The first episode of Severance Season 2 provided a fascinating continuation of the series, taking the gripping narrative from Season 1 and expanding it into a web of new mysteries and conflicts. It also set the stage for new dynamics within Lumon Industries, introducing fresh threats and intriguing power shifts.
Episode 2, titled “Goodbye, Mrs. Selvig,” quickly follows up on the aftermath of Season 1’s explosive finale and gives viewers more insight into the mysterious world outside the severed floors.
Season 1 ended on a tense note, with Helly R. (Britt Lower) refusing to stay within the confines of the company’s rules, making a shocking outburst during the Lumon gala. It was a bold declaration of defiance, a move that left the viewers wondering what would happen to the employees who chose severance.
Would they remain loyal to their corporate overlords, or would their consciousness split into something more sinister? While the first episode of Season 2 played out primarily within the walls of Lumon, focusing on the “innies” (the employees who work on the severed floor), Episode 2 takes a critical turn by bringing us into the world of the “outies,” where the severed individuals lead separate lives, unaware of the true depths of their existence at Lumon.
A Sudden Twist: The Return of Mark’s Outie
In the opening moments of Episode 2, the show quickly picks up from where it left off, dropping us into the aftermath of the Season 1 finale. The plot gets straight to business, showing Mark S. (Adam Scott) blurting out a shocking statement: “SHE’S ALIVE” at a party.
This moment marks the return of Mark’s “outie” to full control. His outie personality is back at the helm, and the series wastes no time showcasing the repercussions of this shift.
Mark’s outie immediately draws the attention of his sister Devon (Jen Tullock), who notices the sudden change in his behavior. Devon is sharp, aware that something significant has just happened, and she checks in on Mark, trying to make sense of his outburst.
The chemistry between the siblings provides an emotional anchor as the episode goes into the deeper mysteries surrounding Mark’s troubled past and current life. As always, Devon proves to be one of the standout characters in the series, a true friend and confidante to her brother, making her one of the most likable TV siblings.
However, the focus of the episode soon shifts to Helena Eagan (Britt Lower), the heir to Lumon Industries. After the scandal at the company’s gala, she is quickly summoned by her father, Jame Eagan (Michael Siberry), the current CEO of Lumon.
In a tense scene, Jame disapprovingly addresses her actions and calls her a “fetid moppet,” a line that is as cutting as it is confusing.
This scene adds layers to Helena’s character, suggesting that she is not just a puppet of the corporate world but someone caught between rebellion and her role in the company. Helena’s internal conflict is clear, though it’s still unclear how much power she holds in the greater Lumon machine.
Helena’s journey in this episode takes another turn when she tasks Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman) with investigating the innies’ activities and their interactions with one another after their escape from the severed floor. Her directive is clear: find out “every word” the innies said and who they spoke to before they left.
This task sets in motion the investigation into the rebellion and its potential consequences, and it also shows just how far Lumon is willing to go to ensure their secrets remain buried.
Harmony Cobel’s Unexpected Promotion
One of the most intriguing parts of this episode is the ongoing story of Harmony Cobel (Patricia Arquette). Cobel’s fate in the series has been mysterious, and this episode adds more questions to her already complicated role. While Helena is handling damage control within Lumon’s corporate structure, Cobel remains a figure of tension, seemingly at odds with the company’s upper brass.
In a pivotal scene, Helena meets with Cobel in a conference room. The Lumon heir expresses gratitude for Cobel’s swift response to the rebellion of the innies, as well as offering an apology and a surprising proposition: Cobel is offered a position on the newly formed Severance Advisory Council.
The tension between Helena and Cobel becomes palpable as Cobel responds with a pointed remark: “You don’t value me, you fear me.” Helena counters, stating, “We fear no one,” but it’s clear that there is some underlying tension between the two.
Cobel’s response and the power dynamics at play show that she will likely take some time to consider whether or not to accept the promotion.
Despite the apparent animosity, Cobel is clearly important to Lumon, and her role within the company will continue to grow. Her complex character, torn between duty and her own motivations, keeps viewers hooked, especially as her past with the innies becomes more of a mystery.
The Aftermath of the Macrodata Crew
Meanwhile, the story continues to follow the fallout from the Macrodata Refinement team’s rebellion. After the innies’ defiance at the company gala, Lumon has some difficult decisions to make. The corporate machinery moves swiftly, with Mr. Milchick on a mission to fire the entire Macrodata team.
This begins with Irving (Zach Cherry), who receives an unexpected visit from Milchick, who explains that Lumon will no longer need his services. Despite Milchick’s efforts to downplay the situation, Irving’s firing is a clear indication of how ruthless Lumon can be.
The scene then shifts to Dylan (Zach Cherry), who walks out of Lumon with an injured head. The injury appears to be from an altercation that occurred within the company, though Milchick takes no responsibility for it. Dylan’s firing is also confirmed, and he becomes one of the first casualties of Lumon’s ruthless tactics.
Mark S. and His Outie World
After the chaotic corporate scene, we return to Mark’s world. He’s back at his sister’s house, discussing the strange events at the party. Devon is concerned and questions Mark about his outburst, but Mark insists that it was not related to his late wife, Gemma (Dichen Lachman).
Mark’s insistence seems almost defensive as if he’s trying to avoid confronting the trauma of her death. Devon and Rickon (Michael Chernus) seem to believe Mark’s theory that his outburst was about his niece, Eleanor, but Mark insists that it was not.
This moment serves as a reminder of the emotional pain that Mark has been carrying since his wife’s death. His reaction to the idea that his outburst was about Gemma shows just how unresolved his grief remains.
An emotional weight to this exchange connects to the larger mystery of Severance—what exactly happened to Gemma, and how does this relate to Mark’s decision to undergo the severance procedure?
Milchick’s Unexpected Visit
Later in the episode, we get another visit from Mr. Milchick, who seems intent on coaxing Mark back into Lumon. Milchick’s offer is tempting: a 20% raise and a full investigation into Mark’s innie’s claims. However, Mark is not easily swayed. The offer is undeniably generous, but Mark’s reluctance is palpable.
Milchick’s ominous warning that he would “hate to reward [Mark’s] courage with nonexistence” is a chilling reminder of how far Lumon will go to ensure compliance from its employees.
At this point, the show reveals just how much power Lumon holds over Mark. Despite his desire to leave the company, it becomes clear that Lumon is not ready to let go of him just yet.
The Cold Harbor Mystery Deepens
The mysterious Cold Harbor project continues to loom large over Mark’s world. In a later meeting between Milchick, Drummond (Ólafur Darrl Ólafsson), and Helena, the conversation turns to Mark’s return to the severed floor. It’s revealed that Lumon has pulled some strings to bring in replacements for the Macrodata team.
These new employees are quickly fired, and the severed floor team is back in place. However, the true purpose of Cold Harbor remains a mystery.
Helena’s cryptic remark that they “need Mark S. back to work, at least long enough to complete Cold Harbor” suggests that Mark’s involvement in the project is critical. Lumon is willing to do whatever it takes to keep him engaged with the project, including bringing in Helly R. (Britt Lower) as a key player.
Mark’s Return to Lumon
As the episode progresses, Mark’s decision to return to Lumon becomes a significant turning point. Milchick, Drummond, and Helena discuss Mark’s return, and it becomes clear that the company is willing to offer him whatever he wants, including Helly R.
The return of the Macrodata team, including the firing of their replacements, shows just how far Lumon is willing to go to ensure Mark’s involvement in Cold Harbor.
The episode ends with a dramatic scene where Mark returns home, only to find Harmony Cobel (now referred to as “Cobelvig”) waiting for him.
She taunts him about his return to Lumon, questioning how easy it was for the company to sway him. Mark, frustrated and angry, demands answers about his wife, Gemma, but Cobel refuses to answer and drives off in a huff, leaving Mark in the dark once again.
