I’m sure I will not be the first person to tell you about this show. The “Severance” hype is at an all time high but, trust me, it is for a good reason. What Ben Stiller and Dan Erickson have made is downright incredible, and each episode will blow you away by its quality.
So, yes, now is the time. Ask that friend or family member or, hell, anyone you may know that has an Apple TV account, because this is not a show you should pass up.
Season One is filled with intrigue, drama, romance and, yes, goats. The premise is creative and compelling, but that wouldn’t matter if the execution wasn’t nailed in. “Severance” is a show that lends itself to conspiracy theories and going down rabbit holes. It’s creativity makes you infatuated with the show and makes you want to theorize, yet it’s uniqueness and surprises make it hard to predict what the future will hold.
As of writing this article, there are only three episodes of Season Two released, yet the show’s creators have already shown the audience scenes that could have fit into a season finale. “Severance” is wasting no time this season and, given what we have already seen, nothing is off the table.
The show stars Adam Scott as Mark S. and Mark Scout. It is up to you whether you see Scott playing one or two characters. To deal with the grief of his wife (Dichen Lachman) dying two years prior to the show’s start, Scout decides to work for Lumon Industries on the severed floor. The severed floor requires that he undergo a procedure that separates his work self from his non-work self, creating a new Mark S. that only exists on the severed floor of Lumon.
Mark S’s job is a mystery, even to his severed self. It is also a mystery to his co-workers. Irving B, Dylan G and Helly R all have different thoughts around the work they do, but all are equally unsure of what it is. Helly R’s (Britt Lower) disapproval of the work they do on the severed floor kicks off what becomes the heart of the show. Mark S and Helly R’s relationship is complicated, and it is one of the most interesting and dynamic ways we have seen romance play out on TV.
Irving B (John Turturro) and Dylan G (Zach Cherry) both have scene stealing ability. Both of their characters are well written and multi-faceted. The characters are easy to root for and they both add important emotional stakes to the show.
The show takes its time establishing intrigue, but also subtly drops little pieces of lore that are key to the show’s world building. In the best way possible, the show makes you feel like you have to cherish and pay close attention to every detail and every piece of dialogue because you never know when the writers will throw in a crucial line.
The ensemble’s performances are dynamite. Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman) is eerie and unnerving, yet also somehow charismatic. Everytime he is on screen feels like a treat. He always leaves you wanting more, but also feeling a little afraid.
Patricia Arquette’s character fits Lumon’s scary, secretive nature well. Her love for the company and complex relationship with Mark makes her a wild card in the show.
Christopher Walken’s appearance in the show is much appreciated. His character, Burt G, adds emotional stakes to the show, and Burt G and Irving combine for some of the show’s best scenes.
Season One prompted huge praise for Lower and Tillman. Season Two promises to have a breakout performance by Sydney Tyler Alexander, who serves as the jarring mouthpiece for what is referred to as “the board” of Lumon industries.
“Severance” deals with morals and consequences in ways we simply have not seen before. The premise, attention to detail, creativity, the way it is shot and excellent performances all come together to create a serious work of art. While there are only twelve episodes so far, but it is on the way to be in a tier of spectacular television.
The last three episode run of Season One was packed with a suspenseful and heart pounding plot. Lucky for you, if you start the show now, you do not have to deal with the agonizing wait after the cliffhanger of Season One. “Severance” has reached ‘can’t miss’ levels of good. It is high time to start watching before the show’s next epic reveal.
