“We’re Not The Same”: Helly’s Reluctance to Assist the Outies in Severance Season 2 Explained

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Severance season 2, episode 1.

Exploring Helly’s Unique Perspective in Severance Season 2

In the first episode of Severance season 2, Helly expresses to Mark that she and her outie are fundamentally different. This statement creates intrigue around her reluctance to affiliate with her outie identity. The new season picks up right where season 1 concluded, showcasing Mark’s return to Lumon Industries. Although it initially seems as if he has only just left after the tumultuous Overtime Contingency episode, the premiere reveals a significant time lapse of five months since the “Macrodat Uprising.”

Upon re-entering the Macrodata Refinement department, Mark is confronted with the need to collaborate with new team members. In a bid to reunite with his old colleagues, he successfully persuades the board to reinstate Dylan, Helly, and Irving. However, Helly’s demeanor has noticeably changed, as she strongly advises Mark against assisting the outies after he mentions Ms. Casey.

Helly’s Conflict: Navigating Her Innie and Outie Identities

Helly’s internal struggle is palpable, particularly as she grapples with the implications of her outie’s choices. When the conversation shifts to locating Ms. Casey, Helly firmly asserts that their outies do not merit their assistance. She advocates for a separation of identities, insisting that their focus should be on personal interests rather than helping those who have perpetuated the system they oppose.

Her statement, “I am not the same as my outie,” underscores her feeling of disconnect and denial regarding her outie’s role within the systemic framework of Lumon Industries. As she learns more about Helena’s status as the daughter of CEO Jame Eagan, Helly grapples with identity dissonance. Unlike her colleagues, who unveil surprising truths about their outies, Helly faces a stark reality that starkly contrasts her own experiences, intensifying her fears of judgment from her peers at MDR.

Deciding to Assist Mark: The Complexity of Helly’s Choices

Despite her reservations about assisting outies, Helly ultimately resolves to help Mark find his wife. This decision stems from a growing attachment to her colleagues, particularly Mark, following the events of season 1. Throughout the previous season, Helly’s narrative was dominated by her struggles to escape Lumon, employing extreme tactics to achieve independence. By the conclusion of season 1, however, she begins to find a sense of belonging, culminating in a meaningful kiss with Mark that alters her perspective.

Determined to foster Mark’s happiness, she agrees to assist him in his quest, viewing it as a way to strengthen their bond. Moreover, a compelling fan theory suggests that Helly may not have returned to the Lumon office at all; instead, Helena might have taken over, attempting to manipulate her colleagues, including Mark. If this theory holds weight, her cooperation with Mark could be a strategic move to preserve her cover while subtly influencing the narrative.

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