Severance 2×03: Who Is Alive?
Severance Season 2 continues to deepen its mysteries, and in this review of the third episode of Severance Season 2, we take a deep dive into the discomfort and paranoia that the series crafts so well. For the first time, the characters’ internal and external worlds collide in a meaningful way, revealing new clues, heightening tensions, and reshaping what we thought we knew. But are we seeing the full picture, or is this just another illusion orchestrated by Lumon?
Cobel and Her Forced Exile
At the beginning of the episode, we find Ms. Cobel in a cold and isolated environment. Sleeping in her car, she wakes up startled as a truck passes nearby, further emphasizing her solitude. When she spots a road sign, it becomes clear that the next town is still far away.
What does this mean? Officially, Cobel received a promotion from Lumon. But is this promotion merely a way to remove her from the center of the action? It seems she realizes she has been sent somewhere where she will no longer have influence.
Before making a decision, she stares at an object in her car: a hospital plastic tube labeled “Charlotte Cobel.” For a moment, her gaze drifts, her face tightens, as if a flood of memories and conflicting emotions strikes her all at once. She visibly tenses, as if a heavy realization just hit her. Then, almost without hesitation, she turns the wheel and drives back the way she came. But what motivated her?
Helena and the Game of Appearances
The Strange Moment Between Mark and Helly
Amidst the tensions inside Lumon, a curious moment occurs between Mark and Helly. As they walk down the corridor toward the goat sector, they find themselves trapped in an odd moment of hesitation. Their proximity creates a tension that could easily lead to a kiss, but nothing happens. The moment dissipates, and they proceed with their plan as if nothing had occurred.
This hesitation raises questions: was it merely a reflection of the relationship they built in the first season? Or is there something deeper behind this brief moment? It’s worth remembering that in the previous episode, external Helena watched the recording of their kiss, which may suggest that she is fully aware of this dynamic and could be trying to manipulate it.
Helena and Her Power Play
Another significant encounter takes place between Cobel and Helena Eagan, the external version of Helly. Cobel insists on staying around to supervise the “Cold Harbor” project, but Helena remains ruthless, maintaining a cryptic smile and making it clear that the Council makes the decisions.
Here, a theory we previously discussed in the review of the first episode gains more traction: the Helly we know inside Lumon may not actually be her severed version, but rather Helena herself pretending to be a “severed employee.” Small gestures and subtle changes in her body language suggest this possibility. If true, this would alter the entire dynamic of the series, meaning Helena is spying from within the company while deceiving everyone.
Mark’s Message to Himself
Meanwhile, Mark devises a creative yet risky way to send a message to his “innie” self. He writes “Who is alive?” on a lightbulb and prepares to stare at it long enough for the phrase to imprint on his retina. The hope is that the image remains visible when he crosses the elevator threshold and “switches personalities.” But before he can carry out the plan, he is interrupted by Dr. Gabi, who unexpectedly arrives and prevents him from proceeding.
Driven by his growing suspicion that his wife is still alive, Mark takes a desperate risk. His external memories tell him she died, but what his innie saw inside Lumon suggests otherwise. The arrival of Dr. Gabi, a scientist involved in the severance project, confirms his suspicions and pushes Mark toward a drastic decision: to undergo reintegration.
If successful, he could become the first character to gain full awareness of both sides of his life. But he could also end up like Petey, whose procedure failed and led to his death.
The Distorted “Tribute” to Milchick
A particularly unsettling moment occurs when Milchick receives a gift from the Council: paintings depicting historical moments at Lumon, but with his own image replacing that of Kier Eagan.
Milchick pretends to accept the gift but later hides it, visibly disturbed.
Once again, the series demonstrates how Lumon manipulates its employees, shaping not only their lives but even their personal narratives.
The Goat Sector and Absurd Rumors
In their search for answers about Ms. Casey, Mark and Helly stumble upon a mysterious sector filled with goats and suspicious employees. The atmosphere is eerie—dark, strange, and marked by palpable tension.
When they arrive, they are met with distrust. The workers seem to believe a bizarre rumor that MDR (Mark’s department) employees have “marsupial pouches” where they carry larvae—an absurd notion. This detail connects back to the first season, where we learned that Lumon spreads false information between departments to prevent employees from trusting one another.
The big question is: what is the purpose of this sector? Is the breeding of these animals part of a larger experiment? Nothing at Lumon happens by chance.
Conclusion: Where Are We Headed?
The third episode of the season stands out by blending the two worlds of Severance more directly, speeding up the pace and delivering significant twists. Mark is on the verge of reintegration, Cobel fights to stay in the game, and dark secrets begin to surface more menacingly.
If Mark’s reintegration succeeds, what does this mean for the future of the series? Would Lumon allow it to happen without interference? And perhaps the most intriguing question: who is truly in control of this company?
The series remains brilliant, mixing mystery, psychological tension, and thought-provoking questions. The only question is whether the characters will find answers before it’s too late.
Available on Apple TV+
You can watch Severance exclusively on Apple TV+. Click here to access.
