Everything You Should Keep in Mind Before Severance Season 2
By Jeremy Mathai
Jan. 13, 2025
Waiting three years can feel excruciating, especially for fans of “Severance.” While many might argue that the first season made it clear there’s no real benefit to being an “innie,” the thought of being able to fast forward to the arrival of season 2 would have certainly been appealing during this lengthy pause. The Apple TV+ series was delayed due to the strikes impacting the film and television sectors, but it’s finally poised to return, bringing with it even more dark, dystopian, and bizarre office dynamics that fans have come to appreciate.
During the downtime, fans likely took the opportunity to re-watch season 1, reacquainting themselves with the myriad details that fueled numerous fan theories since its initial release in February 2022. For those who might have missed their assignments, Apple is rolling out a comprehensive recap of season 1 before the premiere of season 2. While this will cover the key points, it won’t encapsulate the intricate nuances, unique world-building elements, and dramatic twists that made the debut season a riveting experience.
The story revolves around Mark S. and his Severed colleagues Helly R., Irving B., and Dylan G., leading to a thrilling cliffhanger that altered the stakes considerably. As we prepare for the anticipated season 2, it’s crucial to revisit the pivotal moments and layers that defined the first season.
Understanding the Basics
To gear up for the new season, it’s essential to understand the core concept of “Severance.” This intriguing series features a procedure that divides individuals’ memories based on their proximity to work, categorizing them into “innies” and “outies.” The Severance process is portrayed as irreversible, although the fate of Petey, a former Lumon employee who departed unexpectedly and met a tragic end, raises questions about this assertion.
Delving deeper into the oddities, viewers were introduced to the Severed Floor, governed by its own peculiar rules. Employees find themselves within Macrodata Refinement, where they analyze blocks of encoded data, sorting them based on an inexplicable sense of fear. The environment includes unusual elements such as waffle parties and dance sessions, contrasting sharply with the oppressive atmosphere.
The Break Room represents a more sinister aspect, a fearsome space controlled by Mr. Milchick, serving as a punishment zone for rule violators. Meanwhile, Optics and Design, run by the seemingly kind Burt, conceals secrets hinting at the separation among various departments. Overarching this bizarre landscape is the ominous Board, presiding over floor manager Harmony Cobel, and the Eagan family dynasty, a century-old lineage that envelops the company’s bizarre culture centered around its founder, Kier Eagan.
Recently revealed is the connection between Helly R. and Helena Eagan, setting the stage for potential revelations in season 2 about what the innies might learn about themselves and the company they work for.
The Motivations of the Innies and Outies
From the show’s inception, viewers have been curious about the individuals who would willingly subject themselves to life on the Severed Floor, a grueling existence devoid of remembered experiences. The answer lies in personal trauma. Mark Scout, for instance, grapples with the emotional aftermath of his wife Gemma’s death in an accident, which drives him to escape his pain through the Severance procedure despite its moral implications.
In a shocking twist, the finale reveals that Mark’s wife has been alive all along, hidden within Lumon as Ms. Casey, serving as a counselor. This connection adds a profound layer to Mark’s motivation.
Irving B. also faces psychological struggles, visualizing oil flooding his workspace, tied to his outie’s passion for oil painting. His romance with Burt eventually compels him to explore life beyond the confines of their workplace. Dylan G. experiences a startling awakening when he uncovers the existence of his family, leading to an emotional reckoning regarding his identity.
Meanwhile, Helly R.’s tension grows as she discovers her outie is poised to inherit the very company that limits their freedom, a revelation that could dictate her forthcoming choices.
Cobel’s Dual Identity
Harmony Cobel initially presents as a chilling, loyal employee of Lumon, but the cliffhanger in season 1 brings an unexpected twist: she lives next door to Mark’s outie under the alias Mrs. Selvig. This suggests a more extensive surveillance operation by Lumon, as Cobel shows an unhealthy fixation on Mark, even posing as a caregiver in his personal life. Her motivations remain ambiguous, with hints of genuine concern mixed with her fanatical allegiance to Kier.
Season 1 tracks Cobel’s gradual descent into obsession as the innies begin to resist, culminating in her dismissal by the Board when they uncover her negligence in monitoring Helly’s near-death experience and her unapproved visits to Mark’s sister.
The Convergence of Worlds
As the season progresses, the mounting tensions lead to a significant confrontation between the innies and the systemic oppression of Lumon. The unveiling of previously hidden motivations and connections allows each character to evolve and seek liberation from the confines of their work existence.
Each innie finds a unique catalyst to revolt against their corporate captors, ranging from personal relationships and newfound realizations to sudden motivations sparked by external influences. Their burgeoning camaraderie and resolve become critical as they execute their plan to expose Lumon, culminating in a dramatic finale that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats.
The answers to remaining questions and the unfolding of these characters’ journeys will begin on January 17, 2025, when “Severance” season 2 premieres on Apple TV+.
