Severance has just wrapped up its season 2 finale, and season 3 is officially confirmed. In a recent interview with Alan Sepinwall from Rolling Stone, the show’s creator, Dan Erickson, discusses the dramatic conclusion of the finale, shares insights on what to expect for the next season, addresses the show’s enigmas, and more. *Beware of spoilers* if you haven’t seen the season finale of Severance yet.
Reflections on the shocking season 2 finale
The second season of Severance culminates in an emotionally charged scene.
After successfully getting Gemma to safety, Mark is confronted with a significant choice: accompany his outtie’s wife to freedom and a potential reintegration or remain with Helly.
Mark opts for Helly, and together they dash through the severed floor, leaving Gemma behind, sobbing.
Erickson sheds light on this pivotal moment:
In that critical moment, as he gazes at Gemma and then at Helly, he’s not just choosing between two women; he’s making a decision about the essence of his existence as an innie. Leaving with Gemma signifies the end of his current life. Throughout the season, he has learned to appreciate his own identity as an individual, separate from his outie. Although freeing Gemma has been his primary objective, when it comes down to it, he prioritizes his own existence. It’s uncertain what they are racing toward; it could be just a few more minutes of life, or perhaps something greater. They don’t know.
Hints for season 3 and exciting future developments
At one point, Erickson is questioned about the show’s knack for placing its characters in perilous situations while still dragging them back to their jobs.
In light of the season 2 finale, it seems astonishing that Severance can perpetuate a similar workplace dynamic in season 3. Here’s Erickson’s take:
We enjoy subverting the formula at the end of each season and seeing if we can reintegrate it. I’m hesitant to disclose too much about what Season Three will entail, but we aim to create something that disrupts the world even further than in the first season. It’s a pertinent question: “Can the show persist in the established format, or must it evolve into something new?”
On that note, he also touched on how long the creators envision Severance to last.
We’ve had discussions, and we have a pretty solid idea of its duration. We’re keeping that information under wraps for now, but we have a clear understanding of where we’re headed.
Will the mysteries be fully unveiled?
Lastly, Erickson was asked if he’s familiar with the show Lost and the much-discussed unresolved mysteries within it.
People often approach me asking, “You won’t leave us hanging like Lost did, right?” I make a concerted effort not to reference mysteries I know won’t be resolved. Of course, elements on the show exist to expand and enrich the narrative, and we won’t delve into every origin at the risk of diminishing the enjoyment. However, regarding the mysteries we intentionally highlight, I believe viewers will be pleased with the resolutions.
He clearly appreciates Lost and found its conclusion more fulfilling than others did. Nonetheless, he is very aware of the need to address key questions that Severance suggests are significant.
The complete interview is highly recommended reading over at Rolling Stone.
What are your impressions of this recent interview? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
