MoviesNewsTalk
Severance a well known science fiction series has returned for a second season on Apple TV+ after a three year wait. The show follows themes about identity, memory manipulation and a bizarre world of corporate dynamics.
when it first premiered in 2022 the show received praise for how unique the work/life balance concept was with its creative storytelling. It follows the lives of those who have severed their work life from their real lives as they attempt to manage both as a whole new entity with limited knowledge of each aspect.
The idea behind severing your brain for the work day made for an interesting concept and the way the series explored it made a more in depth thought provoking experience for those who viewed it. The themes include information overload and how corporate life will challenge a person’s personal view.
The second season picks up five months after the cliff hanger with all of the team finally accessing their “work life” memories into their personal time. Each character returns to their office bringing this new found knowledge about what is going on. New twists and mysteries evolve as story continues adding even more levels to their roles.
The series shows how unpredictable some characters have become with their added insights into who they are and their roles within the company. The audience shares this experience as the unreliable narratives add suspense as not all information or characters are truly what they may appear to be.
Season two allows both Innies and Outies a more in depth exploration of both their characters while showcasing different ways these personas navigate each conflict. It delves deeper into the characters backgrounds including their true motives for each decision adding to more complex elements.
Adam Scott, Britt Lower, John Turturro and Zach Cherry are all making their return and will continue to embody their well known parts. Adam Scott delivers his heartbreaking character as the outie with witty humor as innie Mark. Lower shows an impressive performance with a complex range of skill. Also Torturro portrays a bland facade with fire just under the surface.
Several guest actors also become a part of the second series such as Gwendoline Christie, Merritt Wever and more. Some of the newest faces were called “ones to watch” as the series progresses to show they have new aspects to be brought forward to further the story.
"Severance" delves further into the company’s culture showing its cult-like environment with focus on Kier Eagan, its founder as well as a unique way of employee management. The series is now moving into not just what they do but expanding into the why the company culture is so important to its overall goal.
Late-stage capitalism and mega corporation's control is still very present with an expanded discussion on policies. They also give focus on dehumanization as a practice. "Severance" challenges this by focusing on connections through humanity feelings and a unique set of morals.
The shows continues its signature visuals with stark contrast in sterile white of the offices as compared to cold bleak landscapes and an unnerving quality is created within each moment. This continues to be a staple of what makes the viewing experience so memorable through design and camera work.
The careful detail from sets to costumes with its specific style. They create an elevated and intriguing atmosphere, which allows unique emotions to each scene making viewers crave every aspect of the story’s delivery.
"Severance" is very highly regarded by critics with the new season matching the previous with similar reviews of excellence. Even through the lengthy production the show still manages to maintain both viewership interest and critical praise that sets it up to be considered for various types of awards.
Some find it frustrating in the method of its story delivery because it does not answer all major questions throughout the season leaving some of it to viewers to determine what is truly meant by each revelation and mystery as it unfolds. Many describe the story telling as having the viewers be strung along while stacking enigmas upon another one while not fully delivering all the information quickly enough for others. This pace for many created excitement.
The second season still delivers unique and intriguing scenes, imagery, complex character interactions that keeps viewers attention even when details are more subtle. The ability to make viewers continue to question what they are watching creates a large need to follow it closely and continue that process. Many claim that because it delivers an expansion to weird lore but still maintains the focus on humanity.
"Severance" is available on the Apple TV+ platform with new episodes released weekly giving it a slow roll out to keep fans engaged and looking forward to future content. However Apple also has a deal with the Roku Channel which has given it a free limited run as a way to encourage viewership and new subscribers.
The partnership for Severance to be streamed for free is to also give viewers a peak into all the new changes while encouraging a subscription with their platform to get the latest and upcoming content on Apple TV+. As a result it allows access from a new set of viewers.
The overall consensus has agreed that Severance will continue with further series. Viewers will have a continuous flow of questions and challenges which may provide interesting turns as the story expands, this allows future seasons to always feel relevant. The unique premise gives room for further storytelling that the series is known for delivering.