Chapter 1: Unraveling Season 2 Mysteries

As we anticipate the next chapter of Severance, questions abound regarding the fate of the MDR team and their future encounters with Lumon.

"What lies ahead for the team? Are their innies destined for oblivion? How will they manage to return to Lumon, and what will they do to save Miss Casey? The uncertainty is palpable."

It's tough to predict what will unfold next. Will they simply cease to exist? It seems unlikely! However, how can the MDR team possibly show up for work again? What are their plans for rescuing Miss Casey? What fate awaits Lumon? Additionally, what roles will Devon and Ricken play in this intricate web of intrigue? Will this beloved show devolve into a predictable chase narrative? (I sincerely doubt it.)

Ben Stiller's Severance (available on AppleTV+) has captivated audiences since its debut, easily earning its spot as my favorite series of 2022. The discussion around its plot is as endless as that of Twin Peaks or Lost, yet it surpasses both. The creators have already provided us with several rewarding revelations, and the show’s foundation rests on speculative themes surrounding artificial intelligence and neuroscience.

This series is truly one of a kind, brimming with emotion, enigma, and thought-provoking scenarios, all while featuring endearing characters, a haunting ambiance, stunning visuals reminiscent of Kubrick, award-winning music, and a wonderfully dry sense of humor.

The Compelling Premise

CREDIT | AppleTV+

At the core of Severance lies a gripping yet profoundly complex premise:

What becomes of us when we exist in two separate realities, each with completely isolated memories?

And in one of those realities, what if you didn’t even know your own identity? This unsettling scenario prompts deep philosophical inquiries into our essence without memories and questions why the 'Outie' version of oneself would subject the diligent Innie to such relentless servitude. Is it simply ignorance?

Moreover, what dubious actions might your workplace be engaged in?

Anticipating Season 2

CREDIT | AppleTV+

With Season 2 on the horizon, we are left pondering the fate of our protagonists after the shocking cliffhanger of Season 1.

HUGE SEASON 1 SPOILERS

In the climactic conclusion of Season 1, the MDR characters cleverly utilized Lumon's secret Overtime (OTC) contingency mode, allowing their Outies to experience life as Innies in the outside world.

These Innies, shockingly, had never seen the sky, lived in a house, driven a car, enjoyed a real meal, or socialized with more than a handful of people.

Chaos erupted as:

• Cobel became aware that Mark, who had brought his sister into the fold, was operating in Innie mode outside, risking exposure of Lumon’s morally reprehensible HR practices.
• Milchick rushed into the Lumon control room to prevent Dylan from maintaining the OTC mode.
• Natalie discovered Helly was an Innie but failed to stop her from revealing Lumon’s true nature at the gala.
• Irving found out he was investigating Lumon as an Outie but couldn't warn Outie Bert.

What's Next for the MDR Crew?

CREDIT | AppleTV+

Now that our beloved MDR team has been exposed, what options remain for them and Lumon?

Lumon must realize that Outie Mark, Helly, and Irving have potentially disclosed their inner workings to the outside world.

We know that all four MDR Innies are determined to escape.

Keep in mind:

• Mark is likely strategizing to rescue his wife, Miss Casey, also known as Gemma, who is presumably held captive at Lumon.
• Lumon is aware that Devon and Ricken are likely cognizant of the situation.
• The loyal followers of Lumon understand that all is not well in Innies-ville.

So how will Lumon, and by extension the writers, navigate this situation?

Ben Stiller has hinted that we will see our cherished MDR team traversing Lumon's intricate hallways once again, but how can that be realized?

As viewers, it would be a disappointment to never witness the slow-burning intrigue and camaraderie that defined the MDR team. Not to mention missing the captivating interactions with Christopher Walken's O&D, who, sadly, is no longer part of the Lumon narrative.

The Future of Mark and Devon

CREDIT | AppleTV+

It’s clear that Mark cannot simply waltz back into work the next day. Lumon is aware of his intentions as an Innie and would presume that Devon has apprised his Outie of the circumstances.

How can Mark infiltrate Lumon once more to rescue Gemma, or will Lumon have a special plan for both Mark and Gemma (Miss Casey)?

Resetting Mark's Innie is a possibility, as we know that occurs in the Testing room.

However, it would be disheartening for the audience to see Mark and the MDR team fragmented.

If this were reality, wouldn’t the MDR team have considered the possibility of being reset or never reuniting as Innies? While this hasn’t been directly addressed on-screen, it’s likely that these thoughts crossed their minds.

For the MDR characters, resetting an Innie equates to death. In fact, Irving refers to Bert’s retirement as a form of death.

Going OTC carries the risk of death, too.

This predicament leaves Lumon with a conundrum: how to deal with Mark's Outie, who seems intent on revealing Lumon’s operations to the world.

I can propose three interrelated solutions that could see Mark return to MDR:

1. Lumon partially resets Mark's Outie.
2. Lumon, in a shocking twist, eliminates Devon and/or Ricken.
3. Lumon kidnaps Devon and Ricken, transforming them into permanent Innies.

Given the popularity of Devon and Ricken, I doubt the writers would resort to murder.

A lighthearted opening scene for Season 2 could play out like this:

Mark wanders through the familiar yet eerie Lumon hallways.

He turns a corner and encounters two new employees.

"Hello, I’m Mark S from MDR."

"Hi, I’m Devon H. And this is Ricken H."

(Cue the theme music and opening credits)

That scenario seems plausible, though I’m uncertain it’s what will transpire.

Lastly, there’s a possibility that Mark could go rogue, leading the narrative into a chase sequence with him breaking into Lumon under the cover of night alongside Devon, Irving, and Dylan dressed in tactical gear.

While this could feel derivative, I don't expect it to unfold that way.

The Other MDR Members

The fates of the other members are more straightforward.

They are likely to be reset as Innies if they return to work:

• Helly’s situation is uncomplicated; it’s only her Innie that poses a challenge.
• Dylan missed the chance to experience the outside world.
• Irving’s actions remain a mystery, but should he appear at work, they might assume his Outie is oblivious.

I struggle to envision how the MDR team could reunite with any recollection of their past camaraderie unless Lumon executes a partial reset.

I’d appreciate any feedback or alternative theories from fellow fans.

Am I on the right track, or at least offering some consistent starting points?

It still feels somewhat incomplete...

Could partial resets indeed be on the horizon?

In this video, we delve into the possibilities for Season 2 of Severance, examining what fans can expect based on the cliffhanger and character arcs.

Here, we break down the official Season 2 trailer, analyzing key moments and potential plot developments that may arise in the new season.