Severance Season 2, Episode 6 (“Attila”), written by Eric Wagoner and directed by Uta Briesewitz, leans more in the direction of a character piece, placing a stronger focus on individual plot threads. The episode opens with Mark recounting his vision of Gemma to Reghabi, a moment that encapsulates the recurring theme of fragmented identities and the central question of what truly makes a person who they are.
In the severed office, Dylan shares the drawings and instructions he received from Irving. Meanwhile, Helly’s innie takes the initiative to investigate, marking a significant shift in her growing sense of agency and independence from her outie. Her decision to pursue this on her own speaks to the ongoing theme of autonomy versus control throughout the series. As this unfolds, Mark continues to experience increasingly intense reintegration visions. Milchick takes the day off due to a performance review, leaving Ms. Huang in charge of the severed floor.
The episode also delves deeply into themes of love and relationships. Mark opens up to Helly about his past sexual encounter with her outie, Helena, during the ORTBO. His openness/honesty about the past event sparks a tense moment, with Helly feeling as though her outie has stolen an intimate experience from her. In response, Helly decides to create her meaningful memory, sharing an intimate moment with Mark on the severed floor. This scene serves as an exploration of the complexities between one’s inner and outer selves, as well as the struggle for emotional fulfillment within a system that strips individuals of their humanity.
Later in the episode, Mark suffers a random bloody nose, prompting Ms. Huang to examine him. While she reassures him that he is fine, her suspicious behavior hints that things may not be as they seem. Dylan meets with Gretchen once again, revealing his desire to be with her. They share a kiss, and Gretchen later lies to Dylan’s outie about the cancellation of the visitation session, suggesting she might feel more connected to his innie self.
Milchick, in the supply closet, practices improving his performance by meticulously arranging paper clips and simplifying his speech. This scene highlights the dehumanizing effects of working for Lumon while also showcasing Milchick’s dedication to fitting into Lumon’s mold, further leading the audience to wonder why he’s so dedicated to their effort.
Mark eventually decides to undergo a surgery to accelerate his reintegration process. The procedure is met with mixed results as Mark begins experiencing fragmented memories of his time with Helly. However, at the end of the episode he starts to become disoriented and collapses in front of his sister, Devon.
While the episode may not stand out as the season’s most thrilling, it succeeds in its character-driven approach, offering an in-depth look into Mark’s internal turmoil. Adam Scott’s performance continues to shine, especially in his portrayal of a man divided between two selves. Though the pacing occasionally stiffles, the character development and exploration remain compelling.
Overall, this episode strengthens Severance‘s ongoing exploration of the psychological and emotional consequences of the severance process, providing viewers with a mix of tense moments, heartfelt scenes, and thought-provoking questions.
Rating: 7/10