Movies

‘Severance’ stars explain Season 2’s harrowing finale and the ‘love hexagon’

BBG News

This article contains spoilers from the Season 2 finale of “Severance.”

In the final episode of “Severance” Season 2 on Apple TV+, things wrapped up similarly to how they began – with a heart-pounding dash. For the character Mark (who works within), this finale also presented a moral dilemma that ultimately forced him to make a crucial decision as he faced an ambiguous tomorrow.

Apart from overwhelming you with vivid flashbacks, let me refresh your memory on where the story resumed: Characters Mark (Adam Scott), Helly (Britt Lower), Irving (John Turturro) and Dylan (Zach Cherry) – the employees who had a chip in their brains to separate work and personal lives, known as innies and outies – went to great lengths to override these chips to temporarily live as their outies. The second season began again at Lumon, the unsettling biotech firm that developed the “severance” procedure, with innie Mark chasing after Ms. Casey (Dichen Lachman), who is actually Gemma, his outie wife, through the sterile white corridors. This event sparked a season filled with characters trying to figure out why their outies decided to undergo severance.

The final moments of Season 2 were a nerve-racking bookend to that initial search.

Inside character Mark chooses to enact the strategy devised by his outer self Mark, along with his sister Devon (played by Jen Tullock) and ex-boss Ms. Cobel (portrayed by Patricia Arquette), to save Gemma. This mission involves completing the Cold Harbor file, which is the last stage of Lumon’s mysterious scheme to generate multiple innies of Gemma. Upon finishing the file, innie Mark shifts into outie Mark when an elevator transports him past the disconnected level, triggering his pursuit to rescue Ms. Casey/Gemma before Lumon can fully exploit her. However, for them to make their escape, Mark must revisit the disconnected floor, where his innie guides Ms. Casey/Gemma to the exit doors leading to the corridor. Instead of following her through those doors, he heads back towards Helly who is observing from a distance, as Gemma calls out for Mark. As they hold hands, Helly and Mark dash down the hallway into the unknown, with the episode concluding on a still frame of their run, depicted in red paint.

Ben Stiller, the executive producer who helmed over half of the series including the Season 2 finale, explains that a specific image was constantly present in his mind – one of Mark standing in the hallway, glancing between Gemma and Helly. He believes this setup for their relationship throughout the season, particularly in Episode 7, the crucial flashback episode directed by Jessica Lee Gagné, played a vital role in establishing Mark’s background and generating genuine interest in Gemma beyond just an abstract concept. This paved the way for the high-stakes moment in the finale where inner Mark must make his critical decision.

Review

‘Severance’ Season 2 is a refined, thrilling masterwork

3 years later, Apple TV+’s suspenseful sci-fi series is back with increased eerie elements, subtle societal critiques, and dark comedy. Plus, you’ll find some tasty fruit leathers as added bonuses!

Dan Erickson, the creator, mentioned that they thought about wrapping up the season earlier due to setbacks caused by two strikes in Hollywood and delays, but soon concluded that the planned ending seemed fitting because it was where all the storylines were heading and culminating.

In a series of video conferences, The Times chatted with Scott, Lower, Lachman, Erickson, and Stiller to delve into the nail-biting finale, the iconic movie that influenced a pivotal scene, and their expectations for Season 3 (which Apple TV+ has not yet confirmed). This conversation has been condensed and polished for better understanding.

You realize the finale will kill the internet, right? How many times have you watched it?

Lachman: I’ve only seen it once and then my link expired.

Lower: I’ve watched it twice, and it’s amazing every time.

Scott: I’ve viewed it about four or five times in total. Each time, I’ve encountered slightly varying versions of it. We provided feedback. Ben delivered an outstanding performance. It’s quite challenging. It’s a massive, grand finale. There was a lot to grasp hold of.

Lachman: I believe the concept of a three-person relationship might be introduced, where they could cohabit. Fans will likely feel divided, as they’ve grown deeply fond of Helly R., who has won many hearts, yet are also keenly aware of Adam’s predicament, torn between believing his wife is lost but eventually discovering she isn’t. It’s a real quandary.

Tell me your first reaction to seeing that innie Mark went back with Helly in the end.

Initially, discussions suggested the finale might focus solely on Mark in a hallway, undecided. That’s my first memory. It’s intricate. I’ll merely expand on the design – it seems more fitting to depict a love hexagon, as you must include Ms. Casey, correct? When Dichen steps across that boundary, there appears to be no more Ms. Casey. I can hardly envision her returning for such a state. Moreover, there are the 23 other consciousnesses that were on the severed floor, beautifully portrayed by Dichen. The series finale centers around these different consciousnesses with contrasting wishes.

Scott: The destination for the season’s storyline was always seen as the crucial moment in the hallway, and it was about finding the best way to reach it. We had a sense of the overall direction, but the specific details – the puzzle pieces – were worked out along the way. It seemed natural that Innie Mark and Outie Mark, who were on a collision course all season, would lead us there. Their interests initially aligned, but they eventually diverged. I’m relieved we didn’t end the season before he made his choice, as I believe the current ending is perfect for our storyline.

Stiller initially visualized a scene where the character had to choose between two options, but after further discussion considering the ending of the first season, they decided to make this finale distinct and avoid leaving viewers on a traditional cliffhanger. As they discussed it with Dan Harmon, it seemed fitting that inward Mark, following his conversation with outward Mark at the start of the episode, would be deeply contemplating what was best for himself. This led to the concept of Dan’s written scenario where inward Mark and Helly run down a hallway. The powerful imagery of their freeze frame at the end – “We’re together” – suggested they were trapped in a nightmarish reality. This ending, while hinting at an unknown future, would not be a typical cliffhanger but rather offer something unique and potentially more intriguing for the audience.

Television

In this article, we’ll discuss key points from the debut season of “Severance” and explore potential hints about what might transpire in Season 2, based on significant scenes and symbols.

This text will outline major takeaways from the initial season of “Severance,” as well as examine possible clues that could predict events in Season 2, by analyzing key moments and symbolic elements.

What makes the climactic shooting scene memorable, particularly as it marks the end of the season? Britt, the glance of Helly toward Gemma was profoundly impactful.

The scene where Helly R. witnessed Gemma and observed Dichen’s performance from behind the door was quite impactful. In that final instance when she saw this heart-wrenching event unfold across the corridor, I found myself fixated on Dichen. This was an unexpected occurrence that transpired spontaneously. As I recall, I felt compelled to keep staring at her, even as other circumstances tried to draw my attention away. There seems to be a bond there. It appears that in this moment, Helly R. might have experienced empathy for an outie (external aspect) for the first time, and found herself connected to another woman who shares the same internal affection for the same individual whom Helly R. also loves. This connection left an impression, even as they both acted impulsively, like frightened horses. The poignant image of their shared pain lingered in her mind as they pondered their next steps and wondered about their situation, while simultaneously experiencing a sense of freedom.

Lachman: That day was filled with technical issues due to Ms. Casey’s transition. As we moved past the door, the turmoil within me overcame by frustration and more, found an outlet when I reached that emotional space. Ben showed incredible grace. Adam and Britt were supportive, giving me the time needed to reach this deeply emotional state. In fact, they had to place a pad on the back of the door because I kept hitting my hand against it due to my agitation. It was also therapeutic in a way.

It appeared decisive whether or not Mark S. finished Cold Harbor was his most crucial choice, but those last moments proved to be a significant trial. What insights did this situation provide regarding the nature of these innies as individuals?

As I stand here, reflecting on the climactic scene of this series, I can’t help but feel that Mark has been leading up to this moment all along. Despite knowing the immense challenges ahead, his unwavering resolve seems almost inevitable. For much of the season, Mark has been single-mindedly focused on rescuing Ms. Casey, a mission driven by his outer consciousness.

However, it’s only in the more recent episodes that we’ve seen him begin to prioritize himself and make decisions that cater to his own well-being. The revelation of direct communication with his outer self has shed new light on Mark’s character, revealing a deep love for Helly, whom he also knows as Ms. Casey.

Yet, stepping through that door could mean the end of his existence. Entering the unknown, where he would live and be with the person he loves, becomes the only viable option for him. This is not an easy decision to make. It’s a choice they hadn’t even considered when they were engaged in their logical discussions about it.

Observing the conversations about this series sometimes leaves me doubting everything. Upon my third viewing of the finale, I found myself wondering, “Could it be Helena searching for niece Mark with the intention of stopping him from departing?

In the last episode, we see Helly R., but there’s a hint that Dylan created uncertainty about her self-perception in Episode 9. She lost Irving as a father figure and then Dylan seems to have abandoned her, at least in that episode. When Mark offers her an opportunity for him to exist in some form at the start of Episode 10, and she’s recently encountered her peculiar father who said, “I see Kier in you,” it leaves her questioning if she still has a family left.

In this situation, when Dylan returns, finds the vending machine where a marching band is playing, and stands with her, it seems like she’s suddenly standing on a desk, recalling Irving and their shared struggle for existence, which they both deem worth fighting for. It appears she then rushes off to see Mark one last time. There might be hope that they can accomplish this task together. Since they don’t know what will happen if he crosses the barrier, they could potentially bring down Lumon completely, erasing all innes in the process. I believe it’s an instinctive reaction that makes her run.

As a fan, I found myself needing to protect my hand, so I placed a cushion at the back of the door, as I kept accidentally bumping into it. (Dichen Lachman)

Adam Scott stated that Mark is deeply in love with Helly, which is evident by the distress he shows whenever he is around Ms. Casey. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)

As a film enthusiast, I found myself deeply moved by the fleeting reunion between Gemma and Mark during that daring rescue operation. However, their joy was short-lived as there was so much more to attend to. That embrace and look they shared spoke volumes, and I couldn’t help but wonder what emotional depth I had crafted on the script for that poignant moment.

Erickson observed that the scene closely resembled its on-screen counterpart. What particularly intrigued him was the rapid sequence of different dynamics unfolding – in the Cold Harbor room, outer Mark recognizes his wife, yet she fails to recognize him. They share a brief moment together outside the room, but it’s Gemma who takes charge, insisting they leave because she understands the lay of the land and instinctively feels the need to protect and guide him, despite her confusion about his presence or the situation. She leads him to the elevator, which brings us to inner Mark and Ms. Casey. The final heartbreaking pairing is between inner Mark and Gemma, where Mark ultimately chooses Helly over Gemma. This sequence features four distinct relationships unfolding swiftly, but the fact that Gemma only gets a fleeting moment with Mark before the elevator kiss is particularly sad and challenging to portray, as I genuinely care for her character. However, it felt like the most fitting dramatic decision in this scenario.

Awards

In playing the role for ‘Severance’, the actress mainly relied on her faith in Ben Stiller for guidance.

In this pivotal scene, we find Mark S., poised at his computer on the brink of completing Cold Harbor, while Helly makes an effort to encourage him as he contemplates moving forward with his plan – a sort of farewell conversation. What were the discussions you two had regarding that moment?

Stiller: “One of my favorite movies is ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’. The scene that stands out to me is when Donna Reed and Jimmy Stewart are together, listening to her ex-boyfriend on the phone. Despite being side by side, you can sense the tension between them. When I imagined them working on the file, focused on the screen without knowing who’s observing or what, they couldn’t physically embrace. However, I felt that the closeness and tension in the air mirrored that scene, adding a unique touch to the moment.

They’re bringing their faces near the phone, primarily to catch each other’s breath sounds. This was the final instance where Helly R. and Mark S. had an opportunity to listen attentively to one another.

Scott: We found ourselves deeply engaged, and the scene seemed to develop naturally on its own. It was undeniably a poignant moment.

In this setting, we were in MDR. This was one of our initial shoots with dimmed lights, contrasting the usual bright fluorescent ones. The change in lighting setup itself created an atmospheric shift, reminiscent of time travel. Even Helly’s mention of their first conversation, where he asked her to name a state she remembers, took on a poignant significance. She was reflecting on that moment and also perhaps accepting the possibility that it could be the last of her life. It was a profoundly emotional day, with Ben becoming visibly moved during breaks in filming.

The way innie Mark tells Helly, “But I want to live with you” shattered me.

As a movie critic, I found myself utterly captivated by Stiller’s portrayal in this production. His character, Innie Mark, presents a side of him I hadn’t previously encountered – a more innocent and vulnerable persona that resonated deeply. This vulnerability evoked a sense of childlike longing, a poignant reminder of the pain that comes with loving someone who is absent.

The beauty in Stiller’s performance lies in his raw openness and emotional connection, which Britt matched effortlessly. The scene was marked by an understated simplicity that underscored its significance. With such a multitude of tones woven throughout the show, this moment stood out as a testament to its core reality. It was a quiet, yet powerful scene, one that left me in no doubt of its importance within the narrative.

1. “Could you tell me what draws your attention to the bond between Helly and Mark, and also what attracts your interest in Gemma and Mark’s relationship?”

2. “What aspects of Helly and Mark’s relationship catch your eye, and similarly, what intrigues you about Gemma and Mark’s relationship?”

3. “Why are you fascinated by the relationship between Helly and Mark, and also by the bond between Gemma and Mark?”

4. “What specifically interests you in the dynamic between Helly and Mark, as well as in their counterparts, Gemma and Mark?”

5. “In the relationships of both Helly and Mark, and Gemma and Mark, what elements capture your attention or curiosity?”

Helly and Mark’s relationship embodies an inherent purity, reminiscent of childhood sweethearts. From the onset of the series, they exhibit the exuberance of first love, a feeling that many struggle to rekindle despite forming more enriching connections in their later years. However, it’s essential to note that they are not children; they are adults grappling with their independence and control over their lives. Their shared struggle is evident, yet it’s also clear that she stirs something within him, as he is initially more submissive during the early stages of the show. There’s much potential for support in their journey, making it compelling to watch.

What captivates me about Gemma and Mark is the contrast between their ordeals and their innocence. After enduring traumatic experiences together, their bond has been stretched, challenged, and tested. This ordeal gives an impression that their relationship isn’t as perfect as it may seem initially. However, they have decided to stay together through it all, which I find incredibly moving and strong.

“He’s so vulnerable there,” Ben Stiller says. “It felt to me like I was seeing him in a way I hadn’t seen him before, because innie Mark is more innocent.” (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)

According to Dan Erickson, there’s a pure, untainted quality to the relationship between Helly and Mark, as suggested by Jason Armond from the Los Angeles Times.

Is there a world where there’s a happy ending for everyone?

The situation is intricate as the relationship between ‘innie’ and ‘outie’ seems to follow a zero-sum rule, meaning one’s gain results in the other’s loss. The idea of reintegration has been proposed, but there are concerns about how much it might affect their individual identities. This new person, if formed, would carry traits of both, but who exactly would they be and to what extent would they resemble either party? Despite my optimistic nature, I believe a favorable conclusion is achievable, but the complexity is undeniable.

Television

Oliver Latta, the creator behind the opening credits of “Severance”, shares insights on certain characters and emblems featured within its revamped design.

The program is filled with social commentary, yet it’s the theme of inescapable sorrow and the urge to avoid it that resonates deeply. It makes me ponder if experiencing a life without it has enhanced your appreciation for the pain of feeling it instead.

Lachman: The TV series presents many elements as a symbol of human experiences, particularly our tendency to shy away from unpleasant or challenging situations related to our subconscious pain. As I delved into my character and prepared for the role, I immersed myself in Eckhart Tolle’s and Carl Jung’s works, recognizing the numerous concepts at play. The journey of severance could be seen as a spiritual exploration, involving the integration of the subconscious mind with the conscious one. Perhaps these mini-me characters represent dormant aspects of ourselves that we suppress; they awaken following the severance process. I pondered on this perspective while developing my characters. True joy and happiness can’t be fully appreciated without experiencing pain first, which might explain why viewers resonate so deeply with the show, as it mirrors society and reminds us of our shared humanity by embracing our various selves. I admire how Adam (Mark’s character) has a captivating internal dialogue in this futuristic setting, making it relatable because we engage in similar self-conversations internally all the time.

Scott: I’ve been pondering on this topic recently as we discuss the concept of segmenting different aspects of life. Essentially, we all practice some form of compartmentalization to manage our lives more effectively. However, if Mark’s intention was to segregate his grief and temporarily avoid dealing with it, I believe it’s proving ineffective because he disappears for a few hours each day, but that sorrow seems to trail him nonetheless. To me, sorrow is akin to an intangible, pervasive gas; it has a knack of discovering you regardless of where you are, making any attempt to evade it rather pointless. It manifests in various ways and catches us off guard when we least anticipate it. He’s experiencing everything, but he’s merely pausing his journey during the day; however, that grief remains present whenever he returns home.

It’s intriguing to observe the extensive culture of prediction and examination surrounding “Severance”. As an actor, how does it feel to contribute to a production that sparks such intense scrutiny and discussion among viewers?

As an artist, it’s incredibly rewarding when someone takes your work and reflects on their own life experiences by drawing parallels. Since our show revolves around consciousness, it’s delightful to see the narrative resonating with viewers, growing in their understanding of it. Plus, releasing episodes weekly allows for ongoing development and exploration each week. It’s truly heartening to witness people discussing the show, pondering over its implications, and contemplating how they would react – that’s a fantastic form of appreciation.

Scott: I find it amazing! It’s fascinating to me that folks are dedicating their time to closely analyze each episode, not just searching for hints, but ensuring they don’t miss a thing. My father shared with me yesterday that he and his partner watch it together, and then he re-watches it on his computer to get closer looks for clues. As a big fan of “Lost” and “The Twilight Zone,” I completely understand the appeal. I don’t delve too deeply into all the theories myself, but I’ve come across some on Instagram, which are usually videos or podcasts that delve deep into one theory or another. The artwork that fans create is astounding! Whenever I see a piece on Instagram, I always save it. To be part of something that inspires such passion and creativity is simply incredible.

It’s motivating others to think creatively on their own, and I can’t emphasize enough the rare chance it is to be involved in such an endeavor that fosters a creative environment and culture.

In simpler terms, has Season 3 been confirmed yet? It seems likely, given the character struggles shown throughout Season 2, especially with Mark and Helena-Helly. How might the final decision impact their ongoing identity conflicts?

This way, the sentence is easier to read and understand for a wider audience, maintaining the original meaning while making it more accessible.

Erickson suggests that Innie Mark has grown to recognize himself as a separate individual deserving of life and protection, no longer viewing himself as an extension or offshoot of Outie Mark. Through his love for Helly and his experiences on the floor, Innie Mark sees himself as a person. However, this newfound identity could create a significant rift between him and Outie Mark, as while Innie Mark saved Helly, he did not rejoin her afterward, denying Outie Mark the long-awaited reunion with his lost wife, which has been a central desire throughout the series. This act might feel like an extreme betrayal to Outie Mark.

Hey Adam, has the idea been discussed about reducing your running distance in Season 3? Or are you feeling exhausted by it and prefer a change, or are you up for more of the same? Let me know either way!

John: What an excellent suggestion! I can’t believe I didn’t consider it before. However, I’m not sure if it’s still feasible for Season 3. But, the idea of Dylan assuming control over Lumon really appeals to me.

Lower: [laughs] I agree.

Living at Lumon could go either way – it might become significantly simpler, or it could turn out to be much more challenging. Personally, I find it intriguing to observe such a scenario unfold.

There’d be waffles.

Lachman: There’d be parties, lots of perks.

Scott: Finger traps.

Lower: Scuba diving.

Scott: Scuba diving. All kinds of stuff.

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2025-03-21 10:32

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