David Bridges
If there’s one thing Lumon loves more than torturing its employees, it’s a creepy painting. This unsettling atmosphere is a recurring theme that adds to the show’s eerie charm.
Who could forget “Kier Pardons His Betrayers,” the blood-red tableau that greeted the returning MDR Innies in the Season 2 premiere? Or the extremely violent “The Grim Barbarity of Optics and Design” from Season 1? Each painting is both unsettling and a key part of Lumon’s propaganda machine.
However, in its Season 2 finale, Severance introduces a new frightening painting that eclipses previous works: “The Exalted Victory of Cold Harbor.” This artwork commemorates Mark’s imminent completion of Cold Harbor, positioning him and his computer at the center of the pool at Woe’s Hollow.
Given Woe’s Hollow’s significant role in the Kier Eagan canon, the depiction of Mark in this location emphasizes the critical nature of his work on Cold Harbor for Lumon. Additionally, the frigid waters evoke the name “Cold Harbor,” adding layers of meaning to the painting’s significance.
But Mark — rendered here in a state of revelation, hand raised as if to deliver the final keystroke on his file — isn’t alone. He’s surrounded by a crowd of people who guided him to this moment (some more than others), making “The Exalted Victory of Cold Harbor” a comprehensive representation of Severance‘s ensemble cast.
Here’s a detailed look at everyone featured in Severance‘s “The Exalted Victory of Cold Harbor.”
Discover the Troublemakers: Lumon’s Left Side of the Painting
Credit: Screenshot: AppleTV+
The group depicted on the left side of the painting predominantly consists of individuals who have caused Lumon trouble or been involved in various company crises. The inclusion of familiar faces, such as Mark’s MDR team, is understandable, while the presence of others, like Devon (Jen Tullock) and Ricken (Michael Chernus), raises questions. Why would Lumon feature non-employees or even adversaries like Harmony Cobel (Patricia Arquette) in this historic painting? Let’s explore the rationale behind these choices.
The MDR Innies: Irving (John Turturro), Helly (Britt Lower), Dylan (Zach Cherry), and Petey (Yul Vazquez)
Similar to the controversially “inclusively re-canonicalized” Kier paintings Lumon gifted to Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman), “The Exalted Victory of Cold Harbor” appears to be a creepily misguided attempt to celebrate Mark, rather than merely a piece of Lumon propaganda. You can’t celebrate Mark without including his MDR team.
While each member has had their rebellious moments within Lumon — from triggering the Overtime Contingency to Irving’s dramatic actions — if Lumon aims for Mark to perceive the painting as encouragement to finish Cold Harbor and secure his place in the company’s history, it’s logical to keep his team close by his side. From Mark’s perspective, the MDR team stands to his right, symbolizing their support, even if the painting itself is quite eerie.
Optics and Design Contributors: Burt (Christopher Walken), Felicia (Claudia Robinson), and Elizabeth (Rachel Addington)
Not only does the MDR team receive recognition in “The Exalted Victory of Cold Harbor,” but the Optics and Design department also gets a nod. Despite facing disciplinary action for inter-departmental mingling, their role in curating the Severed Floor’s paintings grants them a unique position — who’s going to stop them from celebrating themselves in this artwork?
Harmony Cobel (Patricia Arquette)
The rationale for Cobel’s inclusion in the painting is perplexing. On one hand, she led the Severed Floor during most of Mark’s tenure, and her role in creating severance justifies her presence. On the other hand, given her current status as Lumon’s adversary and Mr. Milchick’s remarks about distancing the company from her in the Season 2 premiere, it seems contradictory. Nonetheless, credit is due to Lumon for acknowledging Cobel’s influence, rather than erasing her from their history.
Mark’s Family Members: Devon (Jen Tullock) and Ricken (Michael Chernus)
“The Exalted Victory of Cold Harbor” also features several individuals who have never stepped foot on the Severed Floor, including Mark’s sister, Devon, who holds baby Eleanor, and Mark’s brother-in-law, Ricken. Innie Mark recognized both during the Overtime Contingency, making them familiar faces. Ricken’s book, The You You Are, was pivotal in Mark’s journey of self-discovery in Season 1, to the point that Lumon enlisted Ricken to write a heavily edited version for the other Innies.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Devon and Ricken’s depiction in the painting is Devon’s body language. She is the only character facing away from Mark, observing him with skepticism. This posture reflects her genuine concerns about Mark’s role at Lumon while suggesting that Lumon has her in its crosshairs. It leaves us wondering just how much danger she might truly be in.
Mashable Top Stories
Ricken’s Associates: Balf (Rajat Suresh), Danise (Annie McNamara), Patton (Donald Webber Jr.), and Rebeck (Grace Rex)
At the far back of the left-hand crowd, more characters unaffiliated with Lumon can be discerned: Ricken’s assistant, Balf, as well as his dinner-less dinner party companions — Danise, Patton, and Rebeck. Innie Mark met all of them during Ricken’s reading in the Overtime Contingency, suggesting their inclusion serves as encouragement for Mark. Each of his rebellious moments and unauthorized encounters ultimately led him to Cold Harbor.
Of course, knowing Lumon, there’s a slight chance these four could have a deeper connection to the company. However, since their appearances have been limited to Ricken’s gathering, it’s doubtful. That said, they certainly deserve recognition in the artistic equivalent of “Severance‘s Greatest Hits!”
The Collateral Damage: Mark W. (Bob Balaban), Gwendolyn Y. (Alia Shawkat), and Dario R. (Stefano Carannante)
Although they are no longer present, the three new Innies Mark encounters (and subsequently sends away) in the Season 2 premiere find their moment in the back of “The Exalted Victory of Cold Harbor.” Does this acknowledgment compensate for their lost lives? Or for Mark W.’s Outie breaking his lease in Grand Rapids?
Explore the Lumon Loyalists: The Right Side of the Painting
Credit: Screenshot: AppleTV+
While the left side of the painting consists of a mix of outsiders and rebellious Lumon employees, the right side of “The Exalted Victory of Cold Harbor” features characters with strong allegiance to Lumon — or those who simply haven’t caused much disruption.
Ms. Casey (Dichen Lachman)
Though we’ve seen little of Wellness Director Ms. Casey in Severance Season 2, her presence beside Mark in “The Exalted Victory of Cold Harbor” adds a chilling touch, especially considering her connection as Mark’s wife, Gemma.
Team MDR: Mr. Milchick and Miss Huang (Sarah Bock)
Severed Floor manager Mr. Milchick and Wintertide Fellow Miss Huang may have had their differences in the latter half of Season 2, but here they appear together. Miss Huang even carries her beloved theremin, showcasing her desire to bring a bit of joy.
Natalie Kalen (Sydney Cole Alexander)
Board Liaison Natalie makes an appearance on the side of the crowd, although there’s no board speaker in sight. It seems the board has opted not to join this particular painting.
Doug Graner (Michael Cumpsty)
Despite having been killed by Reghabi (Karen Aldridge) in Season 1, Head of Security Doug Graner receives a posthumous tribute in “The Exalted Victory of Cold Harbor.”
Mammalians Nurturable: Lorne (Gwendoline Christie), Wyatt (Brian Rock), and the Goat Man (Jared Johnston)
The Mammalians Nurturable department, also known as the Goat Department, joins MDR and O&D in this eerie tableau. Featured are Department Head Lorne; Wyatt, the first goat wrangler Helly and Mark encountered in Season 1; and Goat Man, who proudly dons a massive goat costume. While MN hadn’t previously stirred chaos at Lumon, Lorne’s altercation with Mr. Drummond (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson) could jeopardize their department’s future, including their chances of being featured in future paintings.
The Four Tempers: Woe, Dread, Malice, and Frolic
The personifications of Kier Eagan’s Four Tempers oversee Mark as he finalizes Cold Harbor. Cobel has confirmed that this refining process means creating a new Innie for Gemma from the Tempers, making their presence here particularly relevant.
The MDR Shadow Innies
Completing the right side of the painting are the enigmatic Shadow selves introduced in “Woe’s Hollow.” Their significance remains a mystery, but they still earn a place in this artwork!
Gaze Upon Lumon’s CEOs: A Glimpse of the Past, Present, and Future
Credit: Screenshot: AppleTV+
Overseeing the entire scene from the top of the Woe’s Hollow waterfall — famously the tallest in the world! — are nine Eagans. Some of these figures we’ve met in the show, while others have only appeared as statues in the Perpetuity Wing.
Helena Eagan, poised as the CEO-in-waiting, occupies the center of the tableau, flanked by her father Jame (Michael Siberry) and Lumon founder Kier (Marc Geller). Completing the Eagan lineup from left to right are Ambrose, Myrtle, Phillip, Leonora, Baird, and Gerhardt. They all gaze at Helena, the future of Lumon, while she looks ahead, envisioning a world beyond Cold Harbor.
Regrettably for Lumon, Mark derails the entire project by assisting Gemma in her escape! This misstep serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of premature celebration and the risks of painting propaganda ahead of time.
Severance Season 2 is currently available for streaming on Apple TV+.
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Daniel Mercer
