Severance Season 2 Episode 9 Recap: Mark and Cobel's Unlikely Alliance

In simple terms, Severance Season 2 Episode 9 wraps up all the plotlines in a suspenseful and nerve-wracking manner, setting the stage for an unparalleled final episode that promises to be unprecedented in the series.

The last fortnight has been an emotionally turbulent time for Severance viewers. Episode 7 struck a chord with its profound, lyrical examination of Mark and Gemma’s relationship and their shared traumas, shedding light on her whereabouts within Lumon, even if the true meaning of Cold Harbor remains elusive.

From me: In episode 8, I found myself transported back home – Salt’s Neck – for an unexpected detour. Harmony Cobel, our protagonist, was on a mission to gather evidence confirming her invention of the severance process. As the curtain fell, she picked up one of Devon’s frantic calls, setting us on a path that could reshape the series in ways we’ve never imagined before.

In ‘The After Hours’ episode (episode 9), we delve deeper into various storylines. We rejoin Helly and Dylan as their inner selves are in focus, Milchick confronts Mr Drummond, Burt turns up at Irving’s residence under somewhat mysterious conditions, and lastly, the Damona Birthing Retreat takes center stage.

Jame and Helena meet for a tense breakfast

The scene begins with Helena swimming, followed by a meeting with Jamie for breakfast. Everything Jamie says tends to sound stiff and disconcerting. “It’s going to be an important day,” he remarks, and when Helena inquires about his lack of eating, he replies, “I’ll observe instead.

She divides one boiled egg into six pieces and arranges them on a platter decorated with an image of two women arguing over a man. As she cuts through the egg whites, he moans and expresses his displeasure, “If only you’d serve them uncooked.

Helena tells him they’re taking care of “Mr. Bailiff,” which is Irving’s nickname, but he doesn’t seem to show any concern. She then departs for the day, and the scene shifts to reveal James’ isolated mansion hidden behind what looks like a massive water tower, shaped unusually like a UFO.

Miss Huang completes her Wintertide Fellowship

Milchick announces, “Eustice Huang,” as he reveals the statue honoring Miss Huang, signifying the completion of her Wintertide Fellowship. Notably, this is the “Year of Vision.”

Milchick identifies Eustice Huang and unveils a statue in her honor, symbolizing the culmination of her Wintertide Fellowship. This year is known as the “Year of Vision.

Milchick clarified that your bed will be transferred from your parents’ house to the Gunnel Eagan Empathy Center in Svalbard, where you are employed to facilitate global changes,” he said. Previously, Miss Huang believed she would continue working on the current floor until the end of the quarter, but Milchick pointed out that a new opportunity for empathy is now available to her.

For the remainder of the day, she can resume her duties, but at sunset, she will transition to another post. Milchick’s final instruction is for her to relinquish the ring toss game as an offering, following regulations outlined in the manual, since it serves as a symbolic token or emblem.

He spreads a handkerchief, and she dominates her game by slamming it hard. “Do it again,” he orders, making her shatter it along with all its contents.

Gretchen confesses kissing Dylan… to Dylan

In another place, Gretchen reveals to Dylan’s external self (Outie) that she had kissed his internal self (Innie), as she had mentioned Lumon terminated their previous meeting. “This is just so incredibly messed up,” he responds, and she admits that his Innie brings back memories of how he used to be.

In a more personal tone,

“I’m heading to work now to provide for our family, earning a paycheck to put food on the table for our kids. I kindly ask you not to tag along or intrude at my workplace. I value our relationship and wouldn’t want any suspicions about unfaithfulness. However, if such doubts ever arise, I might feel so overwhelmed that I would consider leaving the situation altogether. But for now, let’s focus on strengthening our bond and working through this together.

Burt pays Irving a visit

Irving enters his home, finding his dog fixed on the living room, where Burt is seated. “It’s possible they are linked to multiple recent disappearances or deaths,” he says, glancing at his notes. “Goodman might have played a role as a Lumon enforcer or thug… that hurts.

“We never used words like that,” Burt explains. “With Lumon it’s very specific language.”

After their dinner, Irving realizes that he may have misunderstood Burt. Burt then invites Irving on a drive with him, though the destination and purpose of the trip remain uncertain.

Cold Harbor still isn’t complete

On the Testing Area, Gemma remains stationary and isolated within her space. Meanwhile, in the monitoring room, Doctor Mauer assesses Mark’s advancements with Cold Harbor, but the figures remain static, even though it’s now 9am.

Mr. Drummond calls up Milchick to ask him to urgently bring Mark to the office. However, when Helly shows up, she can’t find Mark anywhere in the office.

Somewhere else, Devon leads Mark to where they are supposed to meet Harmony Cobel. Though he harbors doubts about trusting her, they park as planned and wait for her arrival. “What if this is a trick?” Mark queries, and Devon replies, “Perhaps it is… perhaps it isn’t, but we desperately need her.

While they’re in the car, Mark disregards Milchick’s phone calls. Later at the office, Helly angrily marches into Milchick’s office and inquires about his whereabouts. “Non-disclosure policy prevents me,” he replies sternly, but it’s evident that she’s merely concerned about his wellbeing.

In a casual and understandable rephrase: Milchick informs Dylan that he will take over as head of the department while Milchick is away. “Sort of like you and Cobel,” she remarks jokingly, causing Milchick to frown. “That’s enough, Helly R,” he says, and she eventually uses her higher rank as an Outie to assert herself. “Helena Eagan is my superior. You are under me, and this behavior is disrespectful,” he warns, but she remains unfazed. “Oh, I get it,” she replies before leaving.

Gretchen breaks up with Dylan’s Innie

Inside the Visitation Room named Outie, Gretchen shares with Dylan’s outer-consciousness (Outie) about her morning dispute with his inner-consciousness (Inner). “Was he pleased for us?” he inquires, to which she replies that he wasn’t. “He should be, considering I make you happy… and he doesn’t,” he says in response.

Gretchen informs him that their meetings have to stop from now on. She mentions that he made a threat to resign, and she’s unsure if he’s following through with it.

Dylan earnestly urges her to remain, as he shares that their initial encounter marked the beginning of his life, and he confesses he possesses no other world without her. However, things take an unexpected turn when he gets down on one knee, presenting a handcrafted ring made from paper as a sign of his proposal.

Even though I’m an Introvert, I truly care for all of you. I created something with the hope that it would bring you joy. I can offer you a fulfilling life, if only you’d stay,” he pleads, but she regrets and departs. He calls out her name, yet she continues to leave.

The scene shifts to the kitchen, where Helly attempts to console Dylan following his rejection. She suggests that he keeps the ring and presents it to someone suitable he encounters in the future, but Dylan remains unconvinced.

In my gaming world, I’d say something like this: “She calls herself my wife,” I clarify, and Helly responds, “She may claim that title, but to me, it doesn’t add up… Because no one who truly cherishes someone would act towards them as she does, just as the Outies treat us – always prioritizing themselves.

Dylan perceives his life as purposeless, yet Helly points out that he has relatives below, similar to Irving. She explains, “He left a message for you, the dark corridor… I’m not sure if he knew its destination, but he deemed it significant. They persuaded you to abandon him in pursuit of some stranger woman, whom you’ve never met.

Dylan makes an unjust claim towards Helly, blaming her for their predicament in the lower area due to her Outie being an Eagan, and he brings up how Mark couldn’t distinguish her from Helena.

Cobel and Mark become allies

Eventually, Cobel makes an appearance. Upon exiting their vehicles, Cobel queries Mark about his well-being. “My wife is being held captive at Lumon, I’ve just had brain surgery in my basement – so, how have you been?” he responds.

Despite Mark’s sarcastic demeanor, Cobel is eager to assist him. She proposes they head to the Damona Birthing Retreat that very night, as it’s too risky during daylight hours, but there are a couple of issues. Firstly, it’s uncertain whether he’s wrapped up the Cold Harbor file. “If you’ve finished it,” she says, “then… she’s already gone,” and this sets Mark off.

“She is there and we are out here in the middle of f**king nowhere,” he shouts.

2nd Point: Mark should phone Milchick to verify if he won’t be dropping by the office. She warns him, “If he senses any funny business, he’ll keep you from entering the premises.

Mark is reluctant to follow Cobel’s suggestions, yet Devon informs him that there’s no alternative course of action if they aim to rescue Gemma.

Dylan resigns and Milchick stands up to Mr Drummond

In this section, the narrative seems a little disjointed. Meanwhile, at Lumon, Helly discovers Irving’s guide to the Exports Hall concealed behind the “Hang in there!” poster. Simultaneously, Dylan navigates the halls, distressed about Gretchen.

He chose to leave his job, so he went to Milchick’s office to complete the necessary form (which needs his Outie’s approval). Milchick expressed his disappointment and a sense of ungratefulness before asking him to surrender his keycard and proceed to the elevator.

As I’m about to leave, Miss Huang surprises me with a heartfelt apology. “Dylan G., I wish I could have managed things better for you,” she admits. I quickly reassure her, saying, “No need to apologize, it’s not your fault.

Afterwards, I found myself face-to-face with Mr. Drummond up on that bare floor. “It seems you’ve decided to ‘tighten the leash.’ Our crucial refinery mysteriously vanished just when Lumon was set to shine… and you’re blaming me for it,” he accused. I stood my ground, explaining my side of things, even though I knew I could use a good lesson or two.

Drummond asks for an apology using a needlessly complicated term, to which Milchick responds with a phrase that literally translates to “eat crap.” He explains, “It’s just another way of saying ‘eat shit,’ Drummond.

As the head of my department, I hold a position that carries two responsibilities. Primarily, I should be given due respect, regardless of who that respect is owed to. Secondly, and more straightforwardly, this department is under my authority, meaning any actions taken by employees like Mark Scout outside of work are not my concern – they’re yours.

Additionally, we connect with Irving and Burt, who shares, “I’ve never harmed anyone. I just want you to understand that. I gave rides to people. I was unaware of their fate once they reached their destination.

“Is that what today is?” Irving asks, as his dog stares out the window in the backseat.

Mark pulls a sickie

Reluctantly, Mark phones Milchick to tell him he won’t be coming in today.

He inquires, ‘Where are you, Mr Scout?’ Mark replies, ‘I had some concerns about these nosebleeds, so we headed to a clinic in Soil Hill. They want to run some additional tests.’ Milchick proposes sending a vehicle for his convenience, but Mark is unsure of how to react… until he finds the right words.

In a relaxed manner, Mark explains that he’s not unwell but needed some time off. He mentions having personal matters that require attention, suggesting this is what Lumon stands for – maintaining balance between work and life. He emphasizes that work is just that, work, and seeks understanding from Mr. Milchick. After a tense pause, Milchick inquires if Mark will be at work the next day. Mark reassures him that he will be present, and Milchick ends the call.

Burt sends Irving away

Burt isn’t driving Irving somewhere to murder him; instead, he is taking him to a train station (no need to be alarmed, fellow Yellowstone viewers).

He says, “This boundary marks your limit. I don’t know when or how you plan to leave, and there’s no way for you to return to Kier. Do you comprehend?” Irving fails to grasp why Burt is letting him depart. “When I told you why I cut ties, it was because I wanted the chance to be innocent once more, a part of me. But my innocent self fell in love with you,” he clarifies.

“I want to remember it,” Irving says, and Burt replies, “Probably better we don’t.”

Irving tries to appeal to Burt’s love for him, but after a tender moment, he insists, “We can’t.”

As I watch Irving vanish onto the departing train, a silent chasm separates us, a weighty force that neither of us can fathom or conquer. Back in Lumon, Miss Huang is escorted out at dusk while Dylan and I remain rooted, anticipating the arrival of the elevator’s doors.

The Damona Birthing Retreat

That fateful evening, I found myself stranded on a fragmented game level, diligently trying to etch Irving’s guidance into my memory for locating the Exports Hall. Just then, Jame Eagan emerged from the shadows, a smirk on his face. “You’ve deceived me, my dear Helly,” he sneered.

As the sun dips below Kier’s horizon, Mark jumps into the back of Cobel’s pickup truck and they head towards Damona Birthing Retreat. A security guard halts them, but Cobel reassures, “She’s one of Jame’s, let’s keep it a secret.

Following the sharing of password details (“Miss Marsha White, ninth floor, department of specialties, searching for a golden thimble”), she was given permission to proceed.

All of a sudden, Mark’s Inside Person awakens within a small cabin. Perplexed, he is reassured by Devon that he’s safe and should remain composed. She guides him to meet Cobel (a person his Inside Self hasn’t seen since the conclusion of Season 1).

“Do you remember the last thing you said to me?” Devon asks him. “She’s alive,” he says.

2025-03-14 06:20

Severance Season 2 Episode 9 Recap: Mark and Cobel’s Unlikely Alliance