Summary
- Severance utilizes an unsettling workplace environment alongside mysterious rituals to create an ominous tone.
- In the episode “Who is Alive, ”a moment echoes the village encounter from Resident Evil 4, amplifying its eerie essence.
- Mark’s character in Severance mirrors Leon Kennedy from RE4, both navigating a bewildering and hostile reality.
The world of Severance is unnervingly crafted, featuring Lumon Industries, a place characterized by its sterile environment and unsettling calm. The Apple TV+ series captures a workplace atmosphere that feels subtly distorted, bending the laws of reality in an uncanny manner. As the second season unfolds, it deepens this sense of discomfort, incorporating new enigmatic elements that hint at Lumon’s far-reaching influence. A particularly striking sequence in Episode 3 evokes a sense of dread familiar to fans of esteemed horror video games.
During a pivotal moment, Mark and Helly explore the basement of Lumon, which leads them to an unexpected pasture filled with goats. Here, the surreal quality of their workplace escalates dramatically. The emergence of goat caretakers, initially perceived as odd but quickly transforming into menacing figures, adds an unsettling layer to this scene. Fans of Resident Evil 4 may find this sequence especially reminiscent of Leon Kennedy’s terrifying first encounter in the hostile village of El Pueblo, where the initial oddness of the locals gives way to violence. This striking resemblance raises the question: was this an intentional homage from the showrunner of Severance?
Did Severance Make An Intentional RE4 Nod?
While the connections between Severance and Resident Evil 4 may not appear immediately evident—an intellectual sci-fi narrative versus a horror action game—the extraordinary scene in “Who is Alive” strongly recalls the initial village scene in RE4, where Mark and Helly confront hostile goat caretakers.
| Severance | |
|---|---|
| Created By | Dan Erickson |
| Showrunner | Dan Erickson |
| Cast |
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In Resident Evil 4, Leon Kennedy’s first significant ordeal begins in a seemingly innocuous village. Initially, the villagers exhibit mere hesitance towards him. However, as Leon ventures deeper, this wariness escalates into aggression, as it is revealed that they are afflicted with parasitic infections.
In contrast, while Mark and Helly do not encounter mutated employees, the goat pasture discovery is odd enough to evoke concern. The caretakers they meet are dressed as rural farmers, transitioning from strange to outright hostile. The entire ambiance of both scenarios feels incredibly similar.
Mark S. As Leon S. Kennedy
The parallel expands further, positioning Mark as an investigator in a treacherous and unwelcoming environment, akin to Leon’s journey in Resident Evil 4. Both characters confront unknown and escalating threats, gradually revealing a reality that is increasingly distorted. Leon’s mission to rescue the president’s daughter is quickly compromised by the realization of a village plagued by Las Plagas parasites. Likewise, Mark embarks on Severance under the impression of simply separating his work from his personal life, only to uncover the corporation’s disturbing secrets.
Even on a visual level, Mark and Leon embody similar archetypes—the weary everyman dragged into extraordinary circumstances. Leon’s signature brown leather jacket contrasts with Mark’s more subdued attire; nonetheless, both characters reflect an engaging aura of dread that intensifies as their stories unfold. A noteworthy detail is the connection in names: Leon’s full title is Leon Scott Kennedy, often abbreviated to Leon S. Kennedy. This shared naming could hint at a deeper link amidst the characters.
Art Imitates Art In Severance
This homage wouldn’t be the first instance of Severance deriving inspiration from across different media to amplify its psychological horror impact. Its cinematography and narrative pacing resonate with cinematic classics such as The Shining and Brazil. While a video game, Resident Evil 4 has significantly influenced cultural storytelling, particularly through its masterful tension and gradual revelation of danger. If Severance indeed pays tribute to RE4, it fits perfectly within the show’s tradition of intricate storytelling and nuanced references.
The goat pasture sequence stands out as one of the most impactful moments in Severance due to its haunting transition from strangeness to outright menace. This shift mirrors the tonal inconsistencies that define Resident Evil 4, suggesting that the connection between these narratives may be intentional. Whether showrunner Dan Erickson is a fan of RE4 remains speculative, but the scene exemplifies how horror can traverse different formats, leaving a lasting impression on audiences whether experienced on a screen or in a gaming environment.
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