) and his fellow “Innies” on the Severed Floor. However, in *Severance* Season 2, her character has taken a captivating turn—one that could lead to the series’ most significant twist to date.
Cobel has been mostly absent throughout Season 2. After taking the blame for the “Macrodata Uprising” at the conclusion of Season 1, she was ousted from her role and vanished. But in Episode 8 (“Sweet Vitriol”), we finally uncover her activities—and it alters everything.
(Spoiler warning!) The episode unveils that Cobel is indeed the creator of the severance procedure. This information clarifies her profound investment in Lumon’s Severed Floor and her anger over relinquishing control of it. Returning to her hometown, she unearths her old notebooks, which hold evidence that she was the original architect of the severance process. While her ultimate motivations remain ambiguous, one moment stands out: as she drives back toward the unfolding chaos, she picks up her phone and instructs Mark, “Tell me everything.”
With merely two episodes remaining in Season 2, Cobel is poised to play a vital part in the finale. Will she leverage her knowledge to regain her position at Lumon? Or will she rebel against the organization and reveal the severance procedure for what it truly represents? The second scenario is far more intriguing and could signify her evolution from villain to hero—just in time for the season’s conclusion. The fact that she’s already reaching out to Mark suggests she may have already shifted allegiances.
### Why *Severance*’s Revelation Could Eclipse *Terminator 2*
In *Terminator 2*, Schwarzenegger’s transition from villain to hero was less about the narrative and more about his real-world fame. In the seven years between *The Terminator* and its sequel, Schwarzenegger had ascended to Hollywood stardom, headlining both action films (*Commando*) and family-friendly comedies (*Kindergarten Cop*). Reverting him to a ruthless killer wasn’t feasible, so James Cameron redefined his Terminator as a protector.
“To keep Arnold as that Terminator would break our ethical boundaries,” Cameron articulated in a 1991 interview. “He’s an idol for young audiences all over the world.”
Consequently, Schwarzenegger’s T-800 became the hero.
In contrast, with Harmony Cobel, *Severance* seems to be adopting a more calculated and intentional strategy. While Episode 8’s significant reveal may have caught many off guard, the hints were present all along for those who were observant. If Cobel genuinely transitions from antagonist to hero, it could be just as iconic—and perhaps even more resonant—than Schwarzenegger’s legendary transformation in *Terminator 2*.
*Severance* Season 2 is currently available for streaming on Apple TV+, with new episodes dropping every Friday.