Warning: Spoilers ahead forSeveranceseason 2, episode 2, “Goodbye, Mrs. Selvig.“Despite Christopher Walken’s Burt retiring from Lumon Industries inSeveranceseason 1, the current run of episodes is revisiting his dynamic with Irving (John Turturro), and Tramell Tillman’s Mr. Milchick’s conversation with an entirely different character can explain why Burt’s Outie is behaving so strangely. It’s somewhat of an encoded message, but it’s also relatively simple to apply Mr. Milchick’s advice to Burt’s latest twist.
By theend ofSeveranceseason 2, episode 2, “Goodbye, Mrs. Selvig,“the concept of Innies and Outies takes on a new wrinklejust as it seems the idea has been fully explored. While certain members of theSeverancecastare required to play two separate characters, “Goodbye, Mrs. Selvig” strongly implies the divide between Innies and Outies isn’t quite as absolute as it was once believed to be. It doesn’t changehow the Severance procedure works, but it may alter perceptions of the aftermath,
Milchick’s Conversation About Mark’s Innie Finding Love In Severance Season 2, Episode 2 Explained
Mark’s Innie’s happiness is implied to eventually travel to his Outie
When Mark Scout (Adam Scott) decides he isn’t going to return to work after his experience withLumon’s Overtime Contigencyat theend ofSeveranceseason 1, Mr. Milchick is forced to become an impromptu diplomat, attempting to draw Mark’s Outie back. While Mr. Milchick’s platitudes are largely manipulative, there is also an element of truth to everything he says during his conversation with Mark’s Outie in “Goodbye, Mrs. Selvig.” The most loaded statement he delivers is,“The solace you have given him down there will make its way to you.”
It’s unclear if Mr. Milchick is simply lying to get Mark to come back and finish Cold Harbor, but the same episode provides evidence to the contrary.
Because Mark has spent much of the last two years in his Severed mindset (as his Innie), the loss of his wife, Gemma (Dichen Lachmen), is still especially raw. Milchick takes advantage of this by telling Mark that his Innie has “foundlove,” and implies thatInnie Mark’s happiness as a result of said romance will eventually reach his Outieon a subconscious level, helping him heal from the trauma of Gemma’s death. It’s unclear ifMr. Milchick is simply lying to get Mark to come back and finish Cold Harbor, but the same episode provides evidence to the contrary.
Milchick’s Explanation To Mark Can Also Explain Why Burt’s Outie Is Following Irving
Walken’s character should not longer know who Irving is
Irving’s Innie is heartbroken in theSeveranceseason 1 finale when he finds out Burt’s Outie is happily married. AlthoughDylan (Zach Cherry) helps his MDR colleague move past the emotional blow, Burt’s Outie still seems somehow intrigued by Irving. This is proven by the fact thatWalken’s character can be seen essentially stalking Turturro’s characterin “Goodbye, Mrs. Selvig.” It’s confusing at first because Burt’s Outie should have no idea who Irving is, but Mr. Milchick’s line about inherited solace would seem to apply.
Does Mark’s Sister Think Gemma Is Alive In Severance? Devon’s “She’s Alive” Reaction Explained
Severance season 2, episode 2 dealt with the Outie aftermath of season 1’s finale, including Devon’s potential suspicions that Gemma is alive.
It’s clear that the Innies of both Burt and Irving have a deep love for one another inSeveranceseason 1, which is what makes Burt’s retirement so emotional. AlthoughWalken’s character stepping away from Lumon should be the end of his Innie’s life, his Outie seems to be drawn to Irving - and the most likely explanation is that his Innie’s love for Turturro’s character is still there, even if he doesn’t quite know what it is yet. So, asSeveranceseason 2 progresses, Burt will likely continue to pursue this alien compulsion to seek out Irving.
