Burt’s Secret Life on SEVERANCE: What You Never Knew About Your Favorite Character!

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For the first time on “Severance,” Irving appeared at Burt’s residence, pounding on the door and shouting the name of the former O&D employee. However, in the sixth episode of season two titled “Attila,” Irv visited under completely altered circumstances: Burt extended an invitation for dinner. Yet, this seemingly quiet and awkward meal featuring Cuban-glazed ham created quite a stir. Recent revelations and a break-in have us questioning if there’s something genuinely ominous that a particular “rogue” is concealing.

The heartwarming bond between Irving and Burt’s Innies stood out as one of the most compelling aspects in ‘Severance’s’ first season. This special connection appeared to come to an abrupt end when Burt suddenly retired. However, Lumon’s efforts to disrupt their growing affection led Irv to consent to the Overtime Contingency Protocol escape plan. Upon entering the real world, his Outie found a locked chest containing a list of severed employees and their addresses, with Burt’s name prominently listed. In need of someone he could confide in, Innie Irv frantically knocked on Burt’s door, calling out his name.

In the second season, as Irv engaged in secret conversations with an unidentified adversary of Lumon from a public payphone, Burt was trailing Irving in his car. In episode five, they finally exchanged words, disclosing that they were previously unknown to each other. However, some of Burt’s statements and actions during their encounter seemed questionable at the time and appear even more suspicious now. Irving inquired, “Are you with Lumon?”, to which Burt did not directly respond. Later on, he admitted that the company had recently terminated him. “I was let go a couple of weeks ago,” Burt revealed. “When I asked for a reason, they simply mentioned an unapproved romantic involvement between my Innie and another employee. They didn’t disclose any names.

It’s clear that what they told Burt wasn’t logical, and it seemed like a blatant falsehood, especially following “Attila.” Lumon usually keeps the real reasons for termination hidden from Outies, even hiding information about work-related injuries. Whatever happens on the severed floor is meant to stay there, with the truth being something Outies are never supposed to know. However, in this particular instance, they informed Burt about the details of his Innie’s situation – a so-called “unsanctioned, erotic entanglement.” Lumon typically denies the existence of romantic relationships, especially after an employee once got pregnant at work and it led to a major PR issue. It would be highly unusual for them to disclose such information to a terminated employee.

To clarify, let me say that Burt didn’t get fired; instead, he chose to retire gracefully. In a heartfelt video addressed to his colleagues (Innie), he expressed his gratitude for the time spent with them. There was no hint in this recording that he felt mistreated or harbored any ill feelings towards the company. Instead, it’s evident that Burt parted ways amicably.

There seems to be a misunderstanding regarding the conclusion of his career at Lumon. Here’s the clarification: Instead of retiring or being terminated, he continues to work for Lumon, maintaining his pivotal, longest-held position within the company.

Over dinner, a tipsy Fields mentioned that his partner Burt had been employed at Lumon for over two decades. This means Burt started working there at least eight years prior to the first termination policy being implemented. Interestingly, Burt stated that the very reason he joined Lumon was because of the termination process. In most cases, we might give Burt some leeway and attribute Fields’ inaccuracy in timeline to his drunken state. However, after learning the story behind Burt’s decision to work for the company, this explanation no longer seems plausible.

In his youth, Burt admitted he lived a life considered wicked, so wicked that even his devout Christian partner believes Burt’s soul, or Outie, will suffer eternal damnation in Hell. They both held onto the hope that forgiveness, symbolized by the concept of severance, might allow Burt’s inner self, or Innie, to find redemption and enter Heaven through the Pearly Gates.

It appears that Burt has committed actions so heinous, they surpass the usual expectations of a dishonest person. One such action might involve working for a malevolent corporation, which exploits and idolizes its founder in a messianic manner. Continuing to engage in these deplorable acts could be the reason why Burt’s church-going husband has lost faith that he will ever find redemption for his sins.

It seems that Burt’s deception towards Irving continues unabated. He misled Irv by fabricating a romance with an Innie, aiming to win his trust and lure him to his home. Coincidentally, on the same night, Mr. Drummond found it convenient to burglarize the house of a man who typically spends every evening painting. It was almost as if someone had alerted the company’s reliable guard dog about Irving’s plans for a delightful dinner and engaging discussion with a potential love interest that he had just discovered.

As endearing and compassionate as I find Burt’s Innie, there’s a shadowy side to his Outie that leaves me suspicious. It seems plausible that he’s been working for Lumon all these years, carrying out despicable acts against innocent people like Irving. This might appear far-fetched, given Burt’s seemingly impeccable record until now. However, it’s not just me who harbors doubts about him. Fields, who knows Burt better than anyone, holds such a low opinion of his character and actions that he believes Burt is destined for eternal punishment.

There’s no longer any faith left in Burt, as there are too many reasons suggesting he might be just another Lumon corporate monster. However, we still hold on to a glimmer of optimism. It’s our fervent wish that the Lutheran pastor was correct about Innies being independent individuals. The man Burt became at work no longer deserves the suffering for his Outie’s transgressions.

(Alternatively)

1. We can no longer rely on Burt, as he appears to be another Lumon corporate beast. But we cling to a sliver of hope. If the Lutheran pastor was correct about Innies being separate beings, then that’s what we yearn for – Burt should not have to endure suffering due to his Outie’s mistakes.

Mikey Walsh serves as a staff writer at TopMob. He’s unsure about his colleague, the Outie, and his activities outside of work, preferring not to inquire. You can connect with him on Bluesky under the handle @burgermike, and keep track of any rankings related to the Targaryen kings as well.

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2025-02-21 21:03