⚠️ WARNING: The following discussion includes plot points from Season 2, Episode 1 of “Severance,” currently available on Apple TV+. Proceed with caution if you wish to avoid spoilers!
Or simply:
Be aware that this conversation reveals plot details for the first episode of Season 2 in “Severance,” which is now streaming on Apple TV+. Read at your own risk if you’d rather not know the spoilers!
The Season 1 finale of “Severance” left audiences with a cruel, spectacular cliffhanger.
The work-only personas of Mark (Adam Scott), Helly (Britt Lower), Dylan (Zach Cherry) and Irving (John Turturro) managed to escape Lumon’s boundaries. By utilizing the Overtime Contingency, they woke up in the real world, inhabiting their regular bodies. What awaited them was a jarring revelation about their identities beyond work. It turned out that Irving is digging into Lumon’s shady dealings, Helly is the CEO’s daughter, and Mark has uncovered a startling possibility: his supposedly deceased wife, Gemma (Dichen Lachman), might not be dead at all; instead, she could be his fellow Lumon employee, Ms. Casey. As he burst into the living room shouting “She’s alive!”, the Overtime Contingency expired, and they were swiftly returned to their original selves.
Three long years have passed since we last delved into the captivating world of “Solar Opposites”, and now, it’s time to savor Season 2! However, instead of diving straight into the chaos left by the innie rebellion as one might expect, the season opener, titled “Hello Ms. Cobel,” takes a slightly different approach. It leaps forward (in a manner of speaking). The narrative unfolds on Mark’s first day back at the office, signifying that some time has elapsed in our reality, but not for the innies. For now, Lumon is where we stay, as this entire episode plays out within its confines.
Dan Erickson, the series creator and manager, shared with EbMaster that he had long desired to produce an episode featuring either all ‘innies’ or all ‘outies’. He believes this approach is truer to the subjective experiences of the characters.
In the upcoming episodes, the consequences of what happened to the characters, or “the outcomes,” are bound to be further unveiled. However, Erickson enjoys keeping audiences on the edge of their seats by delaying revelations slightly.
He mentions that viewers are eagerly anticipating events beyond what they’ve seen, so he admits to adding an element of excitement by prolonging the suspense.
In the following discussion, Erickson analyzes the premiere of Season 2 of “Severance,” the popular marketing trick at Grand Central, and speculates about his strategy for addressing all the show’s enigmas.
At the start of the season, Innie Mark sets off to locate Miss Casey. Is Innie Mark related to her, or does he seek her out due to his knowledge of her as Gemma’s spouse or his former wellness director, whom he worries may be in peril?
It appears that he feels a dual responsibility towards this woman named Ms. Casey – one as his outer consciousness (outie) and the other as a fellow innie within their shared existence. Despite not having a significant romantic or personal bond with Ms. Casey, she holds significant value in different aspects of his life. His current journey seems to revolve around his relationship with his outie, and he believes he owes him something due to this connection. Additionally, there is a growing sense of unity among the innies, and as Helly states in the first episode, “I don’t care much about your outside relationships, but Ms. Casey is one of us, so I will help you find her.
How are we meant to interpret Helly lying about what she saw on the outside?
All the characters were shaken by their experience in some way, and each of them must decide how much of it they are prepared or willing to reveal upon returning. Helly found out something truly terrifying – she is, surprisingly, what she despises the most. This revelation brings a lot of embarrassment, and she worries her friends won’t accept her because of it. After all, everyone in their group dislikes the Eagans, and Helly is one of them. She doesn’t want to bear the burden of that prejudice.
Could you clarify the time gap between seasons? Milchick mentions that it’s been about five months since the events in the finale, and they’ve been striving for weeks to retrieve Mark’s team. Evidently, this is the innies’ first day back at Lumon following the Season 1 finale.
On the program, there’s consistently the dynamic of time between the inner and outer entities, and it’s rarely clear how much time has elapsed. You must rely on the organization and assume they’re truthful, although past experience tells us that Lumon may not always be forthcoming with the truth.
Discuss Ms. Huang — when did it become clear to you that you needed a child caretaker for Lumon, and what steps did you take to choose the right candidate for the role?
In a surprising twist, we’ve often found it oddly amusing to imagine a child in a leadership position. Lumon consistently portrays itself as the benevolent entity, making it difficult to harbor resentment. However, it becomes challenging not to empathize with this specific character, skillfully played by Sarah Bock. This emotional response is unusual given that she represents the opposition’s team. During our auditions, we encountered numerous talented young actors vying for the part. Yet, when we met Sarah, her ability to convincingly portray the corporate facade was exceptional, and she seemed to genuinely embody that world. There’s a certain aspect of Ms. Huang that is chilling – when provoked, a sinister side emerges, and an unsettling darkness peeks from behind those apparently benign eyes. During one of the filming sessions, Ben Stiller shouted ‘cut’, and we all collectively gasped, wondering what had just happened to make us feel uneasy around this child actor.
As of now, it appears that Patricia Arquette’s character, Ms. Cobel, is not presently employed at Lumon. In the Season 1 finale, she was dismissed but made a surprising appearance at the Eagan gala. Since then, she has been conspicuously absent from the office.
Among many uncertainties that both the ‘innies’ and we share, they are questioning the reliability of information provided by Lumon. To avoid revealing too much, let me say that recently, there have been significant changes in the leadership structure within Lumon’s management team.
What’s your take on the character of Mr. Milchick, as portrayed by Tramell Tillman, who has taken over her role? What are his goals and aspirations? Does he seem driven by financial gains?
From my perspective, I’ve deliberately left certain aspects of his private life unveiled, including his past and his passions. The enigma surrounding him is captivating, yet it’s evident from his actions in Seasons 1 and 2 that he’s deeply committed to the company. He embodies loyalty and a touch of idealism, aiming to improve Lumon while remaining optimistic about the potential for transformation. His eagerness to instigate change is palpable.
Why is it that the inside characters return to their jobs despite everything that has transpired? Earlier in Season 1, they were discussing feeling like prisoners. However, now they have the option to leave willingly.
The concept of the series implies a significant dilemma for the characters: either they must work or face non-existence. Since quitting means ending their existence, they grapple with whether continuing to live is justified by working for this particular company and submitting to its control.
Following the presentation of the propaganda video, Milchick informs the ‘innies’ that the Severed Floor lacks cameras and microphones. Yet isn’t this a clear deception? The video includes direct quotes from the ‘innies’, which were said in private. Moreover, we have gained access to the security room, where camera feeds are indeed present.
There are two possible ways to understand that instance. One is that when you hold a powerful position, you can deceive someone openly and they have no means of stopping it. They may challenge your actions, but ultimately, authority will prevail in any dispute. Interestingly, Helly points out earlier in the episode that the security camera in MDR has disappeared. This suggests that Milchick’s statement could be seen as a subtle provocation, inviting them to confront him. Yet, his sentence can also be interpreted as “There are no longer any cameras on the floor,” indicating deliberate ambiguity.
How do the innie employees manage to revolt and conspire within Lumon’s office, given the intense surveillance they are under? Could Lumon be aware of all that goes on inside their workplace? Is it plausible that they knew about the Overtime Contingency plan and allowed it to unfold?
Although a camera may be present, it doesn’t necessarily mean someone is observing you live from another location. I believe Lumon Security has the ability to review footage whenever they choose, but that doesn’t imply constant surveillance. From an innie’s perspective, it seems like finding ways to discuss sensitive matters without attracting unwanted attention – be it the Eye of Sauron or the Eye of Lumon.
In the closing moments of the latest episode, as I was meticulously organizing my data, a fleeting image of Gemma appeared on my computer screen. This cryptic glimpse suggests that there might be a connection between my ongoing work on the Cold Harbor project and none other than Gemma herself.
It appears that there might be a link between the ongoing work and her situation, although we’re not revealing all the details at this time.
It also seems like the first hint that the work the innies are doing is actually meaningful.
I can neither confirm nor deny anything, but it would certainly seem to be pushing us that way.
At the culmination of Season 1, it’s revealed that Irving’s innie found out that his outie had repeatedly painted the corridor leading to the Testing Floor. Given that Irving’s character hasn’t visited there before, consciously at least, what are we supposed to infer from this action?
If I were his innermost thought, it would seem like an enticing call or a hint, as if this could be a spot worth watching closely.
Back when you left us hanging at the end of Season 1 with that intense cliffhanger, did you already have a plan in mind about how to answer some of the unresolved mysteries?
We had a general understanding of the main aspects. It’s crucial to find the right middle ground between excessive preparation and insufficient planning. If you present an intriguing, enigmatic introduction without having a solution in mind, you risk facing potential consequences. I strive to avoid letting down people’s expectations, so the more tantalizing a mystery is, the more I feel compelled to have a solid response ready, to avoid any potential embarrassment.
How much of the show is mapped out? Is there an outline for Season 3?
The overall series has a definitive ending point, and we have a general idea of the number of seasons, though this isn’t completely set in stone. As for Season 3, much has been planned, but there’s still room for adjustments.
Can you assure fans that the wait time between seasons will not be as long?
Despite my initial expectations, we find ourselves three years into planning for Season 2 due to COVID delays in Season 1 and labor disruptions in Season 2. Predicting what lies ahead for Season 3 is tricky given our past experiences. However, as we move forward with the show, we’re constantly working on making the process smoother. The more we advance, the more aspects of the story have been set in stone. As we delve into thoughts about Season 3, it feels less like brainstorming new ideas and more like following a clearer path laid out by what’s already been shown on screen. I’m hopeful that the process will be faster this time around, but I can’t help but knock on wood for good luck.
Is it possible for you to guarantee that every question raised during the series will be addressed, or put another way, can we expect “Severance” to avoid becoming like “Lost”?
We assure you that our show won’t transform into a replica of “Lost,” with characters ending up on an island or encountering characters like Sawyer. Instead, we are mindful of ensuring we have a clear direction and are respectful of your time by providing answers to some questions in Season 2. However, these responses will pave the way for larger mysteries that will eventually unravel the grand finale.
Is it plausible that the show, Lumon, has a connection to water, given its logo is a water droplet, the names of its files are associated with bodies of water, and there’s a painting of Kier Eagan overlooking lakes in one scene? Or could this theory be just speculation without any real basis in the series?
Interestingly enough, I’m not convinced that this theory is entirely misguided. After all, water is quite ubiquitous in our world. There could be scenarios where its presence is deliberate, and there might also be cases where it’s simply a matter of having water around. It’s an intriguing concept, one that I’ve come across before and find appealing.
How often do you read fan theories? I imagine that might be tricky for you.
I’ve temporarily paused my reading of fan theories, which is unfortunate as I enjoy them immensely. They’re engaging, and they make me feel connected to a larger community. However, I find myself drawn into others’ passionate interpretations of the story, and I often admire their creativity. If only we could explore all these diverse perspectives! But sometimes, I get lost in thought, and I need to take a step back and remind myself that we have our own interpretation that we’ve been eagerly anticipating for years.
Regarding fan devotion to the series, I stumbled upon a “Severance Wiki” section called “Subtle Inconsistencies,” where viewers have identified even the tiniest continuity issues, such as the receptionist’s pen shifting by more than a centimeter from one scene to another. However, for “Severance,” these enthusiasts come up with creative explanations for these discrepancies, like suggesting that this could be intentional to symbolize a severed individual’s distorted sense of time. With such dedicated fans who scrutinize every detail, how does it affect you? Does it heighten the pressure to excel in your work?
Absolutely, it does! It’s essential to amplify the audience’s excitement by enhancing the show even further. Admittedly, being under such close scrutiny can be somewhat nerve-wracking. However, the fact that viewers are creating in-show explanations for this situation demonstrates the depth of their enthusiasm for the program. If someone wishes to rectify an aspect I’ve handled and presents a theory that makes it even more flawless, I won’t dispute that.
The viral marketing stunt at Grand Central — whose idea was that, and how did you pull it off?
As a dedicated film enthusiast, I can share my perspective on how the idea for this project might have originated. Apple presented us with an intriguing concept initially, and at one point, discussions revolved around featuring only the other talented actors. However, Ben Stiller and Adam Scott were firm in their desire to include the original cast members as well. Behind the scenes, we grappled with questions about where this project fits within the show’s continuity, whether it’s considered canonical, and if the events inside the cube are part of the series. If so, we needed to determine where these events would slot in.
Where did you land on that?
We’ve agreed that everything is considered part of the storyline. However, listeners couldn’t decipher what the actors were actually saying. Frankly, I have no idea what they said. Britt Lower and I came up with an intriguing notion, but I’d rather not share it just yet. As for the various acting groups, there’s debate over whether their interactions are also part of the storyline. If so, where and when does this supposed scene unfold?
Other branches, perhaps?
Perhaps.
It was quite intriguing, almost ironic, to observe them within the confines of the cube, while a crowd stood outside, observing and filming them, much like they were exhibits in a zoo.
There’s a dual layer to the concept of surveillance in this show – one is its real-world implications, and the other is its portrayal as a TV production. In essence, the series features unseen observers spying on the characters, who remain oblivious. We, as viewers, become secret onlookers, peeking into their lives. The intriguing snapshots that reveal through the cube are particularly captivating – they showcase both the characters and a crowd of people staring at them. It’s quite unsettling, and it stirs feelings reminiscent of being an audience member in a peculiar reality TV scenario like this one.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Read More
- FARTCOIN PREDICTION. FARTCOIN cryptocurrency
- SUI PREDICTION. SUI cryptocurrency
- Excitement Brews in the Last Epoch Community: What Players Are Looking Forward To
- The Renegades Who Made A Woman Under the Influence
- RIF PREDICTION. RIF cryptocurrency
- Smite 2: Should Crowd Control for Damage Dealers Be Reduced?
- Is This Promotional Stand from Suicide Squad Worth Keeping? Reddit Weighs In!
- Epic Showdown: Persona vs Capcom – Fan Art Brings the Characters to Life
- Persona Music Showdown: Mass Destruction vs. Take Over – The Great Debate!
- “Irritating” Pokemon TCG Pocket mechanic is turning players off the game
2025-01-18 01:18