The Severance Season 2 Finale Asks: Can You Ever Really Quit Lumon?

The Season 2 finale of Severance, aptly titled “Cold Harbor,” delivers a rollercoaster of emotions, plot twists, and enough existential crises to make even the most stable viewer question their reality.

Clocking in at a hefty 76 minutes, this episode doesn’t just tie up loose ends—it unravels them, reweaves them, and then sets the whole thing on fire, leaving us eagerly anticipating Season 3.​

At the heart of the episode is Mark Scout’s (Adam Scott) daring attempt to rescue his not-so-deceased wife, Gemma (Dichen Lachman). This mission brings together an unlikely team: his sister Devon (Jen Tullock)  and Harmony Cobel (Patricia Arquette), whose motives we still aren’t sure about. Their collaboration leads to a confrontation that is as emotionally charged as it is action-packed. The revelation that Gemma has been subjected to Lumon’s severance process, resulting in multiple consciousnesses, adds a layer of psychological horror that makes one reconsider ever signing up for a corporate wellness program.​

Meanwhile, the “Choreography and Merriment” department’s marching band makes a memorable appearance, providing a surreal juxtaposition to the episode’s darker themes. Tramell Tillman’s portrayal of Mr. Milchick during this sequence is nothing short of mesmerizing, blending unsettling enthusiasm with underlying menace. Fans and critics alike have lauded his performance, with some calling for Emmy recognition. ​

Severance finale: Confrontation via camcorder

Adam Scott’s dual portrayal of “Innie” Mark and “Outie” Mark reaches its peak in this episode. The scene where the two versions confront each other (via camcorder no less) is a masterclass in acting, seamlessly transitioning between confusion, determination, and vulnerability. The viewer wants to root for both Marks, even though their respective goals seem to drift further and further away from each other.

The episode doesn’t shy away from exploring profound existential themes. The distinct personalities and moral compasses of the “innies” and “outies” are brought to the forefront, emphasising the profound implications of the severance procedure. The finale leaves us pondering the nature of identity and autonomy, especially as it sets the stage for Season 3 with several unresolved plot points and character mysteries. ​

In true Severance fashion, “Cold Harbor” ends on a cliffhanger that is both maddening and exhilarating. As Mark and Helly, drenched in blood and existential dread, sprint through Lumon’s sterile hallways, leaving a recently rescued Gemma behind in the stairwell, viewers are left with more questions than answers.