With so many options available for shows and movies to watch on streaming services, it is sometimes difficult to get into something new without much introduction. Sci-fi media can already be difficult to get into, but a gripping story in either case can make it one of the most impactful genres. If you are looking for an easy-to-get-into sci-fi show that has a unique and exciting premise, high-quality production and a strangely hilarious sense of humor, then “Severance” on AppleTV+, which recently wrapped up its second acclaimed season, is a show you have to try.
Taking place in a modern world but very isolated community, the driving force of the story is the massive corporation, Lumon, who ten years ago invented “severance,” a medical procedure in which employees have their memories and consciousness divided in two: one being reserved exclusively for working on the company’s underground “severed floor” and the other for life outside work. These two halves effectively form two separate identities in a single body that know nothing of each other and cannot communicate. In the show, the half working on the severed floor is referred to as an “innie” while the half that lives their own life outside of the cold, corporate office is the “outie”.
The show primarily follows Mark Scout (played by Adam Scott of “Parks and Recreation), a severed Lumon employee, uncovering just what exactly his work is at Lumon. On the inside, his innie, known only as “Mark S.,” navigates the sterile, cultish environment of Lumon when his devotion to the company is shaken by a new employee’s defiance, all while still trying to get his department to meet their quarterly quota conducting suspicious “mysterious and important” data entry on vintage-style computers.
“‘Severance’ is one of the best shows on television for its pacing, its incredible acting and its episodic content not feeling useless at any moment,” Rose Kembitskey (11) said.
The series also stars Britt Lower (“Unforgettable”) as Helly R., John Turturro (“The Big Lebowski”) as Irving B., and Zach Cherry (“Fallout”) as Dylan G. as Mark’s coworkers in the Macrodata Refinement department. There is also an impressive amount of supporting performances from Patricia Arquette (“Medium”), Christopher Walken (“Click”), Tramell Tillman (“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning”) and Dichen Lachman (“Neighbours”). Written by Dan Erickson and directed by Ben Stiller, “Severance” features a cast with both immense star power and star-making turns.
Originally inspired in part by Black Mirror’s episode “White Christmas”, the series represents a transformative addition to the genre of science fiction television—one that goes to extreme lengths to immerse the viewer in its story. These come as subtle hints such as the musical notes played in the elevator when an outie switches to their innie at the start of a work day, which encourages theorizing and represents a level of complexity often missed in television today. Extreme attention is also placed on the details of the show’s visuals, which utilizes a strictly limited color palette in each shot to enhance attention to particular areas of the screen. Many shots in the show were also accomplished using practical effects as opposed to the much more common (and often not as realistic) CGI.
“The idea of severing our brains into two distinct consciousnesses raises questions about identity, free will, and a society obsessed with efficiency,” Columbia Heights High School (CHHS) engineering teacher Mr. Christian Arel said. “The themes of corporate power and religiosity are captivating, and well-developed characters often bring humor to the story.”
Themes of worker exploitation and questions surrounding the future of technology in “Severance” are very timely, making the show a relevant commentary on the current state of how society views jobs and workers, especially in comparison to the wealthy class that largely employs them. With such cultural relevance, the series has garnered an active fanbase, which, after the recent release of season two, has grown exponentially. There are several active conversations surrounding the show online, many attempting to answer the many questions the story poses, such as what exactly this “mysterious and important” work is. Many viewers have clung to its many mystery elements and have crafted dozens of theories in an attempt to explain the bizarre world of “Severance”.
“Jarring. Disruptive. Completely unbinge-able, yet I cannot stop watching,” CHHS English teacher Ms. Jessica Bolles said.
Rarely has a TV series so captivated viewers and critics alike. Especially in the wake of its new season, “Severance” has become a highly praised and anticipated series among sci-fi freaks and even normies simply looking for a good show. “Severance” has something to enjoy for every kind of viewer wanting to discover why this show is so mysterious and important. Praise Kier!
