Severance season 2 continues to explore the psychological depth of its characters in episode 5, titled “Trojan’s Horse,” where the show blends suspense, and mystery all while pushing the dystopian narrative to new creative heights. In this episode directed by Sam Donovan and written by Megan Ritchie, they take us on another unsettling journey through Lumon that examines corporate manipulation and work relationships. 

The episode begins with a cryptic moment when a mysterious man whistles and asks, “Do you have them?” setting the tone for the episode, adding an air of mystery and a sense of impending danger. Following the intense events of episode 4’s Outdoor Retreat and Team-Building Occurrence (ORTBO), we see Helena coerced into continuing her work on the severed floor as she is forced to stay in her Innie form until Mark completes the Cold Harbor file. This new development adds tension to the already fractured dynamic among the characters of the MDR floor.

Milchick delivers a cold update to the MDR floor, confirming that Irving has been permanently terminated after his attempted murder of Helly. Dylan demands that Irving’s Innie be given a proper farewell ceremony. Milchick, surprisingly, agrees, and during the ceremony, Dylan notices the words “hang in there” — Irving’s last words — written on a poster in the break room. Upon further investigation, Dylan discovers a hidden card with directions to the Exports Hall behind the poster. Despite the danger of being caught by Lumon employees, he hides the card, further cementing his renewed rebellious status towards Lumon.

Dylan also finds out that Mark’s Outie is married to Gemma Scout, also known as Ms. Casey. Mark’s growing distrust of Helly fuels his suspicions, as he becomes more and more unsure of his connection to her and the implications it could have on his relationships, both professional and personal.

Milchick undergoes his first review of his performance as Department Head, where Mr. Drummond harshly criticizes him for his failed ORTBO and Kindness Reforms. This scene highlights Milchick’s failure to enforce the necessary discipline and structure for the Innies, contributing directly to their lack of progress. While he is lenient in his approach, his failure to maintain a firm stance within the team has allowed them to stray from their objectives. His lack of severity has ultimately hindered their ability to achieve success, as critical boundaries and expectations weren’t properly upheld, leading to a lack of productivity within the department. The scene suggests that a more stringent approach might be enforced moving forward.  

In this episode, we also follow Mark’s sister’s husband, Ricken, who works on a heavily edited, propaganda-filled version of his book titled The You You Are — commissioned by Lumon to further brainwash the Innies. This project puts Ricken and his wife, Devon, at odds. 

Meanwhile, Irving’s Outie has an unexpected encounter with Burt, who has been following Irving’s movements since the events of the Overtime Contingency. The two men share a conversation, during which Burt reveals his theories about their past connection. Burt invites Irving to dinner the next day, which adds another layer to their shared story.

At the episode’s climax, Mark learns that Lumon is connected to the morgue where his wife Gemma was cremated, revealing that the remains he has aren’t actually hers. This shocking discovery culminates in a final scene where Mark sees Gemma alive and breathing on the severed floor — a twist that will surely leave the viewers questioning what’s truly going on.

“Trojan’s Horse” maintains the momentum of previous episodes, even though its visual appeal may not be as striking as episode 4’s stunning use of the snowy, isolated woodland setting. However, the episode still succeeds in expanding the show’s mythology while raising thought-provoking questions about corporate power, control, and personal identity.

While the episode is filled with action and intrigue, it continues to dig into the themes of control, manipulation, and resistance that have come to be expected from Severance. The narrative may at times feel slow, but the characters’ own personal struggles continue to captivate the audience and keep them hooked as the lore of Severance becomes increasingly expanded upon.

Overall, “Trojan’s Horse” is a powerful continuation of Severance’s second season. It builds on the mysteries of the show while deepening character development and pushing forward the overarching narrative. While its pacing might feel a bit drawn-out at times, the episode succeeds in keeping the viewer invested. The world of Severance continues to be a place of intrigue.

Rating: 7/10