Warning: This article contains spoilers for Severance season 2.
The season 2 finale of Severance left audiences with plenty of intriguing plotlines that are bound to carry forward into the eagerly anticipated season 3. This Apple TV+ series, which made its debut in 2022, centers around Mark Scout, an employee on the severed floor of the enigmatic Lumon Industries. As the first season concluded with Mark and his coworkers initiating an uprising against Lumon, the follow-up season delved even deeper into the complexities of their rebellion and the secrets it unveils. Fans are hopeful that season 3 will further explore these captivating narratives.
Particularly in the season 2 finale, viewers witnessed Mark’s dramatic return to Lumon to finish the Cold Harbor project. The episode features a theatrical musical number led by Milchick, followed by Mark’s daring escape to rescue Gemma. However, in a shocking twist, he chooses to return to the building with Helly instead of following Gemma out. This decision sets the stage for what looks to be an intense opening arc for season 3.
1. Mark, Helly, & Dylan Face Their Actions
What Will Lumon Do to Mark?
One of the central story arcs for season 3 will focus on the repercussions Mark, Helly, and Dylan face following their defiance against Lumon. The finale saw Dylan keeping Milchick trapped, Helly attacking Milchick, and Mark accidentally causing Drummond’s death, ultimately sabotaging Cold Harbor. It is clear that Lumon is likely to retaliate against its rebellious employees.
The pressing question is how Lumon will respond. With Mark significantly damaging Lumon’s interests, there’s a possibility he could be fired and have his microchip removed—which would effectively erase his innie. Conversely, given the destruction of Cold Harbor, Lumon might opt to detain Mark until he can replenish their losses. Additionally, Lumon’s need to maintain a lawful facade opens up a multitude of potential reactions.
2. Mark & Gemma’s Complicated Reunion
Gemma’s Story Demands Resolution
Another critical element that must unfold in season 3 is the true reunion of Mark and Gemma. While they share an emotional encounter soon after Gemma’s release, Mark’s innie ultimately prioritizes his bond with Helly. Outie Mark will certainly need to clarify his actions when he reunites with Gemma, assuming she successfully escapes Lumon and avoids further capture.
Moreover, significant questions remain surrounding Gemma’s predicament. Harmony Cobel previously indicated that Cold Harbor was about Mark constructing various identities for Gemma, yet the reasons behind her initial inclusion as a Lumon subject are still murky. Once in safety, Gemma will need the opportunity to recount her experience after the life-altering car accident.
3. Harmony Cobel’s True Motivations
Salt’s Neck: A Connection to Mark’s Journey?
Cobel’s character also gained depth during season 2, particularly when she revisits her hometown and reveals that the severance idea originated with her, only for Jame Eagan to claim credit. Her disillusionment with Lumon stems from a lifetime of dedication that ultimately left her unsupported, suggesting her motivations may now be aligned against the corporation.
Despite her apparent shift in allegiance, Cobel’s endgame remains ambiguous. Her actions hint at a desire to dismantle Lumon, or possibly a strategic ploy to regain influence. Season 3 will likely explore Cobel’s role within the series further, especially regarding her connection to Salt’s Neck and representing Lumon’s impact on local communities.
4. Irving’s New Journey
Irving’s Potential Reconnection with Mark & Others
Irving undergoes a significant transformation by the end of season 2. After being dismissed from Lumon and reconnecting with Burt as his outie, he decides to flee the area to escape the company. It remains uncertain where his journey will take him, but it seems probable that season 3 will revisit Irving’s post-Lumon life. In his quest for distance, he may uncover clandestine information.
A major question lingers: Will Irving ever reunite with Mark, Helly, and Dylan? With a blank slate regarding his innie’s memories, Irving does not recognize them, yet they coexist in the same world. Whether he will play a pivotal role in the struggle against Lumon remains uncertain.
5. Milchick’s Dilemma
Will Milchick Join the Rebellion?
Mr. Milchick’s character takes on a more complex role in season 2, amplifying the tension surrounding him. After his promotion to oversee the severed floor, Milchick grapples with maintaining control over Mark and managing scrutiny from upper management. The potential exists for Milchick to align himself with Mark, Helly, and Dylan in season 3, as he has shown frustration with his position and Lumon’s demands.
This conflict may lead Milchick to recognize the struggles faced by the innies, perhaps paving the way for him to become an ally. If he does not switch loyalties, a breakdown of his composure appears imminent, giving viewers a clearer insight into his character’s true motivations.
6. Miss Huang’s Future at Lumon
Miss Huang’s Role in the Greater Scheme
As the deputy manager of the severed floor, Miss Huang faces uncertainty after Mr. Milchick assigns her to an undisclosed role. There are still unanswered questions about her future. It could be that [strong]Miss Huang’s journey might closely mirror Cobel’s[/strong], suggesting she, too, emerged from a community heavily influenced by Lumon, training for a significant purpose down the line.
7. Ricken’s Contribution to Lumon and Beyond
Ricken Deserves More Attention
Another character poised for a potential return is Ricken, who, while previously seen as egocentric and somewhat oblivious, played a minimal role in season 2. It does, however, come to light that he is working on a new book aimed at the innies, funded by Lumon. This progression suggests that Ricken’s influence within the narrative may deepen in season 3.
Given his limited screen time thus far, season 3 must delve further into Ricken’s significance. His upcoming book could unveil more about Lumon’s underlying motivations and potentially impact Mark’s journey.
8. Helly’s Prospective Role as an Eagan
Will Helly Replace Helena?
An intriguing storyline introduced in season 2 involves Jame Eagan’s interest in Helly. In one of the episodes, he indicates that Helly embodies the spirit of Kier, a trait seen by no other, not even by her outie, Helena. This remark prompts speculation about Helly’s future in season 3, where she may be assigned a more prominent role within Lumon.
It is conceivable that Helly could be engineered to assume Helena’s position, even though she seeks to disengage from Lumon’s hierarchy. This clash may intensify the conflict between Helly and Helena as their fundamentally contrasting natures come to the forefront. Season 3 must follow through on this complex dynamic.
9. Mark’s Future Reintegration Challenge
The Risks of Reintegration for Mark
Mark’s attempts to reintegrate himself and his innie are pivotal developments introduced in season 2. Following an illness that hinders his progress, the finale suggests that Mark remains determined to complete the process. It seems likely that this theme will evolve in season 3, considering the dangers it poses to Mark’s well-being. There exists the potential for devastating consequences, both mentally and physically, should he pursue reintegration.
In this scenario, Mark faces dual threats: reintegration could once again endanger his health, or success could rob his innie of the autonomy it possessed, fundamentally transforming him. Regardless, Mark’s struggle with reintegration will undoubtedly remain a crucial focus in the upcoming season.
10. Lumon’s True Ambitions
Lumon’s Next Moves Following Cold Harbor’s Demise
Finally, a key mystery persists throughout Severance: what is Lumon’s ultimate objective? While season 2 offered glimpses into Mark’s work within the Macrodata Refinement Department, the broader goals of Lumon remain elusive. A widely discussed theory is that the company is attempting to use severed identities to replicate or reincarnate Kier Eagan. Season 3 is poised to draw nearer to shedding light on this concept.
The forthcoming season will need to address Lumon’s actions post-Cold Harbor. Following the first season’s culmination, where Lumon sought to have Mark complete the project at any cost, the destruction of Cold Harbor will necessitate a strategic pivot. It remains uncertain whether Mark will factor into these new developments. Ultimately, this overarching enigma serves as the core narrative thread of Severance across its seasons.