Mark's Severance Nightmares: Innies, Outies, and a Deadly Price

In the sixth episode of Severance Season 2, Mark and Helena face significant developments in both their Inside and Outside selves. However, this instalment concludes with a nail-biting cliffhanger that leaves us all on edge; at this point, it’s safe to say that reintegration comes with dire repercussions.

Episode 5 delved into the consequences of the ORTBO, a pivotal moment in Severance’s history comparable to the OTC. Notably, the genuine Helly came back to work, seeking explanations and striving to rebuild Mark’s confidence following Irving’s revelation about her Outie’s deceit.

Last week proved challenging for everyone: The MDR team attended Irving’s funeral, Helly felt lonely, Dylan uncovered a significant lead regarding the Exports Hall, and Mark’s Outie encountered Gemma after many years – however, it turned out to be Ms. Casey, not a memory recall.

In certain aspects, watching Season 2 Episode 6 feels like a treat for the audience, but eventually, it can turn into an ordeal that leaves you frustrated as you’re left shouting at the screen by its conclusion.

Mark tells Reghabi about seeing Gemma

At the start of the scene, Mark describes his dream from Episode 5, where he encountered Gemma (or more precisely, Ms. Casey). “I saw a grey room, yet everything turned so bright… it wasn’t real, it felt like a nightmare,” he says, questioning why she was providing information about him in such an unusual manner.

According to Reghabi, all she can confirm is that she’s crucial, and she views this as a promising development. She also expresses that the ‘Gemma’ she knows is still present… once you bring her out, it will be just the two of you standing side by side.

Dark Severance Season 2 theory could mean even more heartbreak for Mark S

In a reflective manner, Mark’s personal circumstances seem to lead him to ponder over a concept akin to “bargaining,” which is often associated with the process of grieving. He expresses that his thoughts are filled with ideas about what he would do and how he might alter himself in an attempt to restore the person he lost. Interestingly, he implies that for him, such changes or actions may not be entirely implausible.

Back at Lumon, I found myself standing alongside Dylan, explaining a blueprint for the Exports Hall to Mark and Helly. We thought we were concealing Casey somewhere among us, but Dylan was cautious about not putting his Outie Visitation Suite privileges at risk. In an instant, Helly stepped forward, offering to fetch the crumpled sheet of paper with our directions on it.

In the fridge, Mark finds himself experiencing two different worlds momentarily overlapping – he catches a glimpse of Helly in what appears to be his own kitchen. She queries if he’s alright, and he swiftly closes the fridge door.

Milchick tightens the leash with Miss Huang

In this instance, Milchick summons Miss Huang to his office. Historically, he’s had a slightly stern demeanor with her, but in this particular scene, he appears more passive-aggressive than usual – possibly due to the fact that she’s the only individual who might have pointed out his disorganized paper clips and excessive use of complex vocabulary.

He informs her, “You won’t be able to complete this fellowship unless I consider you ready for Wintertide, and that requires diligence in your tasks, a focus on your responsibilities, and eliminating any immature behavior.

He asks her to steward the floor while he’s away – but she’s not allowed to sit at his desk.

Mark confesses to sleeping with Helena… to Helly

We shift focus to Helly and Mark inside a restroom stall, where Mark admits to “using the same containers… we engaged in an intimate act.

Helly seems to be discussing Ms. Casey, but it becomes clear right away. “It was in your tent at the retreat,” he admits. She finds it hard to comprehend, more so because he’s acting nervously and trying to justify himself; considering the circumstances, he must have been mistaken. “I suspect it’s another trick, something to create tension between us,” she says.

He says, “I assumed it was you,” to which she responds, “Actually, it wasn’t.” Feeling the need to escape for a moment, she removes her heels and strolls through the corridors. In a secluded corner, she sits down, her eyes glistening with tears as she grapples with what Mark had disclosed (particularly recalling their kiss from Season 1).

Dylan’s Innie kisses Gretchen

In addition, Dylan enjoys spending extra moments with Gretchen in the visitation room, looking back (almost like reminiscing) on his Outie’s various hobbies; scuba diving, brewing beer at home, woodworking, and other activities. “Perhaps I’m searching for a skill that I truly shine in,” he proposes.

In my gaming world, I’m concerned that Dylan’s character might secretly be unsatisfied, yet he can’t seem to fathom why that would be. “I wish our characters could coexist permanently,” I convey to him, but as Gretchen’s character points out, ours are kind of merged – but not in the way we’d truly desire.

In a different phraseology, Dylan queries if they could attempt another embrace. As they draw nearer, they share a passionate kiss… Yet, whether this is considered infidelity remains uncertain; it’s another complex situation.

Milchick betters himself

While Milchick honed his paper-clip craft on a towering pile of Lumon documents, by the end, despite his trembling hands, he trusted in his skills and considered the task completed.

Only one issue remains, apart from the management of the ORTBO – an excessive use of complex vocabulary. As he gazes into the mirror, he gradually discovers a more straightforward method to express “eliminate from your core immature behavior”: “mature.

Mark and Helly do it (again, sort of)

In a direct conversation, Helly expresses her feelings towards Mark. Instead of being angry about him mistakenly thinking it was her, she emphasizes her disappointment: “What’s unfortunate is that she got something I didn’t. It’s upsetting to learn she manipulated my friends and used me as a means to get close to you. It’s also disheartening that she treats me like a doll, dressing me every morning as if I were a baby.

Essentially, she feels bitter towards Helena. Mark proposes recounting the events from inside the tent, but Helena communicates her intentions clearly. “I don’t need her memories,” she states, “I want my own.

The issue here is twofold: not only are they currently engaged at work, but there’s a possibility that they’re under constant surveillance – or, at minimum, someone is eavesdropping on the conversation. Helly has found a solution: an unused, incomplete conference room with large plastic drapes concealing the tables.

They set up their makeshift shelter and crawl inside. She confesses her apprehension, and he shares the same sentiment. Yet, they conquer their fears, settle comfortably beneath some tables, and well, you can guess what happens next.

Later, they casually stroll back to their workstations, flashing playful grins. “Was our interaction special for you?” she queries, and Mark pulls her against the wall for a kiss. The scene is romantic, with an unusual touch – Mark experiencing a nosebleed, which is a sign of reintegration sickness symptoms.

In simpler terms, Miss Huang retrieves her first aid kit, but she’s puzzled because the humidity on the floor remains constant, so it’s uncertain why Mark would have a nosebleed. She queries about their activities, and Helly fibs, claiming they were working on refining something.

Miss Huang asks if he’s had any other symptoms, like hallucinations – he also lies.

Mark has a “crossover memory”

All of a sudden, his thoughts shift between the worlds of his Innie and Outie, finding himself back in the basement with Reghabi. “Did you just visit Lumon?” she queries, yet he’s uncertain about his whereabouts. She probes him for memories, but no matter how diligently he strains, they seem to evade him.

She clarifies that the memory she just mentioned was another instance of a crossover memory, one that occurred recently. That’s beneficial, as you may experience temporal discontinuities until everything is fully restored. Reghabi is eager to expedite this process, and believes it can be achieved without triggering a hemorrhage. “We’ll inject the chip directly,” she proposes, “by utilizing the opening in your skull.

Instead, Mark feels apprehensive about it due to the associated risks, and his hunger leaves him unable to focus on going any farther, which is another complication he’s facing in the process of reintegration.

Burt reveals why he joined Lumon

Irving visits Burt and his spouse, Fields, to share an evening meal together. The atmosphere is initially light-hearted; Fields teases about what could possibly have attracted Irving’s Innie to such a “philistine” partner of his. Irving also expresses regret for the OTC incident, to which Burt replies in a somewhat formal tone, “Nonsense, consider it as if it were yours.

They take seats, engaged in conversation about their personal experiences and the environment of Lumon, such as Burt discussing a group referred to as The Whole Mind, likely activists resisting the concept of severance.

As a devoted admirer, I once wondered about Burt’s journey to Lumon. In response, he shared that it was a divine path, led by none other than Jesus himself. To put it simply, in his youthful days, he could have been described as a bit of a rogue.

On one occasion, Fields inquired if he believed he would end up in heaven upon death. “I feigned contemplation, but I’m certain the answer is no,” he admits, and Fields playfully quipped: “What on earth am I supposed to do there for endless solitude?

Subsequently, they visited the church, where the preacher discussed the concept of severance. The church’s viewpoint was that “Innies (individuals without physical bodies) are self-contained entities, whose souls stand independently for judgment apart from their Outies (physical bodies).

To put it another way, even though a person might be primarily ‘Innie’ (inner-directed), they could potentially enter heaven; therefore, a fragment of ‘Burt’ (other-directed individual) could still pass through the gleaming pearly gates.

At Irving’s residence, we find Mr. Drummond opening his door, yet it remains uncertain what he is searching for. Upon discovering a suitcase, he uncovers maps and records about other terminated colleagues, which include the name of Burt.

We switch to the scene of Gretchen and Dylan’s shared space, where Dylan is discussing a potential car purchase, but Gretchen appears preoccupied. He inquires about her meeting with his alter ego (Innie), and she falsely claims that Lumon had called off the appointment instead.

Mark meets Helena

In Episode 6, a significant moment unfolds as Mark finds himself dining solo at a Chinese eatery. To his surprise, he spots Helena, the CEO’s daughter, seated opposite him – a fact he is well aware of, given her high-ranking family position in Lumon.

She recognizes him and heads towards him. “I believe you’re Mark Scout,” she remarks, extending her hand (though he seems hesitant), adding, “It’s a pleasure to make it formal.

Helena says she’s only heard praise regarding his work. He quips dryly, “I haven’t heard a thing about my work.

She apologizes for the OTC (or as she puts it, the “systemic error”). “It never should have happened and it never will again. We take pride as a company to be better than that, and we will be better,” she insists.

This initiates a lively and spirited exchange regarding Mark visiting Helena’s father. “Are you ready to introduce me to dad so soon?” he inquires. “Indeed, I believe it’s long overdue… you’d be the first,” she replies, suppressing a chuckle.

She mentions that she’s interested in learning more details about the events at the OTC. “I understand you’ve been going through a lot since your wife passed away…” she begins, but then corrects herself, saying “Gemma,” instead of Hanna.

“It was a car accident, right?” she asks. “Such a shame.”

The conversation between them seems forebodingly conclusive. It’s evident that Helena is stirring up something long-forgotten within him, causing him to abruptly leave and nervously hurry home.

Irving and Burt’s dinner turns sour

At Burt’s residence, we learn the reason behind the title of Episode 6, ‘Attila’. This nickname was given to Burt by Fields, following a habit they had of calling each other ‘hon’, as a playful reference to Attila the Hun.

In a curious lapse of speech, Fields mentioned that they shared drinks with a person identified as Burt’s business associate from Lumon two decades back. However, it was only twelve years ago when the first office was severed. This could suggest that Burt may have had more connections with Lumon than we initially believed.

Burt attempts to steer the discussion forward, but Fields inquires if Irving thinks their “Inner selves” engaged in intimacy at work. Burt, however, doesn’t intend to make Irving uneasy. He’s been discussing this with his pastor and believes that “Inner selves” should be allowed to experience love… and he hopes it was a loving encounter.

Later on, Burt escorts Irving out, expressing regret for Fields’ actions. Unfazed, Irving suggests they meet up again, either with Fields present or not. Irving departs with a goodnight, and as he goes, Burt’s countenance shifts – he seems to be hatching a plan.

Mark’s reintegration causes him to collapse

Mark goes back home, expresses remorse to Reghabi, and moves forward with her scheme. Reghabi then carefully exposes a wound on his head and injects the solution from her syringe into the Lumon implant, supposedly hastening his re-assimilation process.

All of a sudden, a torrent of memories, among them the memory of his Innie sleeping with Helly, floods his mind, triggering an excruciating headache. Reghabi warns him not to move hastily as it might worsen his condition.

Devon taps on the upper door, disregarding Reghabi’s caution, and allows her entry. Eager for a new approach following the unsuccessful retina-searing attempt, she finds Mark in an ill temper, unwilling to heed her suggestions. There seems to be something amiss with him; he gripes about the odor and struggles to lift his water glass.

He falls heavily, striking his head against the floor. Quickly, Reghabi dashes up the stairs, and when he starts foaming at the mouth, the scene fades out!

If you’d like to jog your memory or catch up, we’ve got recaps for Episodes 1 through 5 available. And if you’re looking for something entertaining to fill the gap before the next episode airs, here are five TV series similar to Severance that you might enjoy.

2025-02-21 06:28

Mark’s Severance Nightmares: Innies, Outies, and a Deadly Price