In 2022, the launch of Severance on Apple TV+ captivated audiences with its intriguing sci-fi thriller narrative. The show delves into a society where employees undergo a procedure allowing them to separate their work identities from their personal selves. The plot centers on Mark, a man mourning his wife’s death who chooses the severance option to escape his emotional pain and commit to his job at Lumon. However, as a new colleague arrives, Mark’s perspective begins to shift, leading him to question the ethical implications of his choice and the concealed truths within his corporate environment.
The allure of Severance lies in its complex and often perplexing world, which gradually unfolds to the viewers. The narrative intricately weaves the severance process into the characters’ lives, raising fundamental questions about identity and existence. The finale of Season 1 unearths striking revelations about the severance procedure, enhancing the audience’s need to comprehend what it truly entails before concluding the series.
Understanding the Severance Procedure
The Complex Reality of Severance Operations
Viewers are introduced to the severance process in Season 1 of Severance, watching how Lumon employees undergo the procedure. At its core, the severance process involves a surgical implant of a chip in the brain, designed to bifurcate an individual’s neural pathways. Although the show refrains from detailing the science behind it, it implies that this chip generates distinct pathways for work and personal life. While employees feel unchanged during their daily activities, the moment they enter Lumon’s elevator, the chip activates, shifting them into their work personas.
This procedure appears to be efficient at first glance, with a simple elevator ride facilitating a transformation. Nonetheless, Severance also hints at its darker implications. Employees are required to document their consent on video, ostensibly shielding Lumon from any liability. Mark and his team grapple with the unsettling reality of their severed lives, struggling with the confusion of not knowing who they truly are outside the confines of the office, heightening the series’ tension and mysteries.
The Role of ‘Innies’ at Lumon
Innies: The Work-Only Existence
In this narrative, those who undergo severance are referred to as ‘innies’, confined solely to their experiences within Lumon. Following their severance, they become devoid of any recollections of their life outside work, operating as a blank slate. For instance, Mark’s innie retains his personality but lacks awareness of his previous life and only absorbs what transpires at Lumon. The disconnect is palpable; when the workday ends and he exits the elevator, his innie consciousness fades into oblivion, resulting in profound internal conflict among employees.
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This division of identity raises compelling questions about the nature of self. The process has its seeming benefits, with Mark viewing severance as a means to cope with his grief. Initially, this choice offers a temporary respite, but the persistent shadow of his sorrow looms, suggesting that the severance experience is far from a comprehensive escape.
Meet the ‘Outies’: The Original Selves
The Limitation of Outies’ Existence
Contrary to innies, ‘outies’ are the original versions of Lumon employees. These individuals have led complete lives prior to their severance decision. While they acknowledge their separation from work memories, characters such as Helly remain oblivious about their roles within Lumon, unable to recall their coworkers or tasks.
Mark’s life outside Lumon is often described as even more dismal than his experiences within the company. Despite the removal of work stress, the severance inherently limits their lives, with significant hours lost to unawareness. The emotional ramifications show that outies, much like innies, suffer from an inability to engage actively with substantial aspects of their lives, complicating their emotional well-being.
Examining the Ethical Dimensions of Severance
Beyond Science Fiction: The Ethical Quagmires of Severance
Unquestionably, the severance process is fraught with ethical dilemmas, a theme prominently addressed in Severance. Throughout Season 1, Lumon faces scrutiny for its practices. Media coverage and public outcry highlight the concerns around innies, as when one ceases to be affiliated with Lumon, they are essentially ‘deleted’. This scenario raises moral questions, with many viewing the elimination of an innie as akin to murder, even though Lumon justifies its actions differently.
The show deftly critiques the notion of severance, enriching the narrative with profound ethical implications. Rather than reducing severance to a mere science fiction gimmick, Severance compels viewers to confront the real-world ramifications of such a procedure. This engagement with ethical discourse is a remarkable aspect of the series, distinguishing it from other offerings in the genre, and raising anticipation for how these themes may evolve in Season 2. Ultimately, Severance presents a uniquely thought-provoking story that resonates deeply with contemporary societal concerns.
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