Severance came back with a new season this winter. This Apple TV+ original is a perfect dystopian nightmare that all sci-fi lovers should watch.
Severance is a sci-fi thriller series exclusive to Apple TV+. The premise is about a man who works at a company called Lumon. Mark Scout, the protagonist, works on the “severed floor”. Anyone who works on this floor must undergo brain surgery, giving them an implant which “severs” their consciousness. Their work-self has a completely separate set of memories and behaviors compared to their regular self, out of work. There are nicknames for these two identities: their work-self is called an “innie” and their self out of work is called an “outie”. Their innie has no memory or recollection about the outside world. They have no clue if they are married, have children, or even know if they’re happy in life.
It gives such a wild perspective to the employees, as you get to perceive them through both of their consciousnesses. Work is easy for their outie, as the second they step into the elevator at 9AM, they come right back up and it’s 5PM. It’s a bit more bleak for their innies, as the second they step into the elevator to leave work, they immediately come back down and it’s the next day. Work is their entire lives and there’s no escape. Technically, they’ve never even experienced sleep.
We get a perfect introduction to life on the severed floor, as the first episode opens up with a new employee to the Data Refinement Department: Helly R. As she struggles to recall a single memory from the outside world, she has a mental breakdown. But no matter how hard she tries, she can’t leave.
There is a huge stigma against people who undergo severance. Mark’s sister doesn’t like it for him as she thinks he’s avoiding his feelings. Before working for Lumon, Mark’s wife Gemma passed away. Mark’s typical after-work routine consists of grabbing a beer, watching TV, and falling asleep on the couch. So in some ways, she’s right. The other three employees in his department have interesting lives we learn about as the series goes on.
Ms. Cobel is probably my favorite character in the series. She is such a mystery, and we’re still just getting to know her. She became a villain I grew to love and even feel bad for. I think she’s more involved than we know. Her relations to the Kier family are not clear, but season 2 sparked some new questions making me wonder why she’s in charge.
On the other hand, Natalie is a character I love to hate. As the messenger for the Board, she must have strong connections behind the scenes. We see her carry on the word of the board and assist with new employees, but I want to know more about her story. Why is she there, and why is she so happy? Her over-exaggerated attitude and almost fake smile speaks volumes.
This series has such good rewatchability. Knowing what I know now, about who each character is inside and out, I’m gaining an entire new perspective. I just got into it this year, but had I been waiting since 2022, I don’t know if I would have made it. Director Ben Stiller stated that season 3 is planned to come out sooner with a shorter wait. Both COVID and the writers’ strike played a part in the long wait between seasons 1 and 2.
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Watching the season 2 finale, I am speechless. But I’m not as surprised as I was during the finale for season 1. Although I was on the edge of my seat, begging for Mark to just run, I was left confused. If Gemma finally escaped, it’s not necessarily the end of the world. Wouldn’t Mark leave work at the end of the day, and return right home to her? As bleak as the situation has gotten, Mark technically has the best of both worlds. His innie can live with Helly, and his outie can live with Gemma. But for the sake of the plot, I have a hunch they’ll keep Mark on the severed floor.
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Severance is the most mind-boggling show to wrap your mind around. Not only putting yourself in the characters’ shoes, but putting yourself in both their innie and outie’s shoes. If you love sci-fi shows with a dystopian hint, this is the perfect show for you. Even if it’s the only thing you watch on Apple TV+, I’d say a month subscription is worth it.