The season two finale of Severance picks up from the previous episode with Mark in a severed cabin at the Damona Birthing Retreat. There, the innie is brought up to speed on how to breakout Gemma from the evil clutches of Lumon by Harmony Cobel and outtie Mark’s sister, Devon. Will the heroes be successful?
(*SPOILERS AHEAD!*)
The plan almost unravels before it begins since innie Mark isn’t entirely sold on the operation. Once again, Severance proves it has some of the best editing of any series as both versions of Mark communicate via digital camcorder. There transitions are smooth incorporating both real time and recorded footage to make it seem they are conversing with each other without making it too gimmicky.
The actual conversation demonstrates how the Marks are different people. The innie brings up legitimate concerns while the outtie’s responses relate to the show’s overarching themes of humanity. Even for someone who is an “ally”, he appears pretty tone deaf about his other’s plight and comes off selfish. It’s a more nuanced performance, but Adam Scott makes you believe that despite sharing the same body, they are totally separate.
Severance continues to represent Lumon as an eccentric company. Its attempts at boosting company morale are always a little off, and since it’s the completion of Cold Harbor, everything is bigger. The sports related presentation captures the grandeur and spectacle of the event. Yet, you never escape the cult like atmosphere with the murals and an appearance of Kier, the company founder, himself.
The character work is top notch and consistent with many of their journeys. The interaction between the Dylans is testy, candid, and surprisingly vulnerable and sweet. Innie Dylan has walked up to that edge and gave up, but it’s inspiring to see that he pulls himself back and has a heroic moment or two.
Meanwhile, Mr. Milchick toes that line between good company man while not losing his self respect. During the painfully awkward comedic bit with a robot Kier, he shows he’s willing to bite back. I must also say, the marching band wouldn’t be as impactful if Tramell Tillman didn’t fully commit as the drum major. You have to love the white gloves, and with those moves, you know he attended an HBCU.
Most satisfying is the return to form of Helly R. The character hasn’t been herself this season of Severance, granted it was someone else for the first half. I missed the feisty troublemaker wreaking havoc at Lumon. She has plenty of opportunities in the episode, and it all comes back to her relationship with Marc S. Helly R. is completely devoted to her partner and provides the much needed support to nudge him into doing the right thing. Even if it could be a detriment to their romance.
Gemma’s rescue plays with your emotions. It is raw and intense during the confrontation with Mr. Drummond. There’s nothing pretty about it, particularly the violence. On the other hand, the reunion of the Scouts is riveting and heartwarming. It’s the culmination of two seasons coming together ever since the reveal at the end of “Defiant Jazz”. The use of different severed locations adds to the suspense since the right personas aren’t together initially, but it also adds some levity as a short break from all the action.
Where “Cold Harbor” loses steam is the actual ending since not everything is tied up with a pretty little bow. Sure, Gemma is saved and the guy runs off with the girl. But if you are unsure who the real protagonist is during video camera discussion between the Marks, the conclusion will make it clear. It helps in retrospect, that Helly R’s lays the groundwork for the pseudo-swerve.
The argument for the ending is more for the abruptness. Although executive producer and director Ben Stiller recently talked about a season three of Severance, there is a level of finality to the episode in a 70s or 80s grindhouse film kind of way. There are loose threads but the main story of rescuing Gemma is completed.
The closing scene even evokes the time period with the accompanying soundtrack and the red alarm lights, which are suspiciously choreographed providing intimate mood lighting. Combine that with hazy filter adding that retro touch to the final shot and the different closing credits, it’s as if that’s what they were going for.
The season two finale is an entertaining conclusion capping off some great character arcs while taking you on a rollercoaster of emotions during a daring rescue.
Watch Severance on Apple TV+.
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