Top 7 Theories on Lumon’s Board in Severance Explained

Severance is a captivating series filled with enigmas, particularly surrounding the elusive identity of The Board. Throughout the first season, viewers witness Mark, Helly, Irving, and Dylan maintaining consistent communication with Harmony Cobel, the former supervisor of the severed floor, as well as Milchick. The severed employees are also aware that The Board listens through a speaker located in the manager’s office, yet their true identities remain a mystery, even to Cobel and Milchick.

Following the intense finale of Season 1, Mark, Helly, Irving, and Dylan have returned to their roles at Lumon Industries. With Cobel dismissed from her position, Milchick takes over as the new manager of the severed floor in Season 2. Although The Board has yet to make an appearance this season, Mark does engage with them in the premiere episode. They fulfill his request to reinstate Helly, Irving, and Dylan, but further revelations about The Board remain elusive. Below are the top seven theories regarding The Board in Severance:

7 James Eagan, CEO of Lumon, Might Also Control The Board

James Eagan’s Role in Severance

James Eagan, the current CEO of Lumon Industries, is undeniably a formidable presence within the organization, leading to speculation that he also holds sway over The Board. While it’s customary for CEOs not to sit on their own companies’ boards, Lumon operates outside traditional norms. This opens the possibility that Eagan is, in fact, the principal authority behind The Board, directing affairs within the severed floor.

6 Milchick’s Possible Connection to The Board

Milchick, A Committed Employee in Severance

Milchick from Severance reading Ricken's book.

While Milchick demonstrates unwavering dedication to Lumon and has closely worked under Cobel, some theories suggest that he may only have appeared to serve her interests. Throughout Season 1, he openly contradicted Cobel without apparent fear of repercussions. This raises questions about his true allegiance and identity.

However, conflicting evidence from the early episodes of Season 2 complicates this theory, as Milchick is seen scrambling to manage the fallout from the Overtime Contingency Protocol initiated by the severed employees. In Episode 2 of Season 2, he takes orders from Helena Eagan, which would be surprising behavior for a member of The Board. Nevertheless, the idea of Milchick being part of The Board remains an intriguing possibility.

5 The Board Might Be Composed of Lumon Senior Executives

Are We Yet to Meet The Board Members?

The theory that The Board consists of senior executives from Lumon Industries seems plausible. This concept posits that these senior members possess the authority to supersede decisions made by James Eagan himself. This group could be responsible for determining the company’s direction, potentially having been present during Helena’s party at the Season 1 finale.

Though it’s possible that audiences have already encountered some members at the party, it seems more likely that the show’s creators will unveil some unexpected twists concerning The Board’s true identity. Nonetheless, the intrigue would diminish if The Board included completely unintroduced characters.

4 Connections Between The Senator, His Wife, and The Board

Unresolved Threads: The Senator and His Wife

During their second encounter in Season 1, Gabby appears to have no recollection of who Devon is, hinting at past interactions with her ‘innie.’ This introduces tantalizing questions about their awareness of the severed procedure and their true involvement.It seems plausible that Senator Arteta and his wife hold deeper connections to The Board in Severance.

3 The Board Could Be an AI Entity

A Drive Towards Human Control?

A scene from Severance featuring employees.

An intriguing theory proposes that The Board is an advanced artificial intelligence governing all operations at Lumon Industries. This aligns with the overarching narrative that suggests Lumon’s ambition is to exert control over humanity via severance technology.An AI-driven Board could serve as a compelling plot twist, reflecting the very real contemporary concerns surrounding AI in various sectors. This theory also addresses the absence of visible Board members throughout the series.

2 Ricken and His Associates May Be Board Members

Unknown Allegiances of Ricken

This theory suggests that Ricken, along with his friends, might belong to The Board, indicating that Mark’s ‘outie’ and Devon have been misled. In Season 2, Ricken displays unwavering support for Lumon Industries and seems unconcerned about Mark’s innie’s fate. Such behavior might signal a deeper loyalty to Lumon and hint at Ricken’s significant influence within the organization.

1 The Board Represents a Collective Consciousness of Past Eagans

The Dominance of the Eagan Family

Finally, one of the most intriguing hypotheses posits that The Board may be a collective consciousness of prior Eagan family members. This theory suggests that former CEOs uploaded their consciousness to maintain influence within Lumon Industries.

This notion posits that pioneers like Myrtle, Gerhardt, and Leonora Eagan could still play substantial roles in guiding company strategy through a unified consciousness.While this concept may sound far-fetched, it perfectly aligns with the surreal narrative style of Severance, further elevating the Eagan family’s significance within the plot.

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