Summary
Severancehas returned with a bang in its highly anticipated second season, marking the return of Mark, Helly, Irving, and Dylan as they got a taste of the outside world in season 1’s grand finale. The mind-bending series follows a group of workers who have chosen to separate their work life from their personal life while working at Lumon Industries, thus creating their “Innies” to complete their time at work. Although the premise ofSeveranceis intriguing, much of the show is powered by its impeccable cast, who thrive on such dramatic and comedic material.
The characters inSeverancehave resonated with audiences as fans try to understand the mystery behind the severance program. The show features mysterious and quirky villains, comedic side characters, and an against-the-grain protagonist. Together, it all culminates inone of the most forward-thinking showsof the decade.
9Devon Scout-Hale
Mark’s Loyal Sister Who Distrusts Lumon
While Mark is often a quiet and reserved man, his sister Devon has been a shoulder to lean on as Mark’s Outie learns more about his mysterious work life at Lumon.The extroverted Devon has had to dealwith the pressures of becoming a mother for the first time, her husband Rickon Hale’s over-the-top persona and fans, and the dangers Mark endures at Lumon. His occupation remains a mystery.
Devon’s care for her brother is warm and compassionate. She acts as his safety net as he gets lost on a dangerous path that has already interfered with their family, with the supposed loss of Gemma, Mark’s wife, being a devastating loss for both Devon and Mark.
8Ricken Hale
Absurd Brother-In-Law Whose Book Helps The MDR Team
The wild and eccentric Dr. Ricken has brought a lot of comedic value toSeveranceas Mark’s brother-in-law. An acclaimed author who has garnered a loyal fanbase, Ricken has grown closer to Mark throughout season 1 as he navigates the upcoming birth of his daughter.
Though initially against Mark having the severance procedure, Ricken and Devon have acted as Mark’s support system as he learns more about Lumon and their malpractice. For Innie Mark, Ricken’s book proves helpful in giving him guidance to seek out answers, setting him on a path of turbulence in his workplace.
7Burt Goodman
Retiring Optics And Design Manager Who Develops A Bond With Irving
Portrayedby the legendary Christopher Walken, the supporting role of Burt Goodman adds a lot of charm and sweetness to the often complicated narrative ofSeverance. Thanks to Irving’s detour around the severance department, he comes to find the Optics and Design head. Burt’s innocent and calming demeanor is a comfort for Irving. Their emerging relationship is a delicate and humane side story while the mystery of Lumon looms large.
Burt’s sudden retirement from Lumon marks a shift for Irving. Burt is still set to play a pivotal role in season 2, as fans hope to see their love prevail despite Burt’s existing relationship on the outside.
6Dylan George
Straight-Talking Worker That Seeks To See His Family
One-fourth of the Macrodata Refinement Department is Dylan, the brash and confident character who often serves asSeverance’s comedic relief. While initially content with his role, Dylan, like his coworkers, starts to question his life as an Innie, with the tease of being a father sending him over the edge.
What makes Dylan such a compelling individual is his no-holds-bar attitude towards Lumon, making the character one to root for. His strongconnection and bonds with Irving, Mark, and Hellyact as a cornerstone ofSeverance.
5Irving
Peculiar Team Member That Has Deep Love For A Coworker
Out of the four MDR workers, Irving comes across as the most unusual and aloof. However, the character holds a lot of sadness and mysticism behind his quirky persona. As the elder statesman of the group, Irving has become a valued friend to Mark, Dylan, and Helly. However, Irving’s true love is devoted to Burt, the head of Optics and Design, whom Irving grows close to as his team begins to unravel.
Alongwith the character’s comedic presence, Irving’s charm and innocent love for Burt carries through to real life. Innie Irving is determined to reach Burt, even with the outside world being a scary proposition.
4Harmony Cobel
Mark’s Stern Neighbor And Boss
Season 1’s main villain, Harmony Cobel, happens to be not severed. The character inhabits a dual role, acting as Mark’s elderly neighbor and boss inSeverance. While head of the severance department, Cobel’s strict attitude does not deter Mark and the MDR team from seeking answers, causing issues for Cobel while receiving pressure from the executives of Lumon.
Cobel’s double life becomes such a burdenthat cracks start appearing, causing a tragic fall from grace as the Kier enthusiast loses control of her home and work life. Mr. Milchick takes up her position in season 2 after Cobel fails to stop MDR’s Innies from breaking out.
3Helly/Helena Eagan
From Senior Member Of Lumon To Innie
From the show’s opening scene, Helly has been an integral part ofSeverance’ssmall cast of characters, representing the viewers and being their introduction to the severance program as Helly is inducted. Since her Innie was brought into MDR,the character has continually caused trouble, finding her situation grotesque and inhumane.
Despite her objections, the Outie version of Helly is a descendant of Kier, Lumon’s founder, resulting in the two versions of Helly finding themselves on opposing sides. While Innie Helly is chaotic, her relationship with her coworkers blossoms, particularly with Mark. The pair’s slow-burn relationship lies at the crux of this sci-fi drama.
2Seth Milchick
An Unorthodox But Loyal And True Company Man
One ofTV’s most enigmatic antagonists in years, Seth Milchick, has achieved much acclaim and hype thanks to a tremendous, multifaceted performance that has elevated the series. On the surface, Milchick acts as a soothing presence for members working in MDR. However, Milchick shows his true colors as the MDR team starts to cause chaos for him and Cobel, as he tries his best to stave off a rebellion that may damage the company he is loyal to.
Milchick’s dedication to his work and Lumon is in stark contrast to his often aloof and goofy persona when trying to appeal to and please the MDR members. The multilayered character holds many cards close to his chest. ThroughoutSeverance, Milchick’s dangling of information over workers is an indication of his villainous and controlling behavior. The character become celebrated by audiences for such a riveting and transcendent performance.
1Mark Scout
Persistent Protagonist Eager To Find Out What Lumon Is Hiding
Much of the heart and soul ofSeveranceis carried by its protagonist, Mark S, the most senior member of the MDR team at Lumon. While Mark’s Innie appears joyous and innocent when first introduced, his life outside of work is rather dull, stemming from the supposed loss of his wife, Gemma. After becoming alerted to the potential dangers at work, both versions of Mark work to understand the mystery behind Lumon.
Along with his excellent chemistry alongside Helly, Dylan, and Irving,Adam Scott’s dual portrayal oftwo opposing personalities makes Mark a dynamic and unusual protagonist. His often monotone and grumpy self on the outside goes against the norm for television protagonists. Mark perfectly defines the office cultureSeverancetries to portray, with his normal and bland persona fitting like a glove for the thought-provoking and mystifying narrative that unfolds.
