As we eagerly await the next chapter of Severance, one burning question looms: How much longer can the severed system survive when its most loyal employees begin to unravel? The chilling corporate mind-control procedure that divides work and personal life has already sparked cracks in Lumon Industries’ seemingly perfect system. Here’s what we predict will happen next, based on the events of season one. Spoilers ahead if you haven’t caught up yet!
1. The Collapse of the “Severed” System
The premise of severing one’s consciousness is as chilling as it is simple: employees at Lumon undergo a procedure that separates their work life from their personal life, creating two distinct identities—an “innie” at work, and an “outie” in the outside world. The “innie” has no memory of life outside the office, and the “outie” remains unaware of the tasks performed at Lumon. What starts as a tool for corporate control quickly turns into a psychological nightmare.
Mark Scout’s Growing Awareness
One of the most compelling storylines in season one is Mark Scout’s slow realization that his two selves are not as separate as he once believed. At first, his “innie” is a blank slate, functioning solely to complete his job, while the “outie” is oblivious to the work he performs. But as Mark’s “outie” recalls fragments of his life—like the trauma of his wife’s death and his strained relationship with his sister—his two selves begin to bleed into each other.
Mark’s growing awareness of his dual identity is the first crack in Lumon’s perfect system. This realization propels him to question not only the ethics of the severance procedure but also Lumon’s true intentions. Could Mark be the first spark of rebellion? As season two unfolds, we’ll likely see his awareness grow, setting the stage for a larger movement against Lumon’s control.
The Unraveling of Lumon’s Control
Mark’s realization is just the beginning. Other employees, like Helly (played by Britt Lower), are beginning to experience similar moments of self-awareness. Helly’s “innie” is horrified by the work she’s forced to do at Lumon, while her “outie” remains completely unaware of her distress. If Helly’s “innie” becomes fully aware of her identity, it could become a major catalyst for rebellion.
Season two may reveal more characters questioning their severed identities, especially Irving (John Turturro), whose loyalty to Lumon starts to waver as he develops a strange bond with his co-worker, Burt (Christopher Walken).
As these characters start to reconcile their conflicting “innie” and “outie” selves, they will face intense psychological crises, pushing them to rebel. Expect subtle acts of resistance—like sabotage or covert sabotage campaigns—or even full-scale efforts to expose Lumon’s unethical practices.
2. Mark’s Path to Integration
A major theme in season two will likely be the potential integration of Mark’s two selves. If his “innie” begins to remember his personal life and his “outie” starts recalling events at work, their merging could lead to catastrophic consequences, both personally and for Lumon.
On a personal level, Mark could face an emotional breakdown as he confronts the trauma of his wife’s death while navigating his current life. The integration of these two identities might force him to process his grief, which could destabilize the psychological boundaries that Lumon has worked so hard to maintain.
On a corporate level, the merging of Mark’s two selves could endanger Lumon’s control over its employees. If Mark’s “innie” starts remembering critical moments about his wife’s death or his life outside of work, he could become a direct threat to Lumon’s operations. This could lead to the exposure of Lumon’s sinister practices, perhaps even sparking a full-blown revolt.
3. The Pressure on Severed Consciousness
As more employees begin to recognize their divided identities, the psychological strain will become unbearable. The severance procedure, designed to maintain control and order, is increasingly vulnerable to breakdown. Characters like Mark and Helly, already showing signs of psychological distress, could soon reach a tipping point.
Their growing awareness could push them to take drastic actions—ranging from minor resistance efforts to larger, more daring moves to expose the truth. In a worst-case scenario for Lumon, a mass exodus of employees or an external investigation could lead to a public scandal that unravels the entire company.
Conclusion: Unraveling of the System
Season two of Severance is set to explore the consequences of the severance procedure breaking down.
As characters like Mark, Helly, and Irving confront their divided identities, we will see the psychological pressure intensify, leading to rebellion, resistance, and possibly the collapse of Lumon’s control. The stakes are higher than ever, as the show continues to delve into questions about identity, autonomy, and the power of corporate manipulation.
What do you think will happen next? Will Mark successfully integrate his two selves, or will it lead to his undoing? Could Lumon’s control finally crumble under the pressure of its own employees? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!
