The second season of Severance concluded with a cliffhanger finale that delves into stronger themes of identity, humanness, and the complex relationships between “innies” and “outies.” The series, which is admired for its tightly wound storytelling and plot twist-rich narrative, delves into the lives of employees at Lumon, a biotech company that has pioneered the “severance” treatment. The treatment involves a brain implant that induces a cleavage between one’s working life (innie) and private life (outie).
Season 2 begins with innie Mark, Adam Scott’s character, sprinting through the eerie hallways of Lumon searching for Ms. Casey, who is discovered to be Gemma, his real-life wife. This sets a chain of events where characters attempt to rationalize why their outies opted for severance. The season is marked by a frightening process in which the innies seek to override their chips so they can live life for a while as their outies.
One of the biggest plot twists of the season is the Cold Harbor file, a top-secret project that becomes central in the series finale. Innie Mark is ordered to complete the file, one of the steps in Lumon’s scheme to create multiple innies of Gemma. Since the file is now complete, Mark the innie changes to an outie and heads to rescue Gemma. But things take a dramatic turn when, rather than leaving Lumon behind and taking Gemma off, Mark decides to remain with an innie like Helly.
Mark’s decision to stay with Helly is the turning point in the series. It is evidence of his developing sense of freedom and self as an innie. He ceases to feel himself as being part of the identity of his outie but as a different person with a different set of needs and compulsions. His decision is based on his craving for freedom and control over his life, much as it might cost him to jeopardize his outie’s well-being.
The conclusion also explores the complex relationships between character, particularly between Mark, Helly, and Gemma. The brief reunion between outie Mark and Gemma is heart-wrenching, highlighting the emotional stakes of their situation. But it is Mark’s relationship with Helly that takes center stage, as they run together into the unknown.
The season delves into profound issues of humanity, identity, and morality of the process of severance. It questions whether innies are entitled to full lives or are mere tools for work. The final scene provides a setting for a possible future third season where the innies may gain more autonomy over their outies, reversing the power relationships in Lumon.
The imagery and storytelling of the finale are also excellent. The color and imagery add depth to the narrative, symbolizing the emotional journey of the characters. The last shot, of Mark and Helly running down the hallway, is a powerful visual metaphor for their new freedom and ambiguity.
Overall, Severance Season 2 was generally well-received for its thrilling plot, multidimensional characters, and cerebral themes. The explosive season finale leaving everyone on the edge of their seats wondering what will happen next to the characters and the mysterious world of Lumon.
