Helena Eagan’s Fascination with Helly & Mark’s Kiss in Severance Season 2: A Rewatch Exploration

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Severance Season 2, Episode 2.

Exploring Helena Eagan’s Obsession with Helly and Mark’s Kiss

In the aftermath of Severance Season 2, Episode 2, a compelling question arises: why does Helena Eagan repeatedly watch the footage of Helly and Mark’s kiss from Season 1? The intricate dynamics among the show’s characters distinguish Severance from other series. With multiple actors portraying dual versions of themselves, the exploration of their Innie and Outie personas unveils a rich tapestry of emotional conflict and intrigue, especially as Season 2 deepens this exploration beyond what was established in Season 1.

The Shift to Outie Personalities in Season 2

While the first episode of Season 2 primarily highlighted the Innie personas of the Lumon employees, the second episode shifts focus to their Outie counterparts. This episode finds Mark, Helly, Irving, and Dylan grappling with the repercussions of the Overtime Contingency from the previous season. Helly’s Outie, who appears as Helena Eagan, the heiress of Lumon, takes center stage as she manages the fallout of the Innies’ actions. However, it is her fixation on the kiss between Helly and Mark that raises eyebrows.

Loneliness as a Driving Force

The most apparent reason for Helena’s repeated viewing of the kiss footage is her profound loneliness. Prior to this episode, insights into Helena’s life were scarce, primarily revealed through a few videotapes. Episode 2 paints a clearer picture of her existence as Lumon’s heir, illustrating it as an isolating experience. The people in her circle, including family members like Jame Eagan, express admiration that feels void of true affection or emotional connection.

In a revealing moment, Milchick informs Dylan that his Outie is the only one with a family, suggesting that Helena is also unwed. Faced with this isolation, Helena’s repeated viewings of the tape allow her to vicariously experience affection through her Innie, Helly, sharing a romantic bond with Mark, even if she lacks that connection herself. This taps into a deeper yearning within Helena for genuine companionship.

A Reality Check: The Constraints of Love Within Lumon

Helena’s obsession with the kiss footage also serves as a stark reminder of her connection—or lack thereof—with Mark in the real world. While Helena may not consciously crave a relationship with Mark, she must grapple with the knowledge that her Innie counterpart has found love that remains inaccessible to her. The emotional ties between Helly and Mark exist solely within Lumon’s confines and do not extend into their Outie lives.

Significant differences between Helena and Mark’s personalities further distance them; whereas Helena embodies Lumon’s ideology and reveres Keir Eagan, Helly is characterized by her rebellious spirit, opposing everything Lumon represents. Outie Mark is depicted as grieving his lost wife, Gemma, which adds layers of complexity to his emotional landscape. Since Helena struggles to find authentic connections, her attempts to anchor herself by watching Helly and Mark’s romance inevitably highlight what she cannot attain in her own life.

Could Helena Be Analyzing Helly’s Character?

The release of Season 2 has ignited numerous theories among viewers, particularly regarding Helly’s unusual behavior toward her MDR colleagues. One theory suggests that Helly’s challenges stem from the revelation that her Outie is Helena Eagan, a powerful figure against whom her coworkers have rebelled. However, there exists an alternative theory surmising that Helly might not actually be who she seems.

According to creator Dan Erickson, Helly’s deception towards her colleagues arises from the shame of being an Eagan, prompting fans to speculate about her true identity. Some believe that the Helly seen entering Lumon’s severed floor might actually be Helena, potentially infiltrating the MDR team to gather intelligence for Lumon. If this theory holds, Helena’s act of rewatching the tape could suggest her desire to mimic Helly’s behavior, implying a deeper motive behind her fascination with the footage of Helly and Mark’s kiss.

While this theory may sound far-fetched, Severance is known for its surprising plot twists, and the narrative could continue evolving, weaving these complex relationships into its overarching storyline.

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