The Severance Cliffhanger: A Penultimate Episode Breakdown & Lingering Questions
How is it possible that we are already staring down the barrel of the Severance season two finale? After what felt like an eternity of anticipation, the narrative threads meticulously woven by Lumon Industries are nearing their inevitable conclusion. This week’s penultimate episode, “The After Hours,” served as a tantalizing yet somewhat frustrating place marker, strategically positioning all the players for what promises to be a momentous showdown. The heartbreak inherent in several storylines, coupled with the realization that this exceptional season is on the verge of ending, is a difficult pill to swallow. The episode’s final line, a callback to the original cliffhanger, leaves us yearning for answers while simultaneously dreading the void that the finale will inevitably leave.
“The After Hours” continued the show’s signature approach of bouncing between various character perspectives. Let’s dissect the intricacies of each storyline.
Helena: The Unwitting Catalyst
The episode initiates with Helena, preparing for a “momentous day” in what can be assumed is the Eagan family residence, alongside her father, Jame Eagan, Lumon’s CEO. This unsettling scene is rich with subtle details. We learn of Lumon’s involvement with "Mr. Bailiff," and witness Jame’s eccentric preference for raw eggs, painting a picture of a man detached from reality. The proximity of the Eagan residence to Lumon, hinted at by the water tower, further emphasizes the pervasive reach of the corporation.
Helly’s mission at Lumon centers on locating Mark, who is absent for the second consecutive day. Her confrontation with Mr. Milchick, pressing him about Mark’s whereabouts and subtly undermining his authority by invoking her outie’s position, highlights the growing tension within the severed floor. Following up on Irving’s directions, Helly embarks on a quest to find the Exports Hall, discovering the “Hang in There” poster featuring someone resembling Dylan. The presence of Dylan’s likeness near Irving’s directions suggests a deliberate connection, potentially explaining why Irving chose that specific location.
Helly’s storyline serves as a critical connective tissue, linking various characters and plot elements. Her interactions with Mark, Dylan, Milchick, and eventually Jame, weave together the disparate threads of the narrative. Jame’s cryptic accusation – “You tricked me” – raises a multitude of questions. Did Helly unknowingly trigger a reverse Glasgow block? Was Jame unaware of Helena’s deceptive role as Helly? Or is he reacting to Irving’s attempted assassination?
Miss Huang: The Sacrificial Lamb
Miss Huang, a previously enigmatic figure, emerges as a source of profound empathy in this episode. As her Wintertide Fellowship concludes, Mr. Milchick informs her that she will be relocated to the "Gunnel Eagan Empathy Center" in Svalbard, a location near the Arctic Circle. This "betterment" requires a "material sacrifice," compelling her to destroy her cherished ring toss game. The destruction of Huang’s prized possession underscores the callous nature of Lumon’s pursuit of control, demonstrating the corporation’s willingness to inflict emotional pain in the name of "betterment."
Her final interaction with Dylan before boarding a Lumon shuttle leaves us wondering if this is truly the end of her story. Perhaps she will return, fueled by a desire for retribution, and play a pivotal role in Lumon’s downfall.
Dylan: A Revelation of Love and Despair
"The After Hours" truly showcases Dylan’s character. The episode delves into the complexities of his relationship with Gretchen, his outie’s wife, and actor Zack Cherry delivers an unforgettable performance. The revelation that Gretchen kissed Dylan’s innie for an extended period throws his world into disarray. His anger stems from a feeling of betrayal, compounded by Gretchen’s admission that Dylan’s innie reminded her of "how you used to be."
In a fit of rage, Dylan contemplates quitting Lumon, a decision fraught with immense consequences. Gretchen’s unexpected visit to Dylan’s innie at Lumon further complicates the situation, as she decides that her affair with him will no longer happen.
Dylan’s profound declaration of love for Gretchen culminates in a marriage proposal, a twist that underscores the series’ ability to seamlessly blend romance and pain. He fashions a paper ring for her, offering her a future he is powerless to deliver.
Heartbroken and disillusioned, Dylan returns to the office where he encounters Helly. His poignant observation – “If we’re so different from our outies, how come we couldn’t tell when you were gone?” – highlights the inherent flaws in Lumon’s severance procedure. This question ignites a spark of defiance within Dylan, leading him to complete a resignation form, checking every available box to explain his decision including "freedom, anger, fatigue, loneliness, guilt, shame" and “annoyance.”
Mr. Milchick’s disapproval emphasizes Lumon’s exploitative practices, highlighting the corporation’s perceived entitlement over its employees. Dylan’s final scene at the elevator leaves us wondering what awaits him upstairs and what consequences his actions will have for his outie.
Irving: A Journey of Love and Escape
Irving’s storyline begins with a cryptic reference in the opening scene where Helena mentions "seeing to Mr. Bailiff," a chilling indication of Lumon’s intentions towards him.
The episode depicts Irving’s reunion with Burt, who has broken into his apartment after discovering Irving’s notes detailing his suspicion that Burt is a “low-level Lumon enforcer.” Burt acknowledges that he was employed to ensure Irving’s cooperation, but reveals that he is now actively defying Lumon’s orders.
Their journey to the train station signifies Burt’s act of rebellion, buying Irving a ticket that extends to the end of the line and urging him to conceal his destination. Burt’s declaration of love for Irving provides a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak landscape. The emotional intensity of their farewell scene underscores the profound connection between the two characters.
While Irving’s storyline offered an emotional high point, it felt somewhat disjointed. The lack of clarity surrounding Burt’s current relationship with Lumon, the nature of Lumon’s plan for Irving, and the logistical inconsistencies surrounding Burt’s supposed ignorance of Irving’s destination, leave unresolved questions.
Mr. Milchick: A Fleeting Moment of Rebellion
Milchick’s story is intertwined with Mark’s absence and the impending completion of Cold Harbor. Pressured by Mr. Drummond due to Mark’s unavailability, Milchick experiences a surge of defiance, unleashing his frustration upon his superior. This unexpected moment of empowerment, however brief, underscores the simmering tensions within Lumon’s hierarchical structure.
Mark: The Key to Unlocking the Truth
Mark’s storyline picks up with his sister Devon seeking Harmony Cobel’s assistance. Despite his reservations, Mark reluctantly agrees to collaborate with Cobel, desperate for answers about Gemma. Cobel reveals that Mark’s completion of Cold Harbor will lead to Gemma’s termination. She offers them access to the birthing retreat to communicate with Mark’s innie but refuses to elaborate further.
Cobel’s evasiveness amplifies the series’ signature tension, as the characters and the audience alike yearn for concrete information. The exchange at the cottage farm compound introduces new layers of intrigue. Cobel’s use of coded language, mentioning "one of Jame’s," "Miss Marsha White, ninth floor," and "a gold thimble," hints at a clandestine operation.
The references to “The After Hours” Twilight Zone episode, with its mannequin protagonist named Miss Marsha White searching for a gold thimble, suggests a deeper thematic connection.
Finally, Mark’s innie awakens in the cabin, greeting Devon and Cobel. When Devon asks, “Do you remember the last thing you said to me?” Mark responds “She’s alive?”
The Finale Looms: Unanswered Questions and Lingering Sadness
The episode culminates in the same cliffhanger that defined the first season, with Mark uttering the phrase that has haunted viewers for years. The stage is set for the finale, promising a resolution to the central mystery surrounding Gemma’s fate.
However, the episode also evokes a sense of sadness. The apparent departure of Irving and Miss Huang, coupled with Dylan’s potential return to oblivion, casts a shadow over the narrative. While hope remains that these characters will return, the emotional turmoil they have endured will undoubtedly leave them irrevocably changed.
Despite the melancholy undertones, the masterful storytelling and intricate character development ensures that the finale will be nothing short of unforgettable.
