Devon’s Bold Move: How ‘Severance’ Unveils Queer Identity and Shocking Theories!

Warning! The following narrative includes plot twists from Season 2, Episode 9 of “Severance,” currently available on Apple TV+.

The narrative unfolded with a pressing call coming Harmony Cobel’s way (Patricia Arquette), who had been largely out of sight during the majority of “Severance” Season 2.

In a season centered around the complex relationships between insiders and outsiders, and debates about personal autonomy, it’s Devon (Jen Tullock) who realizes that Harmony is crucial for Mark (Adam Scott) to reconcile with his wife Gemma (Dichen Lachman).

Devon wants Harmony and him to escort Mark to the old birthing cabin mentioned earlier in Season 1. The idea is for Mark to consult with his inner self there, before the Cold Harbor case reaches its conclusion, so they can strategize together.

In the second season’s next-to-last episode called “The After Hours,” Mark, who is hesitant and torn between his job duties (finishing the Cold Harbor file) and personal matters, rides along with Devon to see an old superior. During filming on a cliff, when Devon and Mark first confront Harmony, Tullock remembers that the sun was shining directly into their eyes.

Tullock shared with EbMaster, ‘I aimed to experience the tension and fury as I played, and it seems I succeeded.’ They hadn’t slept for 24 hours, Devon and Mark. With Eleanor being a newborn, Devon had to leave her family to deal with this sudden revelation about Gemma. In that instant, there was an intense energy coursing through her.

In the passage below, Tullock delves into her encounters with her childhood idol Arquette in a standoff, her feelings when the internet discovered Devon as queer, and how her character’s sorrow over Gemma and dissatisfaction with her husband Ricken triggered her “I don’t care” turning point.

Tullock shares her experiences competing with Arquette, reactions to learning that Devon is gay online, and how losing Gemma and being unhappy with Ricken caused her character to have a “who cares” moment.

It’s so interesting that Devon is the person to recognize that they need Harmony Cobel’s help. What makes her decide to trust her this episode?

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can’t help but feel that she isn’t fully trusting her right now. It seems to me that she’s at the edge of her tether, a place where she might be forced to collaborate with someone she detests as deeply as Cobel – and that’s saying something. Her family member, Gemma, is in peril, which she has learned is true, and Mark, too, because he’s still tied to this peculiar corporation that Devon once found odd but now realizes is malicious. She had no intention of crossing paths with that woman again, but now she recognizes that she’s the only one who holds the key. The confrontation on that frosty cliff was electrifying, and I’m thankful there weren’t many words exchanged. Director Uta Briesewitz did a masterful job of conveying the palpable tension without resorting to excessive dialogue. She skillfully left the simmering anger and resentment hanging in the air like an icy mist.

We know that outie Mark is driven, more than anything else in his life, to reunite with Gemma. But how much is Devon driven by her own personal desire to see Gemma again?

During our initial discussions about the potential development of our characters, Dan [Erickson] and I found it crucial. When we discovered that our on-screen relationship would indeed unfold, I was ecstatic because we had created a detailed history for the Mark, Gemma, Devon, and Ricken quartet off-screen. However, it was particularly meaningful to physically enact these scenes with Dichen [Lachman], whom I hold dear in real life, as all our shared moments of affection were previously unsaid. As an actor, it’s fascinating to establish a season’s worth of love and backstory with someone you’ve never met before, only to later work together and bring it to life. The experience felt very authentic. It was significant for me that Devon’s personal sorrow played a part in her storyline this season. I believe some of her grief is hinted at in the diner scene in Episode 2, when she says, “I was your family too.

The last time we see Devon and Ricken (Michael Chernus), things end on a pretty tense note as Ricken tries to write his book for innies. Even though he’s not in Episode 9, do you think Devon is channeling any of those intense emotions into her plan with Mark and Cobel?

Of course! When you’re at the brink of a potentially tricky decision, especially one involving a partner, and then there’s a disagreement, it might lead to an intense feeling where you exclaim, “I don’t care, let’s do it!” In this case, the additional motivation she gained from being so disenchanted and frustrated with Ricken seems to have been like an all-out declaration: “Let’s go for it. I’m ready.

Devon is such an interesting character, because she’s on the outside looking in as someone who doesn’t have an innie version of herself, yet she is still so affected and devastated by the decisions made by Lumon because of her connections with Mark and Gemma.

Isn’t it intriguing how Devon takes pride in her quest for knowledge about the world outside, especially Mark’s affairs since she has feelings for him? As fellow actors, we all share a bond of friendship and camaraderie. Yet, there are moments when I feel detached due to the unique structure of our show. I don’t interact with the main characters or work in Lumon, and I’ve never shared a scene with John Turturro. This setup has certainly influenced my understanding of what’s happening within Lumon. Moreover, it has shaped my dynamic with Michael as Ricken, since we were both part of that narrative thread.

Do you see any parallels between Devon’s connection with Mark and Ricken, and Dylan’s connection with Gretchen (Merritt Wever) in how these relationships get fractured by Lumon’s influence?

Merritt is a pal, and we’ve had numerous conversations about the sensation of being excluded yet occasionally getting a peek into what’s happening and interfacing with an ‘insider’ version of someone dear to us. I believe there are certain parallels there. I found it incredibly insightful for the show to incorporate this plotline this season, as it shed light on how drastically two individuals can behave towards each other. Dylan’s story arc really tugged at my heartstrings.

Of course, the fan theories for ‘Severance’ have gone wild this season. How often do you keep up with them?

It’s quite amusing. As the show has grown in popularity since its first season, I’ve noticed an increase in interactions with people from my high school days. For instance, on Instagram, I’ve received messages like, “Hey, it’s been a while, but check out this post on Reddit.” It’s enjoyable when people share things with me. I don’t actively seek it out, but I’ve been sent a few humorous Reddit threads that sometimes made me think, “That’s a bit of a stretch,” and other times, “That’s quite relevant.” I must admit, I’m incredibly thankful to the fans. It feels like Season 2 has managed to capture a cultural moment in a way that was both unexpected and utterly enjoyable.

Have you heard about the theory that because Devon is shown using an Android phone, she will become a villain later on? Apple is rumored to not allow bad guys to have iPhones.

Interesting. Interesting. I have nothing to say about that.

In a recent interview, you discussed Devon being queer with the line in Episode 6 about having a crush on the pregnant lady.

The original statement suggested a way of thinking about character development in film that you find problematic: “Oh, well the actor is [gender/sexual orientation], so that’s why she made her character share that trait.” You disagree with this notion, explaining that your choices as an actor are driven by what best serves the character, not personal identity. While some characters may align more closely with your own personality, such as Devon in the series “AJ and the Queen,” you choose to imbue them with characteristics that enhance the story. You were pleased when Dan, the show’s creator, allowed for Devon to have a queer backstory, which resonated with her open-minded and inclusive character. In the end, Devon fell in love with Ricken, reflecting her attitude of loving whoever she loves, regardless of gender.

I hadn’t intentionally set out to promote the acceptance of queer women in straight marriages, but the topic somehow naturally came up, which I was thankful for. However, I also found myself questioning, “Dan, is this acceptable?” I didn’t mean to reveal her sexuality; I wasn’t aware the internet would create such a stir with headlines about it. But yes, she indeed identifies as queer and deeply cherishes her husband, and these two truths can coexist harmoniously.

Absolutely. Is there anything else you want to add or say about the episode or what you’re excited for people to discover as they watch?

I haven’t confessed to Patricia Arquette that I’m her biggest fan yet. I’ve been biding my time, waiting until our friendship has spanned several years so I can nonchalantly tell her, “You’ve always been one of my childhood idols.” That moment hasn’t come along just yet. If you think it’s suitable for an article, feel free to express it on my behalf. The decision is yours.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2025-03-15 00:18