Severance season 2 episode 3 reaction and review: Is Ricken working for Lumon?

[@red2977]

Ricken's book making it on to the severed floor was by accident. Cobel stole it from Mark's door and gave it to Milchek to review. Milchek was reading it in the conference room when there was an alarm and he left it there by mistake and it got found.

[@MattandJessTV]

For me, I just don’t believe it was an accident. Not everything is as presented on this show and the way Ricken and Natalie were acting felt like something was up. It’s just a theory, it may not be right but that’s where my mind went. - Jess

[@red2977]

@@MattandJessTV Oh I think Ricken has been working for lumon and that is why they were awkward. Whether or not its just in writing their books or if its more ominous that's up for debate, but I really felt like he went out of his way to throw Mark off the whole Gemma thing so its been bothering since then about him.

[@johnbriggs9407]

Agree with red2977. The book getting to the Severed floor was an accident that Lumon has chosen to exploit. Let’s not go overboard on the Ricken book conspiracy. Sure, Lumon will use (manipulate) him, playing on his literary narcissism, but he’s just one tool in their propaganda arsenal. There are much bigger story dynamics and plot reveals in episode 3.

[@katewright4414]

@@red2977agree! The Gemma thing was sketchy.

[@chioma5633]

It was an accident but this episode Natalie said that Ricken is the sweetest member of the severed team. So he’s severed. It seems to be all about Gemma

[@jaygarricktheflash]

I love what you all provide the community. I watched all the Silo videos and now I will watch all the Severance videos. Thank you.

[@MattandJessTV]

Thank you for watching! What did you think of this episode? -Matt

[@docphil1026]

My favorite theory about Irving is that he used to be in O&D before MDR and him and Burt got involved once, maybe multiple times and caused issues because of their relationship so he was sent down to the test floor to be "reset" and that is why he knows that hallway and also why they are trying to keep everyone apart. Also side note I feel like I am in an episode myself currently cause there is no way Jess is turning 50! I refuse to believe shes not a 25 year old just reset on the testing floor! Much love

[@wynejazz]

Episode S2E3, was probably one of the scariest episodes of the series. It had a much different feel, so much so that I waited to see who directed this episode. The hallways seemed unfamiliar, the jump scare (Regahbi) was real, the threat in the goat farm was nerve wracking and finally, Harmony's departure appeared to be fear inspired. This was a different entry into the series.

[@MattandJessTV]

And how do you follow that up? That is gonna be a HUGE challenge -Matt

[@doodlefisher234]

There's no way Ricken works for Lumon, that makes zero sense. Cobel stole the copy of the book from Mark's doorstep for a start (after Ricken had left it as a gift), then the innies only stumbled upon it by chance because Milcheck left it in a conference room. Also why would Lumon want him to write an "outie" version? In fact, why would they want him to write a book promoting individualism, self-discovery, autonomy/freedom, rebelling against "the system" etc in the first place? These messages run counter to Lumon's desire for conformity and control. It makes far more sense that Natalie/Lumon are using the popularity of the book to make an amended "innie" version more in line with the Lumon mthyos/ideology, but without it being explicitly associated with Lumon and thus lending more authenticity to it. In my view they are exploiting Ricken's delusional narcissism about his supposed literary greatness to create another medium of control and influence over their severed employees.

[@MattandJessTV]

Not everything we see is exactly what it is. The storytelling is not reliable. I don't think lumon wanted him to write an outtie version I think he wanted to sell it in the outtie world so that he could explain where his money is coming from to his wife because his paycheque is from Lumon and he wouldn't want to tell DEvon he's been paid by lumon because of how she feels about the company. It's just my theory and it could easily be wrong, but that's what I think is going on especially after seeing how weird Ricken and Natalie were acting about the book. - Jess

[@katieburns4615]

well said - this theory about Ricken is kind of maddening and really lame. Makes no sense and takes away from the satire in how these inexperienced innies feel it’s so amazing.

[@frankkennedy1794]

Not so sure about Ricken having a secret relationship with Lumen. I think his work did resonate w Innies and now Lumen wants to control this force, so they will use his innie persuasive style to steer innies in a new direction, compliance and not revolution.

[@MattandJessTV]

I think the big question is just where he gets his money from? How is he able to be like this! -Matt

[@nikopolkarhangelsk]

​@@MattandJessTVthe house could be a family house he inherited from his parents. Or Devon's family house.

[@Quantum_Penguin]

Gretchen was very kind to Dylan's Outtie. She could have easily gushed about what a go-getter and how great Dylan's Innie is, but that probably would have just made him feel worse. That final sequence with Mark reintegrating would not have been out of place as the season-ending cliffhanger. Luckily, we won't have to wait nearly three years to see what happens next.

[@MattandJessTV]

Thank goodness on that! I do think that Gretchen is trying to be nice and does care about her Outie Dylan a lot, but I think she may just find herself super conflicted over time. Also, as a penguin fanatic, I love your username! -Matt

[@jessvex]

Phenomenal episode indeed! I sat there on the couch in awe for a couple minutes afterwards . 😮 😅 Remember those amazing old LOST moments? This episode gave me those feels…

[@MattandJessTV]

Oh that's a good comp! And didn't Lost also want to make you have these huge discussions with people? -Matt

[@jessvex]

@@MattandJessTV 💯

[@LJ-qf5xn]

I like listening to you. It makes shows more fun to watch. You talked about Severance in one of your other videos where you talked about another series. (I'm looking at Dexter Original sin and I looked at silo so it was probably one of them). This got me curious about Severance. Now I watch the series and love it. Thank you!

[@MattandJessTV]

Oh that makes me so happy!! This season is honestly so good that it makes us want to discuss it all the time haha -Matt

[@ANALOUEMMA]

Also, if you notice, Lumon thrives on division. They pit everyone against each other, even their own people. Harmony hates Natalie, Seth hates Harmony, Milchick is constantly caught in the middle-it’s all intentional. They don’t want unity; they want control through conflict. So what if Ricken and his friends aren’t just abandoned experiments, but part of that same system of control? A different kind of test, still unknowingly serving Lumon’s agenda.

[@lizaronni]

🎶🎶 The sun shines People FORGET The spray flies as the speedboat glides People FORGET FORGET they're HIDING… …Behind an eminence front Eminence front, it's a PUT-ON 🎵🎼 In a show as well-crafted as this one, you know every soundtrack choice has got to be really deliberate.

[@marknovak6498]

Yeah exploring, what if the innie is the better version of yourself. I love the twist.

[@MattandJessTV]

It's really fascinating! Where do you think it will go from here? -Matt

[@marknovak6498]

@@MattandJessTV I is scary as the innie is trapped where the outtie just can not exist.

[@andrealee8561]

Being John malkovich Vibes

[@kristineilochi4615]

Helena was definitely about to Goodfellas Cobel. Remember when Robert Deniro’s character told Ray Liotta’s character’s wife to go down that dark alley with shady guys waiting because he had some “nice clothes” she could have? She was like nah, I’m good. Shorty knew what was up and Cobel did too!😂

[@devinleisinger4855]

The Who eminence front

[@rini6]

Yep. Classic.

[@lizaronni]

Read the Wikipedia page’s section on the song’s background. It seems to reflect at least one major themes of the show and might offer some clues.

[@bijoubug6535]

You gotta give credit where credit is due - that song you are talking about with the basketball is The Who - Eminence Front - My husband is a huge Who Fan! I love when they used it in the preview of Mark running throughout the halls! Great videos! Keep it up.

[@MattandJessTV]

You see, Baba O'Riley is probably my favorite song by The Who ... this one's just got a specific memory burned in my brain haha -Matt

[@ANALOUEMMA]

What if Ricken and his weird little group are actually failed Lumon experiments? Maybe before they perfected severance, Lumon was trying to manufacture the “perfect” people-new Kier disciples from scratch. Instead of just splitting work and personal selves, they attempted full personality reconstruction, erasing past identities and implanting new ones. But it didn’t quite work. The results were… off. Ricken and his friends aren’t normal, but they also aren’t functional enough for Lumon to use. So they were quietly discarded, set loose into the world with these exaggerated, cartoonish personalities. They think they’re enlightened intellectuals, but really, they’re the mess-ups, the ones who didn’t turn out right. And maybe, deep down, Ricken knows something’s wrong. His obsession with self-improvement, his almost desperate need to be seen as a great thinker-what if it’s just his subconscious trying to fill the gaps left by whatever Lumon did to him?

[@Anomaly13g]

Awesome episode! I no longer trust Ricken! Cobel thought they were going to end her and she said Nope!! Helena is dangerous. I felt so bad for Irving not getting support. The group is going to have a big divide with too many secrets breeding lack of trust. They are not being upfront with each other. The ending had me .. just wow!

[@MattandJessTV]

So insane! Do you think Ricken has been working with Lumon, or is something else afoot with him? -Matt

[@red2977]

I noticed Mark was a bit distrustful of Ricken as well when he asked his sister of she told Ricken their plans. It could simply be he doesn't trust him to keep a secret but I'm not so sure that is his only concern.

[@dv2483]

both Natalie now and Milchick last week just said 'you must be Devon', they weren't introduced to her... so I think indeed that Ricken is working for Lumon. Ricken also doesn't talk about Innie, he always says 'workie'. What if Ricken is severed and his 'innie' is outside and his 'outie' is working for Lumon? Maybe his friends are colleagues, they have weird names.

[@MattandJessTV]

Oh now that'd be crazy! Here's another idea -- maybe he says workie to act like he doesn't understand what's happening? -Matt

[@jaygarricktheflash]

Silo has peaches. Severance has pineapples. What is Apple TV telling us.

[@MattandJessTV]

hahaha that they really love fruit? -Matt

[@righdowncharlie]

That whole goat land scene felt like something straight out of a Doctor Who episode. Very well done. I do find Mark’s aggressive personality in this season interesting. Innie Mark from season 1 would’ve backed down immediately.

[@MattandJessTV]

For sure! Hasn't time changed him? And now, I wanna imagine Mark S as the Doctor lol -Matt

[@ANALOUEMMA]

HOLYYYSHIT!! My heart is still pumping! & and I was indiCouch 4/20💨 😂

[@MattandJessTV]

hahaha where is it going to go from here? -Matt

[@cattiedoggie8]

I had a hunch Ricken was up to no good/something Lumen-ous when he was the first, in S2 Episode 1, to give an alternate explanation to why Outie Mark was screaming “She’s Alive” upon returning back to outie persona. Ricken blurted out that Mark probably meant the baby was alive - throwing them all off of the trail. Also regarding your mention of the old cars - did you see the limo that Helena was about to board? It’s a very 80s-era Lincoln. The timeless set design, set pieces (ie computer terminals and font/interface of the modules, the cubicles, carpeted floors), the PERPETUITY wing, the choppy, pixelated graphics of Kier flying through the sky etc, the welcome back video, etc all point to time being a FLAT CIRCLE 😄 and OMG the scene with Briana of Tarth. All of the goat “mammalization” (or whatever it is called) department’s “employees” looked like 18th century pastoral people - or extras from “Midsommar.”

[@MattandJessTV]

Oh no Rust Cohle is entering the chat hahaha -- there is definitely some sort of intentionality to the old cars and everything else but what? There is so much to explore! -Matt

[@candacedonald4087]

My theory is this is an alternate timeline. Maybe the timeline veered off around the battle of cold harbor which is also around the time lumon was founded..?? Hence the old cars, computers and phone booth. Like we're in the same time as now just alternate. That or its an under the dome situation and no one can leave the town which is a whole lumon experiment. Or a combination of both 🤔

[@MattandJessTV]

It would almost be a double meaning with the word Severance, right? -Matt

[@gerardocervantes5338]

I think Ms. Cobel mentions it’s Ricken’s 5th book in the 1st season.

[@MattandJessTV]

Ms Cobel lies so it's hard to know if what she's saying is true. - Jess

[@woostybrains]

The newspaper shown to Mark in Season 2 Episode 1 says that Ricken gave a “benediction” and wrote a book called “These Values Nine: How I Let Kier In.” Doesn’t that imply that Ricken is deep into the cult and not simply an opportunistic author?

[@MattandJessTV]

I think it depends on his motives, and is there a lot more going on than we know? -Matt

[@Kwekwe]

I think you guys might be right about Cobel's pending doom. In the new intro, theres a scene where oMark is on some ice caps and jumps up and grabs a balloon head of iMark. In the background you clearly see a car sinking. Some on Reddit assumed it was Gemma's accident but others correctly pointed out Gemma crashed into a tree, this is a car sinking.......and it looks awfully like a VW Rabbit..... like Cobel has!!!

[@MattandJessTV]

Foreshadowing? If nothing else, it does feel like there is a level of impending doom we have to prepare for. -Matt

[@red2977]

At one point we see Mark's badge and it has a 2020 date on it. yes the cars are all old although I think Milchek's motorcycle is quite modern. I feel like Lumon is running experiments in the town. I noticed Helena told Cobel they should reset which makes me think she was gonna sever her if she went inside.

[@MattandJessTV]

I wonder at times if the weird time period stuff is for aesthetics, but it has to be more, right? Otherwise it feels too easy. -Matt

[@awall6910]

@@MattandJessTVthey have smart phones though (Helena used one again this episode). I think they are maybe cut off a bit geographically (or politically??) from the outside world, and while they can get some items maybe larger items are harder for various reason? Just what I’ve thought from the start.

[@andrealee8561]

Mark looked like he was in that painting that was given to Milchick Helly doesn't want Cobalt running the department, I think due to Mark and how she feels

[@yourcatalyst22]

Where do they live too!!!??? It looks like she drove in the middle of no where. It also soooooo cold

[@lizaronni]

@@yourcatalyst22 very Fargo-esque.

[@candacedonald4087]

They live in PE 🤣

[@sandraolson8635]

I’ve gotten notifications from you and several other reviewers yet I can’t get it on my Apple app until Jan 31st? I’m confused

[@red2977]

I was able to access it on my app. The official release date is 1/31 but it comes out a few hours before midnight EST.

[@rini6]

It should be there.

[@sandraolson8635]

@@red2977 that would mean I can’t access until 9 pm and I tried at about 8 pm. I m I’m Washington state. Yep, just checked and it’s now available.

[@Dylangreen2122]

I just hope when we do start figuring stuff out, it makes sense. The goat people? Lol. I have faith in the writers🤞

[@alveolate]

yall missed out the most important reveal of all: Mark Scout was got good by her kindergarten teacher Mrs Lustgarten. :D anyway, fantastic breakdown as usual! i'm sad we didn't get any walken this ep after his spooky shadow last ep. but we did get brienne checking them for pouches! i'm honestly still rather befuddled about this whole theory of outie world being another outie world... seems a little inelegant or even too cliche for this show. i was wondering about this "incubator tube" and had to rewind... so corselvig had that breathing tube in her backseat that seems to be from s1 where she had some baby stuff around it? and the theory was that the name (i forgot) on the tag was her name when she was a baby? in some way, this is like a symbol of her faith in kier, who had presumably saved her from whatever incident it was that required a breathing tube? i'm using a ton of question marks because i don't really remember that too clearly and i'm also not sure if she herself used that tube or perhaps it was her baby (cue mark selvig theories) and so instead of a faith symbol, it was more a reminder of whom she's committed to? god i did not expect to type a whole chunk for this xD my final remarks from this ep... i wonder if the "board" is just fake. just a way for natalie and helena to summon a faceless authority when needed. probably a very common theory (i don't check reddit lul) but it really feels like they're totally using the board as a facade. then again... this would also make a perfect fakeout for the show to reveal some crazy board characters later on (aliens? AI? ricken and friends?). the board has concluded the call.

[@MattandJessTV]

Oh that is interesting, no? It's almost a good smokescreen, and another way to keep us guessing! This was a great episode and I think we'll all be discussing it for a while. -Matt

[@devinleisinger4855]

Fav episode

[@MattandJessTV]

Of the whole series? It was INSANELY good -Matt

[@nadia-hopeadderley8986]

Innie and Outie worlds are starting to fuse culminated by the ending scene with Mark's integration. 😮. This is going to be a wild ride! The scene with Gretchen and Innie Dylan was interesting to watch.

[@MattandJessTV]

I know right? Feels like they could be building towards something more there. -Matt

[@nadia-hopeadderley8986]

@MattandJessTV Definitely

[@andrealee8561]

Helly might have a brother Ricken Everyone is invested in Mark and Gimma This isn't the Ricken from season 1

[@NickCager]

It would ruin the Ricken character if he was doing anything behind Devon's back. He's perfectly superficial and naive. I think it's Helly R. and not Helena. I don't see how it could be Helena, it doesn't fit her at all. I thought Ms. Cobel was afraid of the man with Helena, but it could be she realized she was being led into a trap. I think Dylan's wife is going to leave him. She now sees her as the problem with Dylan and his inability to function well in the outie world. I agree, I was surprised too that Mark was integrated so soon, they're moving right along.

[@Melodicroger]

The aesthetic is purposeful to combine classic elements with sci fi similar to Loki. I’m not sure we need to focus on timeframe in our real world. I personally don’t mind and understand that rendering a full futuristic aesthetic is a lengthy and costly endeavor.

[@MattandJessTV]

I don't mind it per se, but I do think it makes sense to at least raise questions! 100% we know the show is even still costly as it is haha -Matt

[@thispainsme]

Still processing & gathering my thoughts re tonight‘s episode - it was chock full! I’ll just say this for now: Ms. Cobel had a STONE ROSES cassette? WTF😆

[@MattandJessTV]

Hahaha there is so much it! Doesn't this feel like one we'll still be learning stuff the third or fourth watch? -Matt

[@thispainsme]

@@MattandJessTV Oh god, totally! I can’t wait to rewatch it tomorrow and the day after that! And the day after that! I had to pause it a couple times - because my head was going to literally explode.

[@ANALOUEMMA]

I think there’s a connection between Natalie, Seth & Harmony. They all went to that creepy Kier school. Explains why the rivalry amongst themselves

[@MattandJessTV]

And could they all just have differing beliefs regarding Kier himself? -Matt

[@ANALOUEMMA]

@ I’m thinking Ricken may be connected to them as well.

[@candacedonald4087]

I assuming you've seen Nurse Jackie....Merritt Wever delivered the funniest line I've ever seen&heard on TV I AM SPEED Mother F**ker!! I can't see anything else when I see her 😅😅😅

[@MattandJessTV]

LOVE Nurse Jackie!!! - Jess

[@atulbalaji1321]

I am not a fan of the Ricken helping Lumon theory at all, but another argument in your favour could be how did Milchick know that Mark is at Ricken and Devon’s? P.S - love the ff7 shout out. love your content guys! Tune in every week for several shows!

[@MattandJessTV]

Love hearing that! Just like I love ff7. (I think this week's the 28th anniversary of the OG game -- time flies!) I do think there's definitely smoke that Ricken is doing something with Lumon -- the exact capacity is unclear, but aren't they good at keeping secrets? -Matt

[@atulbalaji1321]

@ yes they are! Ricken could definitely be working with Lumon, but I’d like to think for the sake of the character he isn’t lol. I think most of the concerns can be explained away. His house and wealth : could be generational or maybe he has a one hit wonder. Also, don’t think Devon would be against him taking Lumon’s money because Natalie says right there that they want to adapt the book for the innies. And that would mean paying Ricken to do that (why would he do it for free?). So why would he lie to her about Lumon money in the first place if he was going to take money from Lumon anyway? Also Ricken is so wholesome please don’t do anything to him lol Have you considered doing game reviews as well? Might be a fun side project :)

[@atulbalaji1321]

Also keeping in mind, it seems like this entire town Kier, with its old cars and strange technological state is basically a Lumon town. The entire town is probably dependent on Lumon one way or the other, so taking money from them might not seem so egregious

[@andrealee8561]

For Dylan maybe a cure for depression possibly The Goat people seemed to be from the 1700s

[@MattandJessTV]

Like even before the age of Kier? -Matt

[@andrealee8561]

@MattandJessTV possibly but then again maybe 1800s

[@gregthenotacowboysfan]

Rickin is Keir

[@yourcatalyst22]

Why did they ask to see their belly’s?!?

[@lizaronni]

@@yourcatalyst22 …as they’re dressed up as animals and checking their bellies for… pouches??? It’s like they’re debating amongst themselves over the existence of human-marsupial hybrids or something. So absolutely, over-the-top bizarre which is why I’m so intrigued. 🤔😂

[@MattandJessTV]

Oh it's so strange! It just makes you wonder, who are these people? -Matt

[@handybunny]

I love your Ricken theory! Plus all of his groupie friends act like innies…

[@MattandJessTV]

And isn't it a good sense for money? -Matt

[@Omgtheykilledkenny007]

Cobel was going with Helena until she said "i think we should reset". Cibe froze when she heard that, the wanted to reset her memories maybe?

[@foxvalley560400]

Lol outty makes a great fried egg hahaha i thought that was funny lol

[@AndrewAtoZ]

I'm beginning to think they are just pulling wierd.stuff out with no real explanation coming. If there aren't any answers by the end of the season, I'm giving up on the show.

[@MattandJessTV]

I think you will get some answers -- all of them? I'm not sure there. -Matt

[@AndrewAtoZ]

@MattandJessTV Just one will be reassuring. I have never recovered from watching Lost... :)

[@foxvalley560400]

Lol outty makes a great fried egg hahaha i thought that was funny lol