Dan Erickson, mastermind behind Severance, dissects the Season 2 finale.
# 🔥WARNING! The following article discusses major plot spoilers for all of Severance. Proceed at your own risk!
Severance's second season finale took the tightly wound narrative and twisted it into a tumultuous, hour-and-a-half spectacle, courtesy of creator and showrunner Dan Erickson.
The Season 2 finale, titled "Cold Harbor," addressed lingering mysteries while simultaneously introducing new ones - topsy-turvy Severance fashion!
As the divide between Innies and Outies escalates to unprecedented proportions, we had the opportunity to chat with Erickson concerning the significant moments of the finale and subtly hint at the paths Season 3 may take.
Extending a Hand Across the Abyss
One of the most spine-tingling sequences of the show unfolded when Innie Mark finally crossed paths with his Outie. After starting as a tender conversation of the minds, the interaction morphed into an intense debate regarding whether Innie Mark should help Outie Mark free Outie Mark's wife, Gemma, from Lumon.
Erickson: This has been something I've always wanted to do. Given that Innie Mark is at a point in his development where he realizes he is an individual, with worth, love, friends, and community, it's only fitting that this conversation takes place when Outie Mark suddenly demands something from his Innie. He essentially expects Innie Mark to sacrifice his own life so that Outie Mark can have his wife back. An earlier, less developed version of Innie Mark might have complied, but this Innie has queries about the request and the consequences. It wound up being one of our favorite scenes to shoot. I had no idea if it would work, but when I finally saw it, I was touched to tears because it worked so well.
Revelations Regarding Macro Data Refinement
Although Severance still has a few pieces missing from the puzzle, we now know that Innie Mark S's Macro Data Refinement job has been about creating numerous Innie identities for Gemma all along. However, we're not yet privy to the exact reasons splitting Gemma's personality so many times is crucial to Lumon.
Erickson: That idea has been building up, and some people have partially grasped it: the different number clusters link to the Four Temperaments, which serve as the cornerstone of a human soul. I've always loved the imagery of Mark gazing at his screen, overwhelmed by a sea of numbers that don't make sense, when in reality he is staring into his wife's soul. It's a beautiful yet horrifying moment, as he's inadvertently severing her soul while searching for pieces of her he understands so well due to their connection.
The Unfunniest Comedy Routine
Set Milchick has been mistreated by Lumon a myriad of times, leaving us pondering why he didn't quit on the spot (except for the 'devour feculence' comment, of course). The disrespectful treatment continues when Milchick puts on a bizarre comedy routine with a wax figure of Lumon founder Kier Eagan.
Erickson: Getting laughed at by a wax dummy is a low blow - or at least it is for me. I'd probably have knocked that thing's head off in a fit of rage. That scene was a highlight during our shoot. It had an eerie feeling akin to being mandatory to laugh during inane work events with bosses cracking jokes. In this case, Mark and Helly are staring down the barrel of nonexistence, only to be subjected to a lame comedy routine. It perfectly captures Lumon's vibe.
Choreography and Jollity
The completion of "Cold Harbor" necessitates more than erasers, Chinese finger traps, or waffles drenched in maple syrup. For the really big celebrations, Lumon brings out a marching band courtesy of the Choreography & Merriment department.
Erickson: Those guys were amazing. They rehearsed tirelessly on set, and I marveled at their ability to pull off a synchronized dance. I've always found marching bands a little creepy, striking the perfect balance between artistic expression and a slightly unsettling military vibe. It doesn't matter that they're playing music and dancing in unison; something about that feels very Lumon.
Animal Sacrifices
Ever since Episode 3, fans have pondered the purpose of Lumon keeping a herd of goats on the Severed Floor under the department named "Mammalians Nurturable." The finale reveals that the animals are bred and sacrificed as part of a ritualistic, MDR-related ceremony.
Erickson: I just want to clarify that Emile was never going to get hurt. We never planned on hurting the goat, and in the end, Emile was saved. It's clear that this ceremony involves some kind of ritual sacrifice related to MDR files, but the exact implications for viewers are still unclear.
Love Triangle
After long last, Gemma is finally freed from Lumon's clutches and ready to reunite with Mark. Well, almost. After guiding Gemma to the exit stairwell, Outie Mark is faced with a daunting decision: support his Outie's desires or remain on the Severed Floor with Helly R. Despite Outie Gemma's desperate pleas to open the door, Innie Mark chose Innie Mark's needs over the Outie's, leading to a heart-wrenching conclusion.
Erickson: This represents Innie Mark prioritizing his own life, identity, and emotions over his Outie's needs - a choice made after a long journey. Even though Outie Gemma is innocent, it felt like the only emotionally honest decision for Innie Mark, as the woman he truly loves stands behind him.
The Mindstock's Wuthering Heights
Having chosen Helly R. over Gemma, Mark and Helly slowly stroll through the Severed Floor's labyrinthine corridors under the sweet strains of Noel Harrison's "The Windmills of Your Mind." From the music selection to the visual language, the conclusion emanates a vibe reminiscent of the film Logan's Run.
Erickson: Ben Stiller deserves credit for that one. As we transitioned from our original premise of a workplace comedy to a psychological thriller, this scene served as a visual representation of that shift, marking a turning point for the show.
*All of Severance Season 2 is now streaming on Apple TV+
- Dan Erickson, the showrunner of Severance, hinted at the possible directions for Season 3 during interviews, implying a continuation of the narrative's exploration of the divide between Innies and Outies.
- In the Severance Season 2 finale titled "Cold Harbor," a photograph named 'severance_photo_021006' was noticed, potentially teasing events or imagery yet to be revealed in future seasons.
- MDR (Macro Data Refinement) plays a significant role in the storyline, and as MDR mysteries unfold, narratively tying key characters' fates, the showrunner warns that further revelations could raise more questions and deepen viewer intrigue in subsequent seasons.
