Exploring the Depth of Grief in Severance Season Two

Throughout the first season of Severance, the theme of grief was significant, primarily affecting the outtie storyline. However, as we delve into season two, it becomes evident that loss has emerged as a crucial element influencing both the outties and innies. This shift compels even the innies—who struggle with understanding and processing complex emotions—to confront the profound implications of death and what it signifies for their identities and relationships.

Mark Scout’s Emotional Journey: Coping with Loss

In the inaugural season, we discover that the protagonist, Mark Scout, opted to become a severed employee at Lumon Industries as a method to cope with the devastating loss of his wife, Gemma, in a tragic car accident. Despite his decision, it becomes clear that Mark remains profoundly affected by her absence. He often finds himself weeping in his car before entering the office, cherishing the eight-hour reprieve from his overwhelming sadness while his innie takes over. Although he keeps a few photographs of her in his Lumon-subsidized housing—indicating that she never shared that space with him—he still possesses a basement filled with her belongings, including knitting supplies and candles, which serve as poignant reminders of her existence.

The Shocking Revelation of Gemma’s Survival

The most shocking twist comes when viewers discover that Gemma is, in fact, alive. This revelation is shared with the audience simultaneously as innie Mark learns the truth, leading to his emotional outburst in the season one finale. [Update: Acknowledgment to the reader who pointed out that viewers were privy to this information earlier in the season when Mark attempted to piece together a photo of Gemma he had torn in despair.] Gemma has assumed the identity of Ms. Casey, a counselor at Lumon’s Wellness Center. This connection raises numerous questions for season two, especially considering Ms. Casey’s limited experience of being awake—only a handful of days—and the fact that she remains at Lumon without ever transitioning into an outtie.

Mark’s Dangerous Quest for Truth Amidst Conspiracy

The motivations behind Lumon’s apparent involvement in a deeply sinister conspiracy remain unclear. However, in season two of Severance, outtie Mark chooses to undergo a dubious re-integration procedure after contemplating the possibility that his wife may not have perished in that accident but could be hidden away in one of Lumon’s secret lower floors. To him, the prospect of a miraculous reunion with Gemma outweighs the risks associated with meddling in his already fragile mind.

Innie Mark’s Search for Ms. Casey Amidst Confusion

Meanwhile, innie Mark—unaware of the ongoing re-integration process—embarks on a search for Ms. Casey. Despite not sharing his outtie’s emotional burden, the bizarre circumstances weigh heavily on him. We know that Ms. Casey has been assigned to the ominously named “Testing Floor,” one of the last directives from Ms. Cobel, the former leader of the severed floor. As of now, with five episodes into season two, Ms. Casey has yet to make an appearance.

Petey’s Absence: The Heavy Weight of Grief

It’s important to note that one reason for outtie Mark’s initial reluctance to pursue re-integration stems from witnessing the fate of Petey, a former coworker who underwent the procedure. The first season opens with innie Mark discovering that Petey has mysteriously vanished from Lumon. The innies remain unaware of Petey’s fate (leaving a severed job is notoriously difficult), leading to speculation about what might have occurred to his outtie. Petey’s disappearance introduces the unsettling notion that when someone leaves their severed position, it’s akin to a death—while their outtie may be thriving, the innie version ceases to exist.

Enduring Pain: The Impact of Petey’s Death on Mark

This is why innie Petey’s “death” resonates more deeply with innie Mark than the reality of Petey’s actual death does for outtie Mark. The latter feels a sense of obligation to attend the funeral of this man, a complete stranger who once claimed to be his best friend at Lumon and spoke of the company’s hidden evils. This highlights the complex layers of grief within the world of Severance.

The Dark Presence of Ms. Cobel at the Funeral

When Ms. Cobel—disguised as “Mrs. Selvig,” Mark’s quirky neighbor from season one—attends Petey’s funeral, it appears to be a gesture of support for Mark. However, her true intentions revolve around removing the Lumon-implanted chip from Petey’s head. Although Ms. Cobel’s history remains largely shrouded in mystery, it is clear that she is a fervent believer in Kier Eagan, Lumon’s cult-like founder. Her motivations seem to stem from significant emotional trauma related to her deceased mother, influencing her eccentric behavior both inside and outside the workplace.

Irving and Burt: A Heartfelt Connection Amidst Grief

In contrast to Mark’s experiences, Severance presents a poignant exploration of grief through the relationship between innie Irving and innie Burt. Despite their positions in seemingly rival departments—Irving in Macrodata Refinement and Burt in Optics and Design—the two men share an instant connection during a chance hallway encounter. Their shy flirting introduces a rare sweetness into the otherwise bleak landscape of Severance. For Irving, who is haunted by nightmares of suffocating in dark goo, his feelings for Burt signify a profound awakening in a life previously consumed by monotony and strict adherence to the employee handbook. When Burt unexpectedly “retires” from Lumon, his cheerful send-off is overshadowed by the shock and finality that accompany his departure.

The Aftermath of Burt’s Departure on Irving’s Mental State

Irving struggles deeply with Burt’s departure, descending into a depression that influences his actions during MDR’s audacious “Overtime Contingency” operation at the end of season one. Upon waking in the outside world, he desperately seeks Burt, finding his address and pounding on the door, crying out for him, even though he witnessed Burt with another man who could be his partner. Irv’s return to Lumon in season two reveals a shattered individual, grappling with the unavailability of Burt outside and the haunting absence of him inside.

The Finality of Irv’s Exit: A Grief-Fueled Farewell

Eventually, Irv faces his own abrupt exit. By the end of episode four, he is terminated, rendering the Lumon version of Irv nonexistent. For his MDR colleague, Dylan, this loss feels akin to murder, despite assurances that Irv’s outtie is alive and enjoying life. Dylan’s vocal distress leads Mr. Milchick, the newly appointed manager of the severed floor, to allow MDR to hold a memorial service to commemorate Irv.

A Unique Lumon Approach to Grieving: The Awkward Farewell

As with all Lumon events, the farewell ceremony is laden with the company’s trademark awkwardness. A “bereavement kit” is prepared, complete with personalized favors and a peculiar edible centerpiece—a watermelon carved in the likeness of Irving’s head. Dylan delivers a speech that, while heartfelt, carries a crude undertone. His actions appear to provide some measure of closure, although Mr. Milchick’s underage assistant disapproves, worrying that the unusual ritual may confuse the innies into believing they hold the same value as actual human beings.

New Connections and Ongoing Mysteries in Severance

With Irv now permanently existing in his outtie form and the recent episode showcasing the first meeting between outtie Burt and outtie Irv, this development offers intriguing possibilities. Meanwhile, the enigma surrounding Gemma/Ms. Casey continues to propel the narrative forward in the latter half of Severance season two, especially for outtie Mark. He faces a wall of emotional pain that he is determined to break through, ready to take risks to uncover the reasons behind Lumon’s exploitation of his deepest despair.

Stay Updated with Severance on Apple TV+

New episodes of Severance are released every Friday on Apple TV+, providing viewers with continuous engagement in this complex narrative filled with grief, identity, and the quest for truth.

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