created by Dan Erickson, 2022-present
Honestly, I wish I heard about this series sooner than I had. I only learned of its existence after the season had already ended, and many people in the industry were raving about the season finale. I have recently realized the massive importance of a great ending, so I was mega-excited to check out this show’s first season.
Severance is a series set in a version of the future in which a “Severance” procedure allows people to physically separate their minds between work and life. Their work selves do not know anything about their regular selves and vice versa. Because of this, the work-self exists only in the office, never leaving. This, among other reasons, has caused the severance procedure to be extremely controversial, and only a few people actually partake. Our main character, Mark, has been working for two years in an office that uses Severance. When his best work friend is replaced suddenly by a woman who does not take well to the procedure, every facade that had been keeping the peace begins to erode. The four coworkers in his office slowly begin to question everything about their job and even their regular selves.
Only a couple of the characters were flushed out well, but the main two characters were great. At the start of the show, Mark is willing to endure the work life and accepts things as they are. But, after being introduced to the new coworker, Helly, he becomes stronger and begins to question things, becoming more of a leader in the group. Similarly, Helly’s character is brilliant. Her strength and will allow her to become the driving force of the show, and to act as the perfect vehicle for demonstrating the morality of the severance procedure. Also, much of the series is an attempt at deducing answers alongside the characters, so, by nature, you can’t know the characters too well (or it would give too much away!). However, you still get enough of a feel for who these people are to be able to root for them. I can’t think of many characters in the series that I don’t like, even some of the “evil” ones!
Severance takes a rather dark, serious approach to the topic. It is a great combination of dystopian Young Adult novels and the gray boredom of an office. I think the tone is just right for this kind of show, and I am excited because I expect a bit of a tone shift next season (which I’m guessing will be executed perfectly!).
I’m sure it comes as no surprise that I loved the plot of this show. I did hear from a couple of people that the series moves a bit slow, which I did not find, but that may be because I binged the season in one day. I think the series takes time to explore the topic and the feelings of its characters. The creators know this premise has a lot to explore, and I feel they are right to take some time to do so. I would definitely love to rewatch the series, and most likely will when the new season begins.
I am doing my best to give away nothing, but I will say that this season ends on one of the most dramatic cliffhangers I have seen in a while. Its ending is what made it stand out among other series that have been released lately. Severance stands near the top of my recommendations list, if purely just for the excitement of the finale! Please watch this series for the thrill. It is exciting, thoughtful, and will leave you thinking about it for days.
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