Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Severance season 2, episode 6Severance’s last episode was a slower one after all the twists and turns of the Macrodata Refinement team’s outdoor adventure in the Lumon-sanctioned ORTBO. I found the way Mark treated Helly quite shocking, withSeveranceseason 2, episode 5following a rougher version of Adam Scott’s always vibrant character. It made for a great display of how the severed workers are more than the one-note personalities they might display due to not having access to the outside world and their past experiences. Still, I hoped Mark would change his demeanor and get back to his old self.
Thankfully, that did not take very long. While episode 6 does not yet see Mark fully revert to his old ways, the character does mellow out as the plot moves along. What I loved aboutSeveranceseason 2’s latest episode is how it spotlights the show’s relationships. While the sci-fi and mystery aspects ofthe Apple TV+ serieshave contributed greatly to its success,Severancewould be nothing without its complex and charming characters. Episode 6 makes big moves where character dynamics are concerned, and I can’t wait to see how the rest of the season pays them off.
Mark & Helly’s Relationship Is Repaired
Helena Still Has Cards Up Her Sleeve
First up, Mark and Helly’s relationship was the one I was most looking forward to seeing explored in episode 6. After Mark had sex with Helena Eagan, thinking it was Helly, I was startled by how rude he was towards the real Helly in last week’s episode. Sure, I understand how he felt betrayed and does not know whether he can trust her. However, Helly had just gone through a traumatic event, waking up for the first time in months to find herself being drowned by Irving. Mark ended up apologizing for the way he treated her, which I enjoyed.
Earlier in the episode, Mark had already alternated between his Outie’s life and where he was at Lumon, so the situation might get critical soon.
One of the saddest parts of howHelena took over Helly’s identityis that she stole Helly and Mark’s first time. This is why I felt it was so sweet they decided to take back ownership of that moment and not let Helena ruin the couple’s relationship. But I didn’t expect that Mark’s Outie choosing to reintegrate would cause a nosebleed just after that. Earlier in the episode, Mark had already alternated between his Outie’s life and where he was at Lumon, so the situation might get critical soon.
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While Mark and Helly are back together and even better than before, Helena Eagan is not off the board yet. I was surprised to see Helena and Mark’s Outie interact. The dynamic of the meeting was quite interesting, as Mark’s Outie only has common knowledge of who Helena is, while she had an intimate connection with his Innie for quite some time before Irving blew up Lumon’s plan. It is interesting to see how Helena does not only seem to be playing Mark for information, but also taking a genuine liking to him.
Dylan & Irving Also Get Important Updates On Their Relationships
Severance Season 2 Is Building Up Interesting Subplots
While Mark and Helly’s relationship is at the forefront of the show, it is far from the only one explored in episode 6. One of the things I love is howSeveranceseason 2 introduces new concepts and storylines that add to the rich tapestry created by the original season. Dylan is one of the characters who intrigues me the most. Due to his solid work, he can receive brief visits from his Outie’s wife, which is a privilege that none of the other Macrodata Refinement workers have.
Dylan’s Outie is not his best possible self, with the weight of his frustrations and bad decisions making him bitter.
I liked what was shown of Dylan and Gretchen in season 2, and I loved how their story developed in episode 6. Dylan’s Outie is not his best possible self, with the weight of his frustrations and bad decisions making him bitter. However, Dylan’s Innie is well-resolved and proactive, making his interactions with Gretchen more loving than the relationship she has with his Outie. I fully expected them to kiss sooner than later, and I can’t wait to see how that dynamic will play out now that Gretchen essentially cheated on her husband with a better version of him.
As for Irving, I’m gladSeveranceseason 2 is following his Outie after his Innie was “killed” by Mr. Milchick. Seeing him interact with Burt and his husband over dinner was interesting. While the chemistry between the duo is present despite them having no memories of their severed encounters, I do think there is something off with Burt. The way he tried to drive the point home to Irving that his husband had simply mixed up how long he had been working for Lumon was suspicious.Severanceseason 2’s final episodes should have plenty of relationship twists in store.
Severanceseason 2 episodes stream on Apple TV+ every Friday through March 21.
Severance
Severance is a psychological thriller series featuring Adam Scott as Mark Scout, an employee at Lumon Industries who undergoes a “severance” procedure to separate his work and personal memories. However, as work and life personas mysteriously begin to collide, it quickly becomes clear that not all is as it seems. Created by Dan Erickson and directed by Ben Stiller and Aoife McArdle.
