Severance has always embraced strange and mysterious storytelling. Season 2, Episode 4, titled “Woe’s Hollow,” pushes this even further by taking the employees of Macrodata Refinement (MDR) outside their familiar workplace.
The ORTBO (Outdoor Retreat and Team-Building Occurrence) introduces a new setting—the Dieter Eagan National Forest—where unexpected discoveries unfold. This outdoor exercise gives the innies a controlled experience of the outside world.
However, the event takes a dark turn when Irving B. (John Turturro) confirms a major fan theory. He exposes Helly R. (Britt Lower) as Helena Eagan, proving she has been undercover to monitor MDR and ensure Mark’s completion of Cold Harbor.
This revelation raises a major question: how was Helena able to pretend to be Helly R. despite undergoing the severance procedure?
The Glasgow Block and Its Impact on Severance
The show does not fully explain the Glasgow Block, but it appears to work opposite to the Overtime Contingency. While the Overtime Contingency allows an innie to take control outside the severed workplace, the Glasgow Block lets an outie remain conscious in a severed space.
This means Helena Eagan has been in control of Helly R.’s body the entire season, leading to alarming concerns about Lumon’s influence.
This discovery reveals that Lumon can shut off an innie’s consciousness at any time, further proving that employees are merely tools for the company’s larger plan. When Irving realizes the truth, he tries to force Helena to reveal more by attempting to drown her.
However, she pleads with Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman) to remove the Glasgow Block. He contacts Lumon, and Helly R.’s true consciousness returns for the first time in Season 2. This moment proves just how powerful Lumon’s technology is and how much control they have over their employees.
The Glasgow Block Was Mentioned Before
This episode is not the first time the Glasgow Block appears in Severance. In Season 1, while MDR researched how to use the Overtime Contingency to expose Lumon’s secrets, they found the term “Glasgow” in the Security Office Protocol Quick Start Guide. It was listed alongside other unknown protocols such as the Clean Slate Cycle, Elephant Access Circuit, and Branch Transfer System.
Lumon has even more hidden protocols. When Dylan G. (Zach Cherry) tries to activate the Overtime Contingency, the screen displays additional overrides. These include Beehive, Freeze Frame, Goldfish, Lullaby, and Open House. These details suggest that these protocols are not random words but serve a deeper purpose in Lumon’s operations.
What Could These Protocols Mean?
Although the series has not revealed the full details of these protocols, some educated guesses can be made based on their names.
- Clean Slate Cycle – This might completely erase the Severance chip’s data, wiping both the innie and outie’s memories.
- Elephant Access Circuit – Given that elephants are known for their strong memory, this protocol could involve memory retention or reintegration. Dr. Asal Reghabi (Karen Aldridge), a former Lumon scientist, likely uses a similar technique to restore memories.
- Branch Transfer System – This may allow employees to work in different locations, adjusting their Severance chips accordingly. Mark’s temporary MDR coworkers in the Season 2 premiere might have experienced this.
The remaining protocols are harder to decipher but could have terrifying implications.
- Beehive – This could link the minds of multiple Lumon employees, creating a collective consciousness similar to a hivemind.
- Freeze Frame – This might paralyze employees, leaving them fully aware but unable to move.
- Goldfish – Since goldfish are often said to have short memories, this protocol could keep employees in a state of confusion.
- Lullaby – This likely has the ability to put an innie to sleep instantly.
- Open House – This one remains unclear, but it could involve access to restricted areas or forced transparency among employees.
These protocols reinforce how much control Lumon holds over its workers. The company’s ability to alter consciousness, erase memories, or even link minds suggests their reach is far greater than anyone initially realized.
Lumon’s Control Remains Strong Despite Resistance
Throughout Severance, Lumon has shown its ability to manipulate employees. The company operates with cult-like principles, convincing the innies that they serve a greater purpose under Kier Eagan’s leadership. The corporation controls where employees live and, more importantly, what happens inside their minds.
Despite this overwhelming power, only a few of Lumon’s hidden methods have been revealed so far. With just two protocols actively used in the series, it is clear that Lumon has much more in store.
The company’s ability to terminate an innie with a simple command reaches horrifying new levels in “Woe’s Hollow.” The audience witnesses this firsthand when Irving’s innie appears to be permanently erased.
Even with all of Lumon’s influence, MDR employees continue to resist in small but meaningful ways. Throughout the series, moments of rebellion emerge.
- The Macrodat Uprising – Employees push back against Lumon’s control in subtle but impactful ways.
- Mark and Helly’s Mission – They infiltrate Mammalians Nuturable to search for Ms. Casey (Dichen Lachman).
- Irving’s Discovery – He uncovers Helena’s secret, exposing Lumon’s deeper manipulations.
Some believe that Lumon allows these small acts of rebellion to make the innies think they have control. However, Ms. Cobel’s (Patricia Arquette) firing and sudden reappointment suggest that even Lumon’s upper management might not have full authority.
This uncertainty leaves endless possibilities for the rest of Season 2. The show has already introduced several new elements, and fans eagerly await to see if any of the unrevealed protocols will play a larger role. As the story unfolds, one question remains: how far will Lumon go to maintain its control?
New episodes of Severance Season 2 are available every Friday on Apple TV+.
