Severance Explained: The Reason Behind Lumon’s Approach to Ricken

Overview

Lumon seeks to utilize Ricken’s book as a means of controlling and influencing the self-discovery journeys of the Innies.
The company’s interest in Mark’s Outie life indicates ulterior motives that extend beyond mere observation.
Collaboration with Ricken on a modified version of his book may signal Lumon’s attempt to rehabilitate its image following the Overtime Contingency.

Despite being perceived as pretentious and filled with overwrought philosophy, Ricken’s book had a profound effect on the Innies who engaged with it. Its simplistic philosophizing led many to undergo meaningful self-discovery. The first season was particularly humorous when Ricken’s dubious advice was portrayed through his own narration, adding layers of irony to the narrative.

While creator Dan Erickson and the writing team could have treated the book merely as comic relief, the developments in season two demonstrate that actions have consequences in the world of Severance. In episode three, titled “Who Is Alive?”, a Lumon intermediary named Natalie (played by Sydney Cole Alexander) unexpectedly visits Ricken (Michael Chernus) at home. She discusses the adaptation of his book for Innie-specific use, much to the dismay of his wife, Devon (Jen Tullock).This shift from perceiving the book as a forbidden text to exploiting it highlights Lumon’s evolving strategy. However, if the book holds such sway over the Innies, what might Lumon gain by encouraging them to explore their inner selves?

Lumon’s Intrigue in Mark’s Outie Life

Natalie (Sydney Cole Alexander) meets with Ricken (Michael Chernus) in Severance season 2

A puzzling aspect of season one was Ms. Cobel’s (Patricia Arquette) escalating infiltration of Mark’s life. As his neighbor, she covertly monitored him, and she even embedded herself into Devon’s life as a lactation consultant after the birth of their child. Although Lumon executives attributed this cross-line behavior to her dismissal, it indicates Mark holds a special significance for them compared to other Innies. Given their inscrutable motives, it seems plausible that they allowed Cobel to take the blame for breaching Mark’s privacy while they pursued alternative surveillance strategies.

Ricken, while well-intentioned, seems somewhat self-absorbed, making him vulnerable to Lumon’s manipulations. The company likely recognizes his inflated ego as an opportunity to gain his trust. His tendency to divulge personal information, such as sharing Mark’s severance status without consent, further underscores this potential vulnerability. Given that Ricken is in the loop about the communication Mark’s Innie made at the conclusion of season one, it’s likely he could become an unwitting informant.

However, if Lumon simply sought information from Ricken, cultivating a relationship seems unnecessary. Instead, he might become an inadvertent ally, encouraging Mark to continue working, which aligns with the completion of the “Cold Harbor” project—an initiative that intertwines with Miss Casey, the severed alter ego of Mark’s presumed-dead wife, Gemma.

Additionally, recent episodes suggest Lumon may harbor interest in Devon as well. Aside from Cobel’s past guise as her lactation consultant, both Natalie in episode three and Milchick in episode two express curiosity about Devon’s life. Following the tumultuous events of season one, Devon has distanced herself from Lumon, and her reaction upon discovering Natalie and Ricken together only emphasizes her mistrust. While Lumon may believe they can bend Devon and Ricken to their will, she appears determined to resist their influence.

Lumon’s Efforts in Image Rehabilitation

Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman) reads Ricken's self-help book in Severance

Another motivating factor for Lumon’s collaboration with Ricken on The You You Are: Severed Edition could reside in their attempt to repair their public image after the fallout from the Overtime Contingency. While only a few Innies, primarily Helly, made headlines for their actions, the public’s perception of the severance process is less than favorable within the narrative. Lumon is keen to project the idea that the severance experience is beneficial and not the detrimental entrapment that it may appear to the outside world. By promoting Ricken’s book, they aim to appear more invested in the well-being of their workforce by offering them reading material beyond Eagan family propaganda.

While Ricken’s text might seem absurd, it has evidently resonated with Mark’s Innie and others who embraced its ethos. This could indicate Lumon’s strategy of co-opting the book’s themes, aiming to incorporate them into their overarching narrative in a controlled manner. This strategic move serves as yet another indicator of Lumon’s relentless drive to influence every facet of their employees’ existences.

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