In the early episodes of Season 2 of Apple TV+’s critically acclaimed workplace drama “Severance,” a pivotal moment occurs involving the character Harmony Cobel, portrayed by Patricia Arquette. Cobel finds herself at a crucial juncture as she stands before her superior, Helena Eagan, played by Britt Lower. A promotion is thrown her way, but Cobel refuses the offer, steadfast in her commitment to advocate for her former role within the company, Lumon. Her response, calm and assertive, reflects a deep-seated desire to fulfill the tasks she once commenced.
The dynamics of power and hierarchy in this scene become pivotal as Helena, set to inherit the company, unmasks her intentions by rejecting Cobel’s appeal. Her tone carries an ominous undercurrent when she points out, “I think you’ve overestimated your contributions,” which serves not just as a dismissal but also as a revelation of the cold corporate machinations at play. Cobel’s character is later unveiled to be instrumental in developing the company’s revolutionary “severance” technology, which delineates the lives of employees, creating a stark divide between their work persona and personal identity. This theme of disposability is a haunting thread that weaves throughout the second season of “Severance,” eventually culminating in its gripping conclusion.
“Severance,” which returned after a three-year hiatus, centers on a group of “severed” employees led by Mark S. (Adam Scott) as they delve into the enigmatic operations of their workplace. The return of the show coincided with a tumultuous period marked by economic uncertainty, a factor that amplifies the season’s themes. As society grapples with discontent towards large corporations amidst a rocky job market, the series powerfully mirrors this sentiment, casting modern corporate culture as the antagonist.
The first season premiered against the backdrop of an emerging phenomenon called “quiet quitting.” Employees, reeling from the mental strain caused by a global pandemic, began setting firm boundaries between their professional and personal lives. Fast forward to 2023; the corporate landscape is embroiled in turmoil due to unparalleled strikes by various labor unions, including the United Auto Workers and Hollywood actors, making it the highest number of work stoppages in over twenty years. Such occurrences have culminated in a job market pause, with employers laying off more workers than at any point since the Great Recession of 2008.
Amid these seismic shifts, the feeling of entrapment has permeated the workforce. Rising anti-corporate sentiments, especially after the pandemic’s pervasive impacts, have given rise to the phenomenon dubbed the “great resignation.” Currently, workers are exploring new job opportunities at rates unseen since 2015, showcasing a collective dissatisfaction that is palpable in the air. It is within this climate of unrest that audiences resonate with “Severance.” Unlike traditional depictions of workplace dynamics, such as the comedic portrayals in shows like “The Office,” “Severance” offers a raw and unfiltered take on the exploitation of corporate entities masked behind superficial benefits.
The absurdity of corporate practices is starkly highlighted through creative yet frivolous perks, with one online resource advocating for snacks and yoga classes when companies refrain from offering salary increases. This is a familiar refrain echoed through the series, as the characters confront systemic injustices at Lumon, a fictional representation that closely mirrors real-life corporate practices.
The connection between audiences and the show’s portrayal of corporate misery is undeniable. Social media is replete with comparisons that bring to light how “Severance” encapsulates the corporate experience, from bizarre office traditions to the emotional turbulence faced by employees. Ultimately, this engagement spills into a larger sociocultural dialogue about power structures within companies.
As the narrative unfolds, the creators of “Severance,” including series originator Dan Erickson, intricately portray a responsive corporate entity while drawing parallels to real-world dissenters who find themselves ostracized for challenging the status quo. Lumon’s suppression of rebellion is a recurring theme as employees grapple with oppressive structures, mirroring real-life labor movements led by advocates like Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers. Fain’s proclamation that “Nobody is coming to save us; our greatest hope — our only hope — is each other,” is echoed in the staunch camaraderie that develops among the characters.
Consequently, the narrative of “Severance” evolves into one that champions solidarity amongst workers. Amidst the oppressive corporate machinery, characters rely upon one another to devise plans against the system that seeks to exploit them. The notion that corporate entities inevitably serve personal interests rather than the common good plays a crucial role in reinforcing the interconnectedness and collective strength found within communities of workers.
In summation, “Severance” does not merely tell a story about a dystopian workplace; it reflects contemporary societal anxieties around corporate greed, employee disposability, and the importance of solidarity. The storms swirling in the backdrop of
