“Severance” Season 2 Episode 3

What do Olde Timey photos and mammalian experts have in common? More than one would think, but in this case both can be seen in this episode of Apple TV’s masterpiece: “Severance”.

As the show runs on, more and more of the severed experience is shown. Leaving viewers hungry for more, and still processing the rest. This episode is titled, “Who is Alive?” and dives into more corporate cult moral grey areas.

Previously, the severed crew breached the outside world, exposing Mark’s supposed deceased wife who was living on the severed floor. This week’s episode begins the search for Ms. Kacey. With the limited knowledge of the extensively monotonous floor plan, the team diverges in order to cover departments they have crossed paths with.

As the outside Mark realizes he can not sit back while unknown atrocities may be occurring to his inside. Mark realizes he must make a dangerous choice. One that could impact both existences in his head.

A show with about eight key figures, it does a great job of giving each a sense of importance and complexity. Since some characters live double lives, it gives the opportunity for more unique interactions. The story creates a blend of conflicts that all have a piece in this main line. This is not uncommon in the entertainment industry.

To abstract this concept, “Severance” is able to create more intricate stories by giving characters two different head spaces. The lead writer, Dan Erickson, moves the story in a way that slowly builds to a reveal, then builds on another line in the sequence. Although most storylines pertain to the overarching conflict, key backstories are seasoned into the episode to build more depth of the characters.

The key to “Severance” being a success is due to its ambiguity. The writing and pace of the show are like watching someone light the cord of a stick of dynamite. As the story progresses, the audience can anticipate the spark getting closer and closer to the stick. Inch by inch. Loop after loop.

When anticipating the explosion, the audience then realizes the cord was burning in different directions, leading to other masterful explosions.

The company that employs the severed works hard to conceal its secrets. Even the characters unintentionally store crucial information from themselves. This ambiguity creates a frustration that can be agonizing to put together, and yet so satisfying to conspire.

The show has a steady pace that gives the audience something meaningful to process during the entirety of the runtime. The analogy of life that this program portrays can be an eye-opening experience for many. This episode really captures the essence of taking control of your life. As the shows go on, fans continue to pick apart every moment for some

Rating 4/5

Scott Moorhead is a fifth-year majoring in telecommunications. To contact him, email srm5943@psu.edu.