Severance Season 2 Ending Explained

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In the last episode of Season 2 of “Severance”, viewers are put to the test to remain calm as Outie Mark (Adam Scott) contacts Mark S., with the aim of rescuing Gemma (Dichen Lachman) from the terrors of the Testing Floor. As anticipated, the finale of the second season is filled with sorrow and anxiety, as characters on both sides of the Severed Floor elevator grapple with the malevolence at Lumon and strive to bring down their empire. Interestingly, the final episode of Season 2 also has its moments of lightheartedness, staying faithful to the dark comedy essence of the series. Despite the divisive pace of the season, the finale justifies it all by wrapping up several plotlines while hinting at a potentially disturbing third season.

WARNING: Spoilers below for Severance Season 2, Episode 10

In a running time of 76 minutes, “Cold Harbor” stands as the longest episode of the series Severance so far. This installment delves into the aftermath for Dylan G., played by Zach Cherry, following his dismissal request, and hints at the ominous function of the Mammalians Nurturable department. Yet, what truly captures attention is that Severance Season 2 liberates Gemma from her underground confinement and propels Mark S. on a perilous quest within Lumon. With numerous critical events and disclosures unfolding in “Cold Harbor,” let’s delve into the key happenings and secrets of Severance Season 2, Episode 10.

Mark S. and Outie Mark Have a Heartfelt Conversation

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In the closing moments of Season 2, we find ourselves continuing from where Episode 9 ended, with the severed birth cabin serving as a conduit for Mark S. to venture into the actual world. Aided by a video camera, both Outie Mark and Mark S. cross the cabin’s threshold, manipulating their brains’ severance switch to communicate with one another. As a result of Outie Mark’s recording, Mark S. becomes aware that completing the Cold Harbor file will be Gemma’s final test and ultimately result in her demise. This revelation underscores the urgency for them to act swiftly once the file is finished, while Lumon remains vulnerable.

Outie Mark devises a strategy to save Gemma, instructing Mark S. to locate an elevator that leads to the Testing Floor. Once the elevator descends, the severance chip within Outie Mark will allow him entry into Lumon, enabling him to track down Gemma and transport her to the Severed Floor. Afterward, it’s once again on Mark S. to guide Gemma towards the exit stairs. While Outie Mark’s plan appears sound, Mark S. is concerned about the potential repercussions of this daring operation. If Gemma manages to escape Lumon, she could expose their entire operation as a whistleblower, leading to the cancellation of the severance program and potentially endangering all innies (the consciousness implants).

According to Mark S., living on the Severed Floor is harsh, but it’s his reality, and he’s uneasy about giving up every innie across the planet just to save Gemma’s life. Outie Mark attempts to reason that reintegration will blend their personalities, but Mark S. remains skeptical. First, because Outie Mark can’t clarify the reintegration process – as he himself is not well-versed in it. Second, even if the reintegration is perfect, there’s no chance Helena Eagen (Britt Lower) would ever combine with Helly R. Therefore, by assisting Outie Mark, Mark S. risks losing the love of his life.

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This intense debate fails to find a resolution, as Mark S. warns that Gemma may perish unless he regains consciousness on the Severed Floor. However, it underscores the ethical dilemmas inherent in Severance. The series has made clear that innies possess unique personalities and desires. Yet, even an individual as informed about the situation as Outie Mark finds it hard to view innies as equals on the outside world.

Dylan G. Comes to Terms With His Outie

In the final moments of Episode 9, Dylan G., following the revelation of his innie affair with Gretchen (Merritt Wever), his wife, makes the decision to resign from his job at Lumon. To preserve their marriage, Gretchen opts not to visit Dylan G. again. Overwhelmed by the thought that his outer self can have a normal family life while he’s forever bound to the Severed Floor, Dylan G. decides to submit his resignation and ultimately leave the company.

In the final episode of Season 2 of Severance, it’s revealed that Dylan G. once again finds himself on the Severed Floor. At first, he assumes this is because his Outie has rejected his request for dismissal. However, a letter from Outie Dylan clarifies the situation: Outie Dylan is upset with Dylan G. over their shared kiss with his wife. Despite this anger, Outie Dylan shows an unexpected understanding. He admits that it’s logical for Dylan G. to be attracted to Gretchen and even acknowledges that her attraction to Dylan G.’s confidence has motivated him to improve himself as a husband. In a surprising move, Outie Dylan leaves the ‘denied’ and ‘approved’ boxes on the dismissal form blank, giving Dylan G. the power to decide his own fate.

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In a heartfelt correspondence, Outie Dylan extends an invitation to Dylan G., ensuring his presence at the Severed Floor during crises. Not long after, energized and inspired, Dylan G. aligns with Helly R.’s movement, aiming to transform Lumon for good.

Helly. R Starts a Riot (And Lumon Is Not Preparared)

Following a intense confrontation with Outie Mark, Mark S finds himself on the Dissected Level upon waking up next. Shortly after, Helly R appears in the scene. The area has undergone some alterations. A fresh painting, titled “The Glorious Triumph of Cold Harbor,” now adorns the wall near the entrance elevator, portraying Mark S meticulously working with numbers in a seemingly sacred manner, under the watchful eyes of all Severance’s characters. The hallways are dimly lit, with soft lights leading Mark S to the MDR room. There, a mechanical statue of Kier stands guard over the MDR stations.

Mark S. and Helly R. discuss their recent events. With her compassionate nature, Helly R. persuades Mark S. to complete Cold Harbor in order to save Gemma. Though it means ending their relationship, Helly R.’s heart cannot bear the thought of another’s distress without attempting to alleviate it. Furthermore, even if they risk their lives, Helly R. believes that defeating Lumon is the morally correct action.

After Mark S. completes Cold Harbor, Mr. Milchick initiates the festivities. This extravaganza involves a elaborate musical performance by Choreography & Merriment, a division within Severed Floor made up entirely of a marching band. As Mr. Milchick conducts the band, Helly R. manages to snatch his radio, leads the manager to the bathroom and locks him in. This creates an opportunity for Mark S. to depart from the MDR room and utilize Irving B.’s (John Turturro) map to locate the Testing Floor elevator.

Meanwhile, Mark S. saves Gemma, while Helly R. wrestles with closing the bathroom door. Not far off, Dylan G. helps her by shoving a vending machine against the door to prevent Mr. Milchick from entering. On the other side of the door, Mr. Milchick strains and pushes against the vending machine in an attempt to break through. The music and laughter continue until Mr. Milchick commands them back to their workstations. Seizing this opportunity, Helly R. speaks up to her colleagues about Lumon, suggesting they should rise against them or else they will keep losing their loved ones and never have their humanity acknowledged. In Helly’s words, “They offer us a mere existence and expect us not to fight for it.

In the closing scene of Season 2 of ‘Severance’, Mr. Milchick forcefully frees himself by destroying a vending machine. Yet, upon leaving the bathroom, he encounters Dylan G. and the entirety of Choreography & Merriment. It turns out that Helly R. instigated a rebellion within Lumon, and the innies united to challenge their oppressors. This unexpected event sets the stage for Season 3, as we’ll witness the innies attempting to overthrow Lumon from within, presenting a significant shift in the series’ narrative direction.

The Daring Rescue of Gemma

On the Severed Floor, Mark S. is causing a ruckus, while in Cold Harbor room, Gemma prepares for her concluding trial. She’s instructed to don an attire that viewers will recall as the one she wore the night she appeared deceased. Completing Mark S.’s file has led to the creation of a new Gemma persona, designed by Lumon to be tested within Cold Harbor and gauge the limits of psychological torment the severance chip can withstand. Interestingly, Cold Harbor appears deceptively straightforward, containing only a crib that this newly developed Gemma is commanded to dismantle. Given Gemma’s history of miscarriage and unsuccessful pregnancy attempts, this task should prove incredibly distressing. However, the severance chip remains intact, allowing the new Gemma to carry out Dr. Mauer’s instructions blindly, oblivious to their significance.

In simpler terms, Gemma’s test concluding successfully leads to her being sacrificed by Mr. Drummond (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson) as part of a strange ritual in the final episode of Severance Season 2. As Gemma takes apart the crib, Mr. Drummond welcomes Lorne (Gwendoline Christie), head of the Mammalians Nurturable department, who arrives pushing a stroller with a baby goat. According to Mr. Drummond’s instructions, Lorne is expected to kill the goat so it can be buried with Gemma and guide her spirit to Kier. Lorne expresses discomfort and asks about future sacrifices she may have to make. The scene emphasizes that Lumon has killed numerous people in the Testing Floor, which clarifies the role of Mammalians Nurturable.

The intrusion into the hallway towards the Testing Floor elevator is disrupted by Mark S.’s attempt to gain entry. Mr. Drummond senses the commotion at the door and confronts Mark S., attempting to end his life. However, the violent encounter is halted when Lorne intervenes, stepping in to protect Emile, the goat. This suggests that Mammalians Nurturable might align with Helly R.’s rebellion against Lumon, potentially playing a larger role in Season 3 of Severance.

With Lorne’s bolt pistol holding Mr. Drummond captive, Mark S. rides the elevator up to the Testing Floor. As the disengage switch activates, Outie Mark unintentionally fires the gun, killing Mr. Drummond and staining his clothes with blood. Realizing that the Cold Harbor room’s door was locked via DNA recognition, Outie Mark uses Mr. Drummond’s blood on his soaked tie to deceive the system. He crashes the test, thwarts Lumnon’s plans, and persuades this Gemma (who has no recollection of him) to exit the room. Upon leaving Cold Harbor, the severance chip reinstates the original Gemma, reuniting them for the first time in two years.

In a breathless chase, Dr. Mauer (Robby Benson) yells behind me and Gemma as we dash toward the elevator: “You’ll endanger everyone!” Once inside, Gemma and I share a passionate kiss just as the severance chip flips once more. Mark S. and Ms. Casey find themselves awake on the Severed Floor, still embraced. Befuddled, Ms. Casey follows Mark S.’s lead toward the exit stairs. Outside Lumon’s building, I regain my lost memories. Calling for Mark S., I see him hesitate, unsure of his next steps. But as Helly R. appears, breaking Mark S.’s stupor, he turns away from me, opting to stay within the Severed Floor with Helly R. My heart aches as I scream out to him, pleading for him to leave the building with me.

What Will Happen in Severance Season 3?

With Gemma out of the picture, Devon (Jen Tullock) and Harmony Cobel (Patricia Arquette) find themselves in a powerful position against Lumon. They possess a witness who can expose the company’s abductions, unlawful human experiments, and the sinister nature of the Testing Floor. Yet, this triumph isn’t without its price, as Mark S. chooses to stay alive within the confines of the Severed Floor in pursuit of his own happiness. Furthermore, there remains a mystery surrounding Irving Bailiff (John Turturro), last seen boarding a train during Season 2, Episode 9, and the enigma behind Burt Goodman (Christopher Walken) still lingers.

In Season 3 of “Severance”, we’ll delve into the external repercussions of Gemma’s release and witness the events unfolding on the Severed Floor. The characters within, known as innies, are likely to oppose Lumon and resist simply logging off, allowing their outies to take charge. Consequently, Season 3 will probe what transpires when the Severed Floor is no longer subject to work regulations but instead controlled by individuals struggling for their autonomy.

Both seasons of Severance are currently available on Apple TV+.

What were your thoughts on ‘Severance’ Season 2? Feel free to use the comments section below to express your ideas and predictions for what may unfold in Season 3!

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2025-03-21 10:11