SPOILER ALERT: This article includes spoilers for Season 2, Episode 10 of “Severance,” which is available on Apple TV+.
The Season 2 finale of “Severance” delivered a shocking twist after a season focused on Innie Mark’s and Outie Mark’s efforts to save Gemma. Innie Mark ultimately rescues Gemma from the Testing Floor but chooses to abandon her for Helly after delivering her to safety. This choice reflects Innie Mark’s desires rather than Outie Mark’s, as the two engage in a video conversation earlier in the episode to strategize Gemma’s escape.
In a scene parallel to Mark’s frantic search for Gemma in the season premiere, Helly and Mark sprint down the corridor, with alarm sirens blaring to alert Lunon’s security of their actions.
Gemma is left confused and alone, while Milchick struggles to reign in the MDR team during a dramatic band performance intended to celebrate Mark’s completion of the Cold Harbor file. Dylan remains the only MDR employee under Lumon’s control following the others’ escape, while Cobel and Devon await news of the rescue attempt’s outcome.
The Future of Helly and Mark
The finale poses a challenge for the characters: after freeing Gemma from Lumon, Innie Mark opts not to reunite with her but instead stays within the building with Helly. He understands that leaving would mean ceasing to exist as Innie Mark; similarly, Helly risks reawakening as Helena Eagan who wouldn’t return to the Severed Floor. Their decision indicates that they prefer living within Lumon over the uncertainty of life outside, leading to questions about their survival and what Lumon’s retribution will be for their actions.
Gemma’s Plight
As the finale wraps up, Gemma finds herself banging on the Severed Floor door in despair, witnessing her husband choose Helly over her. Although free, she still needs to navigate her way to safety and may not escape Lumon’s grasp. With minimal understanding of Innie Mark’s identity, she might even recognize Helly if they had crossed paths at Lumon. Support from Devon or perhaps Cobel could be vital for Gemma to find true safety.
Mark’s Reintegration and Its Implications
Mark began the reintegration process previously this season, but it appears the journey is far from complete. While viewers anticipated a full merging of Innie and Outie Mark, the surgical augmentations seem to have limited consequences thus far. Significant distinctions remain between Innie Mark and Outie Mark, especially evident during their conversation through the camcorder. With the future uncertain, questions linger about what else must occur for Mark to fully reintegrate and whether such a process is even feasible.
Lumon’s Security and the Larger Picture
One significant concern raised is Lumon’s weak security measures surrounding the Testing Floor during Mark’s infiltration. The lack of oversight casts doubt on the company’s priorities and whether they may be overconfident regarding their control. Several mysteries remain, including how Lumon orchestrated Gemma’s kidnapping and engaged in the deception of her supposed death, as well as the motivations behind selecting Mark and Gemma for their severance experiment originally.
