Severance Recap: Into the Woods

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Looky here, friends! We’re talking about little goats here, but let me spell it out for you – it’s a secret code for something else altogether. It seems that the ‘baby goat’ moment has arrived, though not exactly as we might have imagined. So, let’s celebrate this unexpected turn of events!

To be straight-forward, Helena Eagan has committed acts of sexual assault. As we’ve moved through the storyline, there’s been some understanding for her background—her daddy issues, her sad upbringing, and so on. But that was then; she’s an adult now, and her actions are inexcusable. While it may be necessary to infiltrate as your Innie, there’s no excuse for sexual assault. The consequences of her deeds are solely hers to bear. For the moment, let’s leave that whole ordeal aside and revisit it later.

Stepping outside my usual movie reviewing boundaries, let me delve into the extraordinary territory of Severance’s latest installment, directed by Ben Stiller and penned by Anna Ouyang Moench. This episode takes viewers on an unconventional journey, where we find ourselves accompanying the refiners on a peculiar Outdoor Retreat Team Building Exercise (ORTBE) – in the heart of a desolate frozen tundra wasteland.

The mastermind behind this excursion, Milchick, presents it as a response to the refiners’ yearning for the great outdoors. However, from the very beginning, it seems less like a wholesome escape and more akin to an ordeal. One can’t help but wonder if this is indeed the Bad Place!

To initiate the ORTBO, the Innies find themselves abruptly in two unsettling or horrifying locations – either on a snow-covered cliff or an icy lake – without any advance notice. It seems like Milchick could have provided them with details about this journey earlier in the work week, considering the surprise. I’m curious to know how he managed to persuade the Outies to accept this, let alone venture into the wilderness during the harsh winter season. So many questions pop up!

The story begins with an alarmingly chilling scene of Irv waking up in the middle of a vast icy lake. Guided by Mark’s voice, the four refiners locate each other, encounter a training video from Milchick playing on a TV hanging precariously off a cliff, and then set out to discover Kier’s enigmatic fourth appendix, as per his last wishes before he passed away. Quite an adventurous day!

For the first time ever, the Innies have embarked on a hike, let alone one involving crampons and ushankas. Yet, they handle the physically demanding trek rather smoothly, as if some innate instinct kicks in. Stiller frequently captures the expedition from an elevated perspective, portraying the refiners as minute specks navigating synchronously across the harsh, unyielding terrain. The snow covering the forest bears a striking resemblance to the endless white corridors on a cold floor, and the episode is dominated by shades of grey, with only the “MDR blue” tents and the vibrant red of their torches and heaters adding warmth to the scene.

The refiners are provided with unusual instructions to reach the cave. At times, an identical figure of one of the refiners mysteriously appears, gesturing silently towards the path. These doppelgängers dress in business attire instead of winter gear, and they don’t seem to be exact replicas of the refiners. The TV series “Severance” frequently explores themes of duality, such as depicting characters in reflections or mirror images, featuring Mark’s tank of beta fish, etc., but this is the most explicit example we’ve seen so far. Could these twins be real actors? Might they be hallucinations caused by the severance chip? Is it a simulation created by Lumon?

This episode felt like a bizarre dream, as if the events of the journey were unbelievable and surreal. It made me question whether Lumon had secretly manipulated the severance chip to create this experience in our minds, similar to how the Matrix works. For instance, the abrupt shift into a harsh environment or the presence of the peculiar twins seemed unexplainable. However, considering where we ended last episode, it’s possible that the ORTBO experience was just a prolonged hallucination in Mark’s mind. Despite the unusual events in this episode, I believe it actually took place in the real world rather than being manipulated by Lumon through the chips, although they certainly have the ability to do so.

In due course, the team finds the fourth appendix and begins to peruse its contents. One intriguing revelation from this episode is that Kier had a twin named Dieter, and it’s thought-provoking to ponder if the initial concept for ‘severance’ sprang from his bond with his brother. The book recounts an account of how Kier first experienced the wrath of Woe following his observation of the forest avenging Dieter’s death by killing him, as punishment for masturbating and soiling the ground. This story gains significance due to Milchick retelling it later in the episode; however, it appears rather preposterous. Does anyone else have the feeling that Kier might have slain his twin?

As they journeyed towards their campsite, the refiners unexpectedly came across a massive, decomposing animal carcass. In alarm, Irv proposed they consume it. However, the other refiners recoiled in disgust and opted against it, choosing instead to press forward. Yet, as they departed, the camera lingered on this large dead creature. This scene reminded me of instances from “Lost” where strange animals appeared in the jungle that didn’t seem native to the environment. Though I’m struggling to decipher the deeper meaning here, I invite you all to share your thoughts and theories in the comments below, as my mind is quite tangled over this intriguing scenario.

At last, they arrive at Woe’s Hollow. To their delight, Milchick has arranged an extravagant camping setup for them. The tents are warm, the toilet paper is thick, and there’s an abundance of premium meats to enjoy. By the fire, Milchick recounts the entire gruesome tale about Dieter’s murder, savoring every gory detail. He then presents a photograph of Woe, who resembles the girl from The Ring, and exclaims, “That’s all folks!” Everyone is left stunned, except for Helena, who has likely heard this story countless times before and can’t help but find it utterly ridiculous.

It appears Helena Eagan is the one in question. Many viewers seemed to anticipate her return after the OTC, as suggested by comments here and my frequent Reddit perusals. If you were taken aback by the twist, I imagine the episode’s ending revelation had a significant impact! And it seems Irv was on to her all along.

The tension between Irv and Helena escalates as Irv confronts her once more, this time among the group huddled by the fire. Milchick, in response to Helena’s outburst, orders Miss Huang to char all the marshmallows as a form of punishment. The refiners laugh like schoolchildren who have played a trick on their teacher, with the exception of Irv. He intensifies his interrogation and reprimands Mark for showing affection towards Helena through “goo-goo eyes.” Despite not fully understanding her, Irv suspects she’s being dishonest. When Helena mockingly suggests that Irv is upset because he can’t see Burt anymore, this pushes Irv over the edge. He snatches a torch and storms off into the wilderness.

After Irv departed, Mark cautiously entered Helena’s tent, casting romantic glances at her and more. Their activities near the space heater cast an eerie red light on them. This intimate scene feels tense rather than sensual, especially since it’s interrupted by Irv’s struggles in the wilderness. He loses his flashlight, finds a rock, and appears to be preparing for the worst. At the same time, Helena and Mark are basking in post-lovemaking tranquility, and there’s a fleeting moment where it seems Helena might reveal her true identity to Mark. She doesn’t, but when Mark looks at her affectionately from above, he experiences a memory of Gemma. This love situation wasn’t what we anticipated; it’s more of a love pentagon, and things are going to get complicated.

During the night while others slumber, Irv faces challenges in the forest. His sleep is restless. This is his initial time sleeping as an Innie, and he undergoes a terrifying dream that serves as an educational vision. In his slumber, he encounters the MDR desk in the center of a glade. There are insects swarming on his computer screen, and when he takes a seat, Burt lowers the partition between them, a warm smile on his face. To Irv’s surprise, Woe is there too, busy with her files. Gradually, only the numbers 1, 4, 5, and 7 appear on the screen. Then letters start to emerge, and they seem to form the word “EAGAN” in a jumbled manner across the display (E = 5, A = 1, G = 7, N = 14). Now, Irv understands who Helly truly is. Woe slithers up next to him, whispers, and the illusion vanishes. Irv awakens, knowing what his mission is.

John Turturro’s episode, ‘Woe’s Hollow’, is one I’ve rewatched numerous times and it never fails to move me. Every time, my breath hitches, my eyes well up, my hands become restless, and my heart races. The tension and emotion that the Severance team manages to build in these final minutes rivals even the climax of the season one finale, but what makes it stand out is Turturro’s exceptional acting. I think he should receive an Emmy award immediately. No need for a ceremony or anything; his performance deserves recognition right now.

During the daytime, Irv approaches Helena. She’s thoughtfully considering her good fortune as she takes in the view of Woe’s Hollow when Irv stealthily appears behind her. “Hey there, young one,” he greets, a hint of madness sparkling in his gaze. He reveals to her what he knows – reminding her that her words about Burt were unkind and Helena, on the other hand, was never unkind. In response to this revelation, Helena appears contrite. She sincerely apologizes, which seems unusual for her, but Irv pays no heed. Instead, he leads her towards the edge of the frozen lake, and both of them begin shouting.

Dylan, Mark, and Milchick track the noise towards the waterfall’s peak, unable to act swiftly in the chaotic scene unfolding before them. Irv forcefully submerges Helena under the water, shouting threats, “Flip her over, Mr. Milchick! She’s been an Outie this whole time! She’s an Eagan! I’m going to kill her, Mr. Milchick!” Despite his actions being questionable, Irv’s determination to save his friend is commendable, as he understands the consequences could cost him his life. In between dunks, Helena demands that Milchick change her back, and Irv taunts, “Oh, go ahead, Seth!” The intensity Turturro imbues in this line reading is palpable.

Milchick switches on his walkie and instructs someone over the line to deactivate the “Glasgow block.” They comply. Helly transforms during a breathtaking underwater transition, making a spectacle worth witnessing. Once Irv retrieves Helly, his expression alters. His simmering anger and bitterness dissolve into a victorious affection. It’s as if he gazes down at a newborn baby he has just brought into existence. In return for his actions, his Innie is eliminated. As he prepares to bid farewell, he calls out to his pal Dylan: “Keep holding on!” Dylan is puzzled but primarily sorrowful at the impending demise of his friend.

It’s clear that Tramell Tillman is an outstanding actor, yet in this scene, he holds his own against Turturro without a hitch. After witnessing nearly getting Eagan, the character under his protection, murdered, Tillman becomes a embodiment of rage. He orders Irving to rise, turn around, and venture into the forest, discharging him and essentially condemning him to death. Irving obliges, ventures into the wilderness, shuts his eyes, and accepts his fate.

Although this revelation was undeniably thrilling, it’s clear that we’ll cross paths with Irving once more. His Outie is filled with unresolved mysteries, making it unlikely for his character to be written off completely. Thanks to Mark and Reghabi, there’s always the possibility of reintegration. For now, let’s raise a toast to honor him. Irving B., you’re the friend that every Innie needs but might not deserve. Until we meet again on the other side, buddy.

It seems that it’s about time for me to make a gradual departure, so I’ll head towards the elevator now. See you later …

Severed Sentiments

As a cinephile, it certainly seems like Helena is on the brink of pregnancy, doesn’t it? And if so, was this the plan from the start? Wow, it just hit me that Mark could be the one passing on the Eagan bloodline. That’s downright chilling to think about.

When Irving wakes up in the forest surrounded by Innies and Milchick nearby, what is the state of his Outie (conscious self)? Or does the “Glasgow block” suggest that they put the Outies into a coma before transporting them to the woods? I’m unsure about these situations.

In a rather amusing twist, Milchick asserts that the waterfall at Woe’s Hollow is the largest waterfall globally. However, this statement is far from accurate, as the waterfall being referred to is actually Awosting Falls near Peterskill, NY, which stands only 65 feet tall. In comparison, Angel Falls in Venezuela towers an impressive 3,212 feet above the ground, making it the world’s tallest waterfall.

In the following section at the back of the book, you’ll find “The Nanny and Kier, the Thief.” To clarify, it seems this title might be related to a human nanny, possibly involved in some mischievous activities.

• Scissor Cave feels like a nod to the Kier maxim, “We must be cut to heal.”

When Milchick initially displays the Innies’ fire, Miss Huang appears extremely joyful as well. Her reaction suggests that she might not have witnessed such a sight previously. Strange, isn’t it?

• Dylan can’t wait to see the sky for the first time, yet I find the joy of sleep to be far more appealing. Of course, everyone has their own preferences.

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2025-02-07 11:57