[This article contains significant spoilers from Severance season two, episode nine, “The After Hours.” ]
A Heartfelt Farewell in “The After Hours”
“I want to remember it.”
“Probably better if we don’t.”
These poignant lines resonate deeply in the context of the series, showcasing the complex relationship between Irving, played by John Turturro, and Burt, portrayed by Christopher Walken. Their characters, once romantically intertwined within the walls of Lumon Industries, find themselves on the brink of separation.
Irving’s Painful Decision
In the penultimate episode of season two, titled “The After Hours,” viewers witness a heartrending farewell between Burt and Irving. As Burt, a former Lumon “goon,” helps Irving escape the clutches of their oppressive workplace, the audience is left grappling with questions about Irving’s fate. Having been booted from the MDR department and now forced to leave town, some might wonder if this signals the end for Turturro’s character. However, Turturro hints at a broader narrative complexity still to unfold.
Insights from John Turturro
In an engaging interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Turturro reveals that creator Dan Erickson provided him with extensive background details on Irving prior to filming. He emphasizes the importance of understanding his character’s motivations—elements that may not always be visible on screen. According to Turturro, this foundational knowledge has been crucial in shaping Irving’s evolving character arc throughout the series.
“I’m not used to being on a show. I’m used to doing a miniseries, a kind of arc. I guess they have some backstory, but still, you’re writing it and then there are other writers involved…”
Turturro’s description of the fluid nature of character development in an ongoing series highlights the challenge of portraying a character existing in dual states—both as their “innie”and “outie”selves. He notes how, despite these complexities, the core elements of Irving’s personality remain intact.
The Complexity of Severance
As Turturro elaborates on the show’s themes, he acknowledges that each character in Severance faces their unique burdens for being severed, whether stemming from grief, a desire for escape, or family ties to Lumon. This narrative device allows audiences to connect with the relatable struggles faced by the characters. Turturro notes:
“Everyone gets severed on this show for different reasons.”
Engagement with the Audience
The participatory nature of Severance has sparked significant fan engagement, creating rich conversations and theories online about the show’s enigmatic plot. Turturro appreciates this interaction, expressing a desire to connect with fans and understand their perspectives:
“I’d love to do an episode where I have [all of the fans] around me. I’d ask them, ‘So, what should I do?'”
Irving and Burt’s Relationship
The relationship between Irving and Burt serves as a highlight not just for the characters, but for the audience as well. Turturro reflects on the intensity of their farewell scene, characterized by emotional callbacks to their shared moments from earlier seasons. He describes the chemistry with Walken as something profound that transcends the script:
“With Chris and I, the sum of our parts are greater than whatever it is.”
Looking Ahead to the Future
As fans anticipate the season finale of Severance, Turturro remains optimistic about the possibilities for Irving’s storyline. He believes there is still much left to explore, and hints at personal narratives he is eager to portray:
“Oh yeah. Oh yeah. And it would have to be in a very active way.”
Conclusion
Severance continues to captivate audiences, blending thought-provoking themes with complex character dynamics. The season two finale will be available for streaming on Apple TV+ this coming Friday, promising to uncover more layers of this intricate narrative. Stay tuned for important developments as the series unfolds its intriguing storylines and character arcs.