The second episode of “Severance” season 2 continues to unfold many complex plotlines that started from the premiere. It dives deeper into characters' dynamics, motivations and the hidden operations of Lumon Industries. Fans were highly anticipating a return to the unique environment the show created.
Picking up from the Premiere
Season 2 begins with some big changes including Mark who is now with a new team, a claim that the Macrodata Refinement (MDR) team were heroes and also a look at some unexpected office changes. The biggest was the introduction of Miss Huang a mysterious character that is now their manager. Dylan holding the switch in order for all innies to experience their "outie" time created multiple mysteries and now viewers will find their answers.
Questioning the Narrative
The show hints heavily on viewers wondering if Lumon is lying and some viewers think this is indeed the case. Any “facts” presented seem to only come from Lumon directly which creates unease and speculation because these people cannot be trusted based on season one events. Adding on to the suspicions is how Mr. Milchick has yet to unpack his office and Ms. Cobel's name is still on his computer, further confirming that things are not all as they seem.
Helly's Shifting Identity
The audience also has had questions about the two personalities Helly or Helena and which character came back after experiencing the outside world in their "Outie" state. Viewers will notice Helly has begun being more elusive on what exactly she experienced which could point at many directions for theories. Her honesty or lack thereof is what leads to questions on whether her motivations can be trusted or not.
Unreliable Narrators
With Helly’s return to her workplace, she told everyone she woke up and went to a boring apartment and had an interaction with the night gardener. It became apparent that this statement wasn't truthful. Whether she is now more aligned with Lumon's ways due to trauma or if her “Outie” side now took over these mysteries are very prevalent in this portion of the new season.
"Cold Harbor" and its implications
Another unique aspect has surfaced with a file flashing briefly on Mark’s computer labeled "Cold Harbor." This creates an array of speculation by viewers that link it to the name and scientific laboratory, the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory to some, The significance of what they were sorting which includes what they actually do is now a hot topic once more. This piece of information connects the importance of their work with a possible deeper hidden meaning with some fans relating this data to a type of brain map.
New Theories Emerge
Speculating on Helly
With all this happening some fans believe she has already been fully replaced by Helena who is intentionally acting like the innie version to gather data on the others in the Lumon Offices. This theory states she could be lying to get them on her side because there could be something worse being plotted on Lumon and that all is not as they believe. While the main character seemed to showcase familiar parts it leaves doubt to those that view.
The Mysterious Ms. Huang
Many were asking if she is another severed Lumon employee due to her young appearance. They think Lumon might be involved in cloning based on goats who have no known reasoning for their placement, a fact that viewers learned in prior episodes. The possibility she is related to Ms. Casey or some other aspect to Mark’s past is yet another theory and something more exploration will be placed on moving into the series. It could possibly even be that Lumon somehow was able to bring people back to life after accidents making her and Casey’s situation linked.
Recap from Collider Interview
There are some details highlighted from an interview by a show creator regarding the episode. A few important facts to note regarding Helly’s change of events her new personality shows signs that it will become a larger focus on how these issues will be seen going into future episodes. Along with Ms Huang's presence on what is to come next is the mention of a secret outtie family visitation suite and how that will effect the main group of people. Each event builds layers of important ideas of what to come.
Additional Information Regarding the Release
With the show airing at midnight P.T./3 a.m. E.T. the following weekly schedule will include another 8 episodes that will continue to showcase the development of each storyline. Apple TV + is the main area to access the current series. There are other ways of watching this include bundling apple tv + with their subscription plans. This option opens up many avenues for viewers who want to participate in a more accessible way.
New Additions to the Cast
The first new episode has some known characters but the addition of many new and old is important with various people joining the main stars such as Gwendoline Christie, Alia Shawkat, John Noble, Bob Balaban, Merrit Wever all appearing on the new show. All additions made the viewing more of a must watch as the series moves further into its many challenges.
Key Takeaways
- The second episode of Severance season 2 picks up where we left off highlighting character development, more questions, mystery all while trying to maintain the tension.
- Speculation arises with the return of Helly and her behaviors and the truthfulness of the character that remains within the plot.
- There are questions as to whether Lumon can be trusted as the group finds their footing back at work after experiencing their lives outside.
- “Cold Harbor” the new file name discovered will create a new source for theories on what it truly means to the corporation and its overall plans.
- Miss Huang has become a focal point of character mystery with the theories based around that dynamic.