After an intense and mysterious ORTBO (Off-Reset Team-Based Operations) on Severance from Apple TV+, the members of MDR (Mark, Dylan, and Helly) are back, and each of them has their own questions and concerns.
But one issue stands out: Dylan G. (played by Zach Cherry) is deeply troubled and demands to know what has happened to Irving B. (John Turturro). The situation becomes even more intense when Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman) makes it clear that there will be no more drama about Irving, especially after what he did.
Milchick also says that there will be no going back on his decision regarding Irving’s punishment. This causes MDR to solemnly remember Irving, which leads to some debates about whether Irving should be considered “dead” to the remaining members of MDR. But the big question is: Is Irving B. really gone for good, or is there a possibility that he might return for a hero’s welcome?
Also Read: ‘Severance’ Season 2 Episode 5 Recap: Secrets, Betrayal, and a Shocking Discovery
What Happened to Irving B. in Severance?
In Severance Season 2, Episode 4, Irving B. made a shocking discovery about Helly R. (Britt Lower). He learned that Helly had been lying all along about her true identity. After their return from exposing Lumon, during their first official corporate retreat, Irving carefully observed Helly and eventually exposed her as her “outie,” Helena Eagan.
However, Irving’s attempt to stop Helly (or rather, Helena) from continuing her deceit came with serious consequences. He even went so far as to attempt to drown his fellow employee. He also worked to prevent Helena and Mr. Milchick from regaining control over the MDR group.
All of these actions led to Irving’s permanent dismissal from Lumon, meaning the “death” of his innie character, who was separated from his outie (Irving B.).
Mr. Milchick’s New Approach in Severance’s Latest Episode
After their return from Woe’s Hollow, Mr. Milchick is firm in his decision to not allow Irving’s innie to return to Lumon. He makes this clear to Mark (Adam Scott), Helly, and Dylan. Milchick’s message to them is clear and final: Irving’s innie is not coming back.
However, this is before Milchick’s first performance review in his new position. Milchick, loyal to Lumon and proud of serving Kier Eagan (the founder of Lumon) and his descendants, was deeply embarrassed by his earlier failures.
After receiving a less-than-ideal review, it seems likely that Milchick is now more motivated to strictly follow through on his promises to Drummond, Natalie, the Board, and the Eagan family. He may have decided to assert his control over the innies to show that he can be trusted to keep the company’s best interests in mind.
Will Irving B. Return in Severance?
Given Mr. Milchick’s new sense of urgency and focus, it’s possible that Irving’s innie might not return for the rest of the season. But fans need not worry. The third season of Severance has already been confirmed, and this provides comfort in knowing that the character of Irving B. may return in the future.
Irving’s innie has already sacrificed a great deal, and his character has gone through a lot. It would be a fitting conclusion to his arc if he does not return immediately.
Irving’s character was once polite, agreeable, and loyal to the company, even after undergoing the process of “severance,” where a person’s “innie” and “outie” are separated into different personalities. But as Irving learned more about the inconsistencies between Kier Eagan’s ideals and how he and his fellow workers were treated, his view of the world started to change.
The heartbreak he experienced and his growing cynicism made him a much colder and less trusting person. When Irving exposed Helena Eagan’s true identity, it could have marked the end of his journey in the series. His dismissal from Lumon could serve as a natural conclusion to his character arc.
However, as more mysteries unfold, it seems clear that Irving’s story is not over yet. There is still too much left to discover, and Irving’s fate will likely continue to be important in the episodes ahead.
Irving’s Outie Will Continue to Be Important
Even if Irving’s innie does not return right away, fans can expect to see more of his “outie” (the version of himself that exists outside the severed workplace). Irving’s outie is becoming increasingly significant to the show, especially now that he has finally connected with Burt G.’s outie.
They are planning to have dinner together with Burt’s husband, Fields. There are still many questions surrounding Irving’s outie. For example, it’s unclear who Irving’s outie has been talking to in the phone booth during the series. We also don’t know what Irving’s outie knows about Lumon or his innie character. But Irving’s outie could play a key role in unraveling the larger mysteries of the series.
Irving also left behind a secret message for Dylan, which could provide clues to a larger mystery. The message led Dylan to discover an important drawing that Irving had made, showing what appeared to be the Exports Hall.
This discovery occurred in the newly renovated Break Room, and now it’s up to Dylan to continue the search for answers. The question remains: How does Irving’s outie know about the Exports Hall, and what role will this knowledge play in the coming episodes?
What Could Bring Irving’s Innie Back?
There are a few theories about how Irving’s innie could return in future episodes. One possibility is that Irving has been painting the Exports Hall over and over again due to strange dreams or visions that connect him to his innie experiences.
His recent phone call from the payphone suggests that he might know more about his innie’s actions than he initially let on. During the call, Irving says, “I think they know what my innie was up to.” This suggests that Irving is not completely separated from his innie, and his outie may know more about what’s happening inside Lumon.
Another possibility is that Irving’s outie could find a way to return to Lumon undercover, just as Helena did. With all the strange events surrounding other characters (such as Dylan’s secret meetings and Mark’s reintegration), it seems like Irving’s outie might also be able to find a way to cross back into Lumon and reunite with his innie.
Finally, there’s a small but interesting chance that Irving’s outie could find a way to access the Overtime Contingency trigger.
With Mark’s memories starting to blend due to his reintegration process, he might recall his friendship with Irving and his brave actions at Woe’s Hollow. If Mark is able to find Irving’s outie and convince him to undergo reintegration, it could be possible for Irving’s innie to return off the record.
Irving B. May Not Be Gone for Good in Severance
It’s safe to say that Irving B. has not been written out of Severance for good. The show has introduced too many elements where characters blur the lines between their innie and outie selves for us to believe that Irving’s innie is truly gone forever.
As long as Irving’s outie remains in the story, there is a chance that his innie could return. While fans might have to wait a while before Irving’s innie comes back, we know that as long as his outie is around, there is always a possibility that his innie will return as well.
New episodes of Severance Season 2 are released every Friday on Apple TV+ in the U.S.
Also Read: Secrets, Betrayals, and Clues: A Game-Changing Episode of Severance Season 2
