Severance has taken its audience on a mind-bending journey. With the release of Season 2, Episode 2, titled “Goodbye, Mrs. Selvig,” the show dives even deeper into its dark, dystopian world of Lumon Industries. The episode continues to explore the psychological and emotional toll of the severance procedure while ramping up the tension among its main characters. With Mark and his colleagues still reeling from the fallout of the innie revolt, the power dynamics within Lumon Industries begin to shift, opening up new avenues for intrigue.

The episode picks up in the aftermath of the overtime contingency, with Milchick tasked with fixing things. He informs Dylan and Irving that they’ve been fired, with Milchick’s menacing presence continuing to be a highlight of the show. His cold, robotic demeanor contrasts sharply with the character’s emotional turmoil, and his ability to manipulate those around him remains unsettling. 

Irving, meanwhile, continues to live in denial, lying to Milchick about his whereabouts the night of the revolt. His refusal to face the truth reflects his growing internal conflict. He’s been trapped in this world for so long that he hesitates even when allowed to break free. 

Helena faces the consequences of her actions at the Lumon gala. Her father, James Eagan, chastises her for her outburst, and the tension within the Eagan family adds another layer of drama to the episode. Cobel, having been cast aside after the revolt, is now in a position of weakness, but she refuses to let go of her desire to control the severed floor. Helena’s offer of a promotion to run the “Severance Advisory Council” is met with Cobel’s anger and pride, and it’s clear that the power struggle within Lumon is only getting started.

After reawakening at home, Mark is confronted by Devon, who is alarmed to find that he is no longer in innie form. We see more of the growing tension between Mark’s dual identities and the impact the severance procedure has on his personal life. 

Dylan, too, faces personal struggles. After being turned down for a job after admitting to being severed, he’s forced to break the news to his wife, Gretchen. This scene shows the bleak reality these characters face outside the severed floor. 

As the episode progresses, the tension between Mark and the rest of the team grows. The meeting at Pip’s Diner with Devon adds to the already charged situation. Devon presses Mark on the meaning of the phrase, “she’s alive,” suggesting that it might refer to Gemma, Mark’s deceased wife. Mark’s defense of the truth—that he saw her body and that it was cremated—feels like a moment of clarity for him, but it also exposes just how deep his pain is. The conversation ends with Mark storming off, but little does he know that Mr. Drummond has been listening in on the exchange, adding an eerie sense of surveillance that runs throughout the episode.

The episode ends with the board agreeing to Mark’s request to reinstate his old team, including Irving and Dylan, but Helena, despite her previous attempts to control the severed floor, sends herself back. In the final scene, Mark confronts Cobel, demanding answers about her role in his life and her lies about her identity. The moment is charged with emotion, and Cobel’s angry departure leaves Mark stunned, adding another layer of mystery to the already complex world of Severance.

Overall, “Goodbye, Mrs. Selvig” is a gripping episode that deepens the emotional and psychological stakes. The power struggles within Lumon and the growing tension between the characters create a sense of unease that lingers throughout the episode. The acting, most notably from Tramell Tillman, remains stellar, and the show continues to do an excellent job of balancing its dark, dystopian world with moments of personal vulnerability.

The episode successfully sets the stage for the rest of the season, leaving viewers awaiting more, with new discoveries and complex themes that promise to make the coming episodes even more compelling. While there are still many unanswered questions, it’s clear that Severance is only getting more complex—and more captivating—with each passing episode.

Rating: 7.5/10