‘Severance’ Season 2 Episode 1 Recap: Welcome Again, Mark S.

Editor’s observe: The under recap accommodates spoilers for Severance Season 2 Episode 1.

Severance hit the bottom operating with a stellar first season. The central idea — a near-future sci-fi world the place staff’ consciousness is “severed” cleanly between their home-life “outies” and their work-life “innies,” was an excellent setup of work-a-day life in a contemporary company setting. It wasn’t simply that, nonetheless, including layers of official thriller and absurdist interludes all through to seize the nightmare logic of a hypercapitalist existence, earlier than ending on a set of incredible cliffhangers.

Season 2 resumes 5 months after Helly (Britt Decrease) publicly lambasted Lumon Industries for “torturing” innies and Mark S. (Adam Scott) found Lumon wellness counselor Ms. Casey (Dichen Lachman) in some way appeared to be the deceased spouse of his outie self. Mark S.’s innie self is shocked to seek out himself at Lumon, however extra involved concerning the absence of his previous group, now changed by Gwendolyn Y. (Alia Shawkat), Mark W. (Bob Balaban), and Dario R. (Stefano Carannante), together with the since-promoted severed ground supervisor Seth Milchick (Tramell Tillman). Lumon appears to have reformed following the innie rise up in Macrodata Refinement, however Mark cannot shake his worries concerning the destiny of his former coworkers.

Mark S. Breaks the Mark Alliance on Day One

It does not take lengthy for Mark S. to attempt to shake issues up, trying to border Mark W. by writing a observe to Mark W.’s outie on Lumon stationary that threatens the corporate. Milchick is aware of it is Mark S.’s observe and reads it aloud (although he is extra involved with being known as a “shambolic rube” than its bomb menace). The brand new group, confused and indignant, have questions for Mark S., however the latter is generally pissed off as a result of he cannot be reunited together with his unique group. Mark S. is demoted from Division Chief however distracts Milchick and co. by pretending he sabotaged the kitchenette, operating down the hallway to Milchick’s workplace — which used to belong to Concord Cobel (Patricia Arquette).

Mark S. grabs the workplace speaker that connects to the Lumon Board, begging them to reconnect him with Helly R., Dylan G. (Zach Cherry), and Irving B. (John Turturro). Offended, Milchick escorts Mark S. to the elevator, and though Mark S. is satisfied he is been fired, he is again at work at Lumon the following day — with Dylan G., Irving, and Helly R. rising from the elevator behind him. The newly reunited group are then escorted by new severed ground deputy supervisor Miss Huang (Sarah Bock), a literal baby, to a gathering with Milchick. They’re led to the Break Room — however as an alternative of torture and punishment, they discover Milchick, soft chairs, and a flashy TV set-up. Evidently, Milchick is doing what each trainer does once they do not wish to do the lesson themselves: he is enjoying a video.

Even Lumon Pivots To Video Typically

Milchick tells Mark S. and crew that “What you are about to see will likely be proven to each innie who units foot on this constructing after at this time. I hope it gives you a way of Lumon’s emotions.” The video that performs is known as Lumon is Listening!, and it is a claymation estravaganza. “Oh, hello!,” a speaking Lumon Administrative Constructing (Department 501) with eyes and a mouth says, within the voice of what certain appears to be (uncredited) Keanu Reeves, “You most likely do not acknowledge me from this angle.” The constructing goes on to speak about all of the modifications which have occurred for it since 1870 (we see a time-lapse), particularly now that Lumon operates in 206 nations.

The constructing then goes on to debate the “Macrodat Rebellion,” displaying claymation figures of Mark S. and group working earlier than the scene modifications to Mark and Helly twiddling with switches within the safety workplace (full with a Shiva-like multitude of arms). We see claymation Irving standing on a desk, saying “Let’s burn this place to the bottom,” his hair bursting into flames, and Mark and Helly’s Season 1 kiss. The narrator additionally guarantees that there are new reforms which have been made because of their rise up, like “fruit leather-based, beans, Christmas mints, and salsa” within the merchandising machines, with new incentives together with corridor passes, pineapple bobbing, and a “model new, playful mirror room.” The animated constructing thanks Kier for the innies’ heroism and the “Macrodat Rebellion” earlier than the video ends. Earlier than he leaves the Break Room, Milchick provides the 4 innies a alternative: both keep at Lumon with a recent begin, or freely go away the corporate.

Meet Irving B., Dylan G.’s Favourite Perk

As soon as left alone within the Break Room, the 4 lastly begin sharing tales about their above-ground experiences. Mark S. admits his outie is aware of the creator Ricken Hale (Michael Chernus), and likewise, in some way, Cobel. The most important shock to the group comes when Mark S. reveals that his outie’s spouse supposedly died years in the past, however she’s… the now-disappeared Ms. Casey. In the meantime, Helly lies about her experience, claiming her outie lived alone and was watching mundane TV in sweatpants earlier than she confessed the reality to a gardener she discovered exterior. Irving questions Helly about this supposed “night time gardener,” however, when pressed on what he noticed, solely goes as far as to say, “It is not our world up there” earlier than leaving the room.

Whereas Dylan G. takes off in pursuit of Irving B., Mark S. and Helly R. take a stroll, and Helly asks just a few questions on what Mark S. goes to do, although she clearly has reservations. Mark S. needs to assist his outie, however Helly emphasizes that the innies and outies aren’t the identical, and that they do not owe their outies something. Nonetheless, she agrees to assist Mark S. discover Ms. Casey since she appears to be an innie identical to them. Although she’s a bit uncooked, Helly’s going to remain. Dylan G. finds Irving B. approaching the exit door, and the latter admits he discovered Burt (Christopher Walken), however that Burt was married. Clearly, Irving is heartbroken, and makes an attempt to go away by way of the door earlier than Dylan implores him to remain they usually hug.

Irving B. admits of their lingering hug that he wakened in an house earlier than his tour to see Burt. His outie had painted quite a few work of an extended, darkish hallway resulting in a black door with a downward arrow, and he needed Dylan G. to know the reality about it earlier than he left. Throughout their embrace, Dylan G. provides the sweetest speech in Severance historical past. “Look,” he says, “I am sorry that Outie Burt has a sizzling husband or no matter, however he isn’t the purpose. Innie Burt is the man you fell for, and I do know, as a result of I inspired the courtship.” Irving wants his pain to be over, however Dylan argues that Burt’s innie would not need Irving B. to stop to exist — as a result of Dylan G. would not need that, both. “Dylan,” Irving G. says with an emotional smile, “I am your favourite perk.” “Do not carry them into this,” Dylan replies, earlier than encouraging Irving to resolve all of it concerning the mysterious door.

‘Severance’s Season 2 Premiere Teases a Larger Connection to Ms. Casey

After the pair’s emotional second, Dylan G. is known as away to see Milchick, anticipating one other confrontation between them — solely to be met with the revelation that his outie’s spouse’s title is Gretchen. Milchick leads Dylan G. by way of a secret door in his workplace, and apologizes for not listening to Dylan G.’s wants. He additionally reveals that Lumon is within the strategy of constructing an Outie Household Visitation Suite, however Dylan is the one one who is aware of about it. Given that each one of Dylan G.’s coworkers are single, Milchick explains he does not need resentment brewing amongst them. Promising to maintain mum, Dylan reunites with the remainder of the group within the MDR workplace, with everybody agreeing to remain at Lumon — together with Irving. Mark S. proceeds to refine some macrodata, and the scene shortly cuts to a linked display (each indicating 68%) for a challenge known as “Chilly Harbor, IDNO. 02-103733.” On one other laptop display, we see Ms. Casey’s face, together with actively monitored stats (she’s at a wholesome 98.6 levels). Regardless of the macrodata refinement is, it is linked to her and her disappearance.

Severance Season 2 has formally began with a bang. We all know rather a lot after Episode 1, even when it would take time to repay: Helly’s hiding her Lumon heritage, Macrodata Refinement is tied to some messed-up challenge involving Ms. Casey known as “Chilly Harbor,” Lumon’s hierarchy is in flux, and it looks as if the “Macrodat Rebellion” has had some impact on the corporate’s practices and management, although not the one the group hoped for. It is a robust setup for brand spanking new challenges and a transparent focus: determine no matter Chilly Harbor is, and rattling the implications.

New episodes of Severance Season 2 can be found to stream each Friday on Apple TV+.

Watch on Apple TV+