Understanding Irving’s Statement in Severance Season 2 Episode 1: “Not Our World Up There”

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Severance Season 2, Episode 1, titled “Hello, Ms. Cobel,”and discusses themes surrounding suicide.

The highly anticipated premiere of Severance Season 2, titled “Hello, Ms. Cobel,”marks a pivotal moment for Adam Scott’s character, Mark S, and his fellow “Innies”at Lumon Industries. However, John Turturro’s character, Irving, faces significant struggles following the brief insights into his “Outie’s”life witnessed at the end of Season 1. While Mark’s rebellious attempts have reunited the Severance Macrodata Refinement Department team, not all members share the same sense of relief upon reconnecting with the Severed Floor.

As Apple TV+‘s acclaimed sci-fi series embarks on its second season, the core cast remains largely intact. The drama continues as the Innies gain unexpected recognition due to their attempts to advocate for their rights. The so-called “Macrodata Uprising”has propelled Irving and his colleagues to a level of celebrity, yet the weight of this success appears insufficient to sustain Irving’s motivation.

Unpacking Irving’s “Not Our World Up There”Statement

John’s Character Realizes A Hard Truth

Within the framework of Severance, the term “up there”signifies the outside world, contrasting sharply with Lumon’s isolated Severance floor. This phrase encapsulates the notion that the Innies find themselves in a metaphorical abyss. When Irving expresses, “It’s not our world up there,” he reveals his belief that Lumon is, in fact, where he and his colleagues truly belong. His reference suggests that, despite the apparent familiarity of the outside world, it is an entirely foreign and unwelcoming environment for them.

Irving’s poignant statement serves as a powerful expression of his inner turmoil, as he grapples with emotions that overpower him before he departs the scene. The burden of knowing that a successful mission could have also left him heartbroken adds to his disillusionment.

Irving’s Desire to Escape Lumon: A Complex Dilemma

Encountering Burt’s Life Outside Cuts Deep for Irving

Irving’s romantic link to Burt G, portrayed by Christopher Walken, becomes central to his character arc. After Burt’s Innie was retired from Lumon due to his Outie leaving the company, Irving’s hope of reconnecting within Lumon vanished. This reality pushes Irving to seek any chance of seeing Burt’s Outie during his brief exploration outside Lumon. Unfortunately, he discovers that Burt’s Outie is now married, leaving him devastated.

The painful realization amplifies Irving’s sense of loss, particularly because he understands that even if he were to escape Lumon while maintaining his Innie identity, Burt’s Outie would remain oblivious to who Irving really is. This disjunction between personal identity and emotional connection provokes Irving to contemplate an act akin to an Innie’s form of suicide—attempting to leave Lumon for good. Fortunately, Dylan (Zach Cherry) intervenes, reminding Irving that there’s still hope and value in nurturing their friendship within the confines of Severance.

Apple TV+ Severance Season 2 Release Schedule
Episode	Title	Release Date (2025)
1	“Hello, Ms. Cobel.”	January 17
2	“Goodbye, Mrs. Selvig.”	January 24
3	TBC	January 24
4	TBC	February 7
5	TBC	February 14
6	TBC	February 21
7	TBC	February 28
8	TBC	March 7
9	TBC	March 14
10	TBC	March 21