Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Severance Season 2, Episode 10. The finale of Severance Season 2 delivered a tumultuous ride, particularly for the enigmatic character Seth Milchick, portrayed by Tramell Tillman. Despite the whirlwind events affecting Mark (Adam Scott), Gemma (Dichen Lachman), and Helly (Britt Lower), Milchick’s arc deserves attention. As Mark wrapped up the Cold Harbor file, Milchick experienced a series of moments including an interaction with Kier Eagan and a peculiar dance routine. However, one pivotal moment’s potential to mark his rebellion against Lumon seemed to slip away.
Anticipation of Milchick Rebelling Against Lumon
Throughout Season 2, there appeared to be a growing anticipation for Milchick to break free from Lumon, similar to Ms. Cobel’s defiance. The series carefully demonstrated how executives like Mr. Drummond consistently undermined Milchick, deriding his verbosity and even touching upon racial dynamics through the oddly portrayed race-swapped Eagans. This buildup reached a peak during a moment of seeming clarity when Mark asserted, “Work’s just work.”I found myself convinced that the finale would finally grant Milchick the agency to defy his oppressors, especially during his memorable speech.
Milchick’s Speech with Kier Eagan’s Wax Statue
I genuinely believed that Milchick would seize the opportunity to oppose Lumon during his awkward address to the wax figure of Kier Eagan. The groundwork laid throughout Season 2 built the tension for this pivotal moment, especially when the statue insulted Milchick’s vocabulary once more. It seemed as though he would finally snap. His brief moment of rebellion included openly ridiculing the figure during a significant moment in Lumon’s history, yet it all fell flat. Ultimately, Milchick chose to suppress his frustration, accepting Kier’s rebuttal through the robot’s intercom to introduce the Choreography and Merriment department.
Milchick’s Loyalty to Lumon Revealed Through His Decision
Milchick Would Fight and Die for Lumon
The fact that Milchick had the chance to separate from Lumon yet chose not to speaks volumes about his character. Despite the consistent verbal abuse and psychological turmoil inflicted by both Lumon and internalized self-doubt, Milchick remained loyal, evidencing how deeply intertwined his identity is with the company. For him, Lumon transcends mere employment; it has become his entire existence. He seems prepared to endure constant disparagement and even sacrifice his own individuality for the organization.
A telling scene showcases Milchick expressing desperation as he physically slammed against the bathroom door, trapped by Helly and Dylan. When he finally broke free, he resembled a wild creature witnessing the Choreography and Merriment department’s betrayal. His frantic return to the fold illustrates that losing his position at Lumon terrifies him more than any danger posed by an escape. Milchick’s fate seems sealed within Lumon’s walls, hinting that he may continue to be a long-term loyalist until his last breath.