Severance Season 2 Episode 2: 5 HUGE Revelations & 5 Burning Questions!

In episode two of the second season of “Severance,” we witnessed the actual consequences of the Marcodat Uprising, which turned out to be quite different from Seth Milchick’s portrayal. To put it simply, it wasn’t a significant event at all. The Innies were not hailed as champions of severance reform, and it was surprisingly easy to get them back to work within just a few days. So, what else did we uncover from “Goodbye, Mrs. Selving?” And what fresh mysteries took its place? These are some of the most substantial revelations and questions that emerged from the second episode of season two.

REVELATIONS

The Innies Returned to Lumon Quickly and Easily

In the second season opener, the newly appointed floor manager for the Severance department, Seth Milchick (who’s quite the motorcycle enthusiast), informed Mark’s subconscious counterpart that he had been away from work for approximately five months. Moreover, Milchick mentioned that Mark himself had pleaded to return, and due to the Marcodat Uprising, the four refiners have become the symbol of Severance reform. Milchick even presented him with a clearly fabricated newspaper headline depicting the Innies as the heroes of a triumphant ticker-tape parade.

It transpired that Mark unexpectedly returned to work just a few days later, contrary to initial plans to leave. Milchick managed to persuade him that his Inner self was content and soon enough, those benefits would benefit Mark’s Outer self. Additionally, Milchick informed Mark that the terminated Mrs. Selving was mentally unstable, which allegedly caused his Inner self’s troubles at Lumon. On the other hand, Dylan was content to return to Lumon following his initial dismissal by Milchick. The ‘severed floor’ was where he sought employment when stable work became scarce. Outer Dylan is well-liked but lacks the self-assurance and boldness of Inner Dylan. With a family to support, he was pleased to take up his previous position again, unaware of the Marcodat Uprising as news about it was largely suppressed.

Irving, who was previously terminated, returned when given the opportunity, but it’s evident that his comeback is calculated rather than indicating a sudden change of allegiance towards Lumon. It’s important to note that he isn’t suddenly pro-Lumon. Upon waking up in the midst of pounding on Burt’s door, Irv discovered that his Innie had managed to escape somehow. As such, he’s back at Lumon because he’s continuing to work on a covert scheme aimed at dismantling the corporation.

In the meantime, Helena Eagan was compelled to return to the disconnected level within Lumon’s organization. The reason being that they required Mark S. to complete the Cold Harbor case, and the only method to convince him to do so was by bringing Helly back.

Mark’s “She’s Alive” Message Wasn’t Clear

In the finale of season one, Innie Mark discovered that Ms. Casey is actually his Outie’s deceased wife, Gemma. Unfortunately, his exclamation “she’s alive” didn’t convey the correct information. As a result, Mark failed to inform his sister and brother-in-law about the true identity of “she.” They thought he was referring to their recently discovered niece. However, Devon finds it hard to believe that Mark meant their niece, leading him to speculate that Mark might have been talking about Gemma, since he was clutching their wedding photo while yelling.

Mark was unwilling to accept that Devon could be correct about Gemma’s possible wrongful identification, as he had personally identified Gemma’s deceased body. If this were true, then it would confirm that Gemma had indeed passed away. However, there is a possibility that Mark made an error in his identification. When discussing the loss of his spouse compared to a hypothetical one for his sister, Mark brought up Ricken’s body being cremated. The question arises as to whether or not Gemma’s corpse was also burned during her fatal accident, which could have made it simpler for Lumon to stage her death.

Regardless of the actual truth concerning Gemma’s survival, Mark concluded the episode with a newfound inclination that she might still be alive. His query towards Mrs. Selving about Gemma hinted at some hidden knowledge, and Harmony’s mute response followed by incoherent shrieking suggested she knew something significant.

Helly R. Found Something Helena Never Has

Helena appears cold-hearted and devoted solely to her family’s business, with questionable motives hidden within. Yet, the series manages to evoke empathy for the upcoming CEO of Lumon, who also excels at deception. There seems to be a connection between Helly R. and Mark S. that Helena has never experienced. A video of her Innie kissing Mark left Helena in shock, and Britt Lower’s performance beautifully showcased the disparity between Helena and her Innie, whom she once dismissed as “not a person.

Compared to Helena, who appears to have less of a human bond with her father, Helly R. has formed a stronger emotional connection with her colleagues, even after they were separated from her. Remarkably, he showed no compassion for his daughter’s misfortune and referred to her as an “unpleasant child” or “tainted tot.

If Helena hadn’t been brought up under her family’s unconventional, cult-like practices, one can only wonder who she might have become. As she uncovers the truth, it’s a difficult realization for her, causing her considerable pain.

No One Has Ever Trusted Lumon

In Helena’s televised apology for the Innie scandal, she admitted that Lumon had faced mistrust since its inception. One might wonder why people were skeptical of a simple ointment company at first. Why has Lumon always been met with suspicion? And, if it has, how has it managed to grow into a global powerhouse despite lingering doubts about its practices?

This question explores the origins and persistence of mistrust towards Lumon, as well as its ability to thrive in the face of such skepticism.

QUESTIONS

Why Is Cold Harbor So Important?

In the premiere of season two of Severance, it was unveiled that the marcodata refiner file Mark is currently working with is none other than his own wife, Gemma, who is also known as “Cold Harbor”. This revelation sheds light on why those seemingly random numbers elicit genuine human feelings among refiners. The numbers could be actual emotions from real individuals.

There’s still a lot about the situation that remains unclear, but “Ms. Casey’s” records suggest she’s in some kind of suspended state, possibly on life support. The question now arises as to why “Cold Harbor” is so significant compared to other similar cases, and why only Mark S. must conclude this file. Couldn’t Dylan or Irv handle it? What’s so crucial about Lumon insisting that Mark, and only Mark, completes it, to the extent they resurrected the Macrodat Uprisers? The Board agreed to Mark’s terms even though it meant risking Helena Eagan once more.

It appears that all of Lumon’s efforts hinge upon a solitary file being developed by just one individual. If Outie and Innie manage to understand this, it could provide them with significant control or advantage.

Where Is Ms. Cobel Going?

As a devoted admirer, I can share that Helena conveyed to recently dismissed Ms. Cobel that the company deeply appreciates her actions during the Innie outbreak and Lumon desires her return. However, they don’t want her returning to the severed floor; instead, they’re “promoting” her to a position that doesn’t officially exist. Harmony obtained an apology but found it insufficient. She came to understand that Lumon yearns to rehire her not out of genuine respect, but due to fear. Despite Helena’s assertion that Lumon “fears no one,” Ms. Cobel was right on the mark. They aim to keep her content and within their ranks, but at a distance from employees on the severed floor. This is partly because they made her a fall guy, and partly because she had become intertwined with Mark’s personal life.

After an intense encounter with Mark, Ms. Cobel decided against taking the new position and instead departed from the town. As for her destination, it remains unknown. Regarding her silence in response to Mark’s questions, one possible reason could be that she chose not to respond. Lastly, if Lumon indeed allowed her to leave, the reasons behind this decision remain unclear.

Why Was Burt Following Irving?

During the Microdat Uprising, Irv found himself knocking on Burt’s door as he stirred from sleep. It’s unclear what transpired afterward, but given the commotion, it’s likely that Burt responded to the pounding and shouting. However, the events that followed are unknown, except that they might have been influenced by their prior relationship, as it appears they were acquainted. Irving had marked Burt’s name and address on a map in his locked chest, suggesting a familiarity between them.

Is it that shared history at Lumon which caused their attraction on the company’s floor, or does their connection stretch back even deeper within Lumon? These have been intriguing questions about them since before Irv received the enigmatic phone booth call during this episode, making their relationship all the more puzzling. Irv chose not to make the call from his own home because he suspects it’s bugged by Lumon. The message he left for an unanswered recipient hints at why Irv wanted to keep Lumon out of the conversation: his fear that they might be listening.

Okay. You’re not picking up. I get it. I want you to know my Innie got the message.

It seems that Irv has been repeatedly painting the hallway and door of the Testing Floor, even staying awake all night to do so, in an attempt to send a subconscious message to his Innie. This strategy was successful, as Irv claimed. However, instead of sharing this accomplishment with just anyone, he chose to tell Burt about it. The reason for telling Burt might be that they have some sort of relationship or shared history, but the person is upset because Irv unexpectedly visited his home where he lives with a partner, potentially disrupting their privacy.

If they’re collaborating against Lumon, why was Burt stalking Irving instead of conversing openly with him? Why observe Irving instead of speaking to him directly? What exactly is their relationship and what are their true intentions towards Lumon? How deeply is Burt privy to Lumon’s secretive strategies? And can Irv place his trust in Burt, given that Burt has been tailing him?

What Was 5X?

In a span of only 48 hours, Seth Milchick managed to identify three potential macrodata refiners for collaboration with Mark. One of them was an acquaintance from abroad who might be Dario, the Italian guy we know. The other two were ex-employees of Lumon who had been let go from 5X; this news seemed to cause concern and fatigue in Helena and Mr. Drummond.

Question: What was the purpose of 5X, and why did it lead to job cuts? Also, why was Helena hesitant to use its staff, given our previous lack of knowledge about it? To clarify, we’re curious to learn everything there is to know about this mysterious entity called 5X.

Curiosity Corner: Why does Mr. Drummond bear the word “frolic” on his hand? It doesn’t appear that he is someone who enjoys frolicking, but considering our limited knowledge about him, it could be a mystery yet to unravel. Or perhaps, frolicking is not as common an activity as we might think…

Anyway, something to keep an eye on, along with 50,000 other things going on at Lumon.

2025-01-24 11:06