That Great SEVERANCE Ending! Season 1 Episode 9 Finale Recap & Breakdown

[@PetePeppers1]

I thought this was a strong finale for a first season. Glad to see they announced Season 2 before it came out. Lots of mystery remains to think about until it gets here. Let me know what you think.

[@c-130turbo3]

after watching ep9 i went back and rewatched ep2 hellys Stroy, it take on a whole new meaning knowing who she really is and her responses to milkeck make a whole lot more sense, this show did a great job with season one lets hope it keeps it up with season 2 Thanks Mr Peppers this was a fun ride.

[@TurfTavernX]

I think it worth mentioning that Dylan’s pose is “staying alive”

[@8698gil]

@@TurfTavernX Will Milchick kill Dylan? Or will Dylan kill Milchick? Can't wait to find out what happens there.

[@Kzx828]

This show is amazing and as usual the wait will suck😐 curious to know what are your top three upcoming shows are ?🤔(besides HOTD)

[@PetePeppers1]

I've mostly been thinking about Better Call Saul because I was rewatching it. Have to take a look at what else is coming up.

[@drummerofawe]

My favourite scene was Helly reciting the compunction. This is the first time she truly meant it: she is sorry for and disgusted by what her outtie stands for, and she knows only she can make it right.

[@adys6185]

This caught me by surprise too!

[@bennybenson5]

Dylan is mvp for being able to hold the levers for that long

[@PetePeppers1]

The muscle shows might be real

[@holohulolo]

I think the button should really just be a 1 time switch kind of thing, realistically it's just ridiculous to have the switch needing to be held on the entire duration. Maybe it make sense because they dont want to allow any possibility of it being switched on for too long. But I think mostly it's just to create that much more suspense and intensity.

[@WmJared]

@@PetePeppers1 So glad you referenced the muscle show line

[@themutupoguy]

You might even say.... He's the GOAT

[@heckinbasedandinkpilledoct7459]

Dylan’s the best character. He’s a mood

[@themutupoguy]

Adam Scott's performance is fantastic. His innie's insecurity shines through in the most subtle ways. His voice changes, he starts saying umm and apologizing a lot. But his outtie, though still not a very outgoing person, has this air of confidence about him. His voice is deeper and his speech is more precise. He seems more relaxed but very sad. I'm in awe

[@hernandez4856]

well i mean his innie didn’t know where he was and was confused the whole time so obvi he would act like that

[@silosara]

Mark’s “SHE’S ALIIIIIIIIIIIVE,” line was superb. Love the cast. Such a great show. Can’t wait for season 2. Go and get yo wife, Mark.

[@thrillyonair9209]

Yeah but it’s probably gonna be like “Yeah Eleanor is alive right here Mark” and he’ll be like “oh what’s going on now?” Cuz he turns back into outie at the end. Irv and Burt will just be an awkward meeting, both of them not knowing who the other is, and Helly will look confused at first and probably Cobel will come out on the stage and whisper into Helen’s ear about the situation, so she’ll pretend what she just said was a joke or something, so not much will change outside, except for what Mark’s sister is gonna do to help. Can’t wait to see the innies back at work.

[@camerond7654]

The helly mark relationship is super interesting too

[@stephencreates2764]

I wish he would’ve just said Gemma’s alive lol

[@shmendusel]

@@stephencreates2764 but he doesn't know her name is Gemma, and if he said ms. Casey is alive it wouldn't have meant anything to the rest of the people at the party

[@stephencreates2764]

@@shmendusel he does know her name is Gemma, they told him in the episode twice.

[@Scram7987]

I feel like this show is a throwback to the times where we didn't know all the answers instantly. Letting your brain ponder the possible scenarios is as enjoyable as the show itself. Great recap, look forward to the next videos.

[@applecrow8]

The most important part of this show over others is that you really get the feeling that the writers already have a conclusion in mind and know where its going rather than throwing mysteries out to keep us hooked.

[@01kaluks24]

Like "Lost". Not sure if that's a good or bad thing lol

[@kittens-in-snow]

Makes me think of the UK show Utopia, US ruined the remake of it though

[@gregorytaylor7969]

@@01kaluks24 I had a teacher who gave me a great insight about Lost. "Writing a captivating story is easy if you can raise questions without needing to answer them later. Instead, you just replace the first questions with newer, bigger questions that make the answers to the first questions unimportant." That's pretty much exactly what Lost did until hitting that critical mass when the question eventually reaches "life, the universe, and everything." The ending is reframed around the characters and not the plot, until you give up and go home with the number 42. I loved the ride, but my expectations for Lost's ending were low, because how could they possibly bring it all together? Game of Thrones, on the other hand, was so bad I can't even rewatch and enjoy it. That show had established rules and an overall story with questions that demanded concrete answers. The fact that they just broke all the rules and got it over and done with, with no regard for the fans, actors, and writers who invested like a decade in the show should have the showrunners not only repay their salary, but fully finance a new final season by someone who cares enough to try.

[@jonathanrice6338]

I agree. A lot of show get boring because you can almost predict everything on regular show nowadays. This was different, this show was refreshing.

[@SamAsMe]

That was INSANE! I dont remember when I last was this tense for an entire episode of tv, and that cliffhanger OMG! This was some top notch television. Amazing.

[@PetePeppers1]

Have to remind yourself to take a breath.

[@filmjames]

I was literally on the edge of my seat this entire episode! Such a fantastic show, I can't wait until next season

[@holohulolo]

But I have too say, too much tease, way too much. Especially at the beginning. Mark was going to talk to his sister then cobel came up, the sister need to get another bottle, then the 1st book reading, and then the baby. At that point I was just worried theyd keep teasing the would he manage to get the truth out or not by the end of the episode and I was so ready to hate the show lol. Imagine if by the end of the episode they didn't get anything out and got switched back to their outtie right before and thats the cliff hanger, would've been so shitty.

[@TheDevildogs75]

Same here! Although, truth-be-told, I did very little sitting. I spent most of the episode, on my feet, hovering in front of the TV, often yelling at the screen as if I could somehow communicate with the characters or possibly warn them of danger. One of the best first seasons (and season finale) I have seen in a long time. By far one of the all time best and an instant classic!

[@TheDevildogs75]

@@holohulolo I understand your frustration and could see how the drama and tension being built may be too much for some. The entire episode was one stressful event to the next, while continuously growing and increasing that stress. For me, I felt they did a masterful job of pushing it right to that edge, and squeezing every little bit out of it along the way. It was so intense and so powerful that, even the slightest increase to the mix could have pushed that realm of possibility beyond an acceptable range for a major portion of the audience. However, I think they danced that line to perfection. Also, you have to consider the payoff. We, the viewers, were treated to MANY fulfilling scenes that gave us plot content, missing info, or advanced a storyline. This was accomplished while simultaneously either, leaving some major items unknown or unresolved, or introducing new major items that we now want to explore. Again, to me, a masterful dance - and a successful one - where everyone involved in the show's creation seemed to intuitively know EXACTLY how far to push it. Ultimately though, it's subjective, and up to each viewer to decide.

[@moosepasshippie]

Episode 8 was so entertaining for me I lost track of time and then it ended before I expected. I was crushed. On episode 9 I was checking time remaining to not let that happen again. Great show!

[@marvenhyppolite1737]

Yo this episode had my heart racing! They've mastered the art of suspense. WOW WOW WOW!

[@kalepro]

The brother-in law becoming the inies actual God, is the best!!

[@PetePeppers1]

The look on Mark’s face killed me

[@kalepro]

@@ZaveAres You’re correct

[@marieplettcermcprwbfa7532]

I will never understand why Devon is married to that guy.

[@geddoe316]

@@marieplettcermcprwbfa7532 infinite supply of kelp

[@catherinecaldwell-harris722]

@@marieplettcermcprwbfa7532 Exactly. Devon has her act together; what a competent person.

[@Alteori]

Man this is my favorite show!!!! I'm on the edge of my seat. Ben Stiller! Didn't know you had it in you

[@kdkseven]

Credit should go to Dan Erickson. Ben Stiller's work is amazing on the show, but the idea and development were all Dan's.

[@Alteori]

@@kdkseven oh really? I didn't know that. 😃 Thanks for telling me because I have been giving Ben all the credit. That's why I was very surprised and I don't even know who Dan Erickson is. I'm going to some digging

[@hanniffydinn6019]

He just brought the script. Credit goes to him for identifying a good script! 🤯🤯🤯

[@hanniffydinn6019]

@@Alteori man, do ever read the credit titles? Read IMDB? 🤯🤯🤯🤡🤡🤡🌍🌍🌍

[@kdkseven]

@@Alteori Ben Stiller definitely did a ton of work bringing it to the screen, but yeah, Dan Erickson's is certainly the main idea man. It's probably a 50/50 partnership by this point.

[@SomeoneIsAlwaysMovingOnTheSurf]

The scene where Milchick was running through the hallways with the piano as background was awesome!

[@GrannyGamer1]

They had to direct the actor to slow down,not outrun thec Cameras.

[@senamazubane5255]

Best run acting LOL

[@dariadoo1]

Cobel saying “I can crane” killed me!! We’ve watched her crane over every aspect of Mark’s life the entire season! Harmy, we know! 😂😂

[@Stress-Free-K]

LOL. Down to knowing Mark's habits when it comes to taking out the trash. Outtie Mark should have prolly picked up on her obsession with him. Goodness knows Devon is now going to sit Mark down and set him straight about Ms. Selvig.

[@hellohappyvegan]

Hahahah

[@gymnast1910]

Patricia Arquette had me weak the whole season.

[@ruckuschica]

The concept of the show is phenomenal, just the right amount of "relateable-ness", and just the right amount of "wtf"...but the acting is what seals the deal for me. ALL of the actors deliver such an excellent performance. I find myself genuinely believing in each of the characters (both their innies and outies) and I keep coming back to the thought of "could this actually happen"? I absolutely adore shows that keep me thinking long after it's over.

[@jorgekde]

Milchik got the worse knife on earth. 😆

[@PetePeppers1]

Haha

[@brucemcleod5575]

Surprised a knife or any thing that could be purposed as a weapon would be allowed , esp after Helly's suicide attempt

[@toolbag-sy9ij]

dull like him

[@heckinbasedandinkpilledoct7459]

Ikr? This nigga has the dullest knife 😂

[@heckinbasedandinkpilledoct7459]

@@toolbag-sy9ij nah, he’s a conniving weasel

[@cassidymalone]

This show is five years in the making.... "We spent a bit of time reworking the scripts and really figuring out the tone and pace of the show, and how much to actually reveal in the first season..." - Ben Stiller Between the story, the phenomenal acting from a very well cast ensemble, and Milchick's dance moves...this is a new favorite for sure. Gonna have to go back and rewatch it to see if there's anything that hits different now knowing the reveals. Thanks for the great recap. Keep up the good work.

[@jimrodney4797]

I’m starting to wonder if maybe Irving had Milchick’s job at some point before Milchick? The reason I’m thinking that, after watching your recap of episode 9, is the clip you show of Ms. Casey in the elevator, the doors closing, and only then the red light coming on? That’s only a view that someone standing at the end of the hallway would have, where Milchick is standing when he sends Ms. Casey back down to the testing floor, not the view of someone already standing in the elevator when that red light comes on. That would also explain why he has the list of the severed employees, but it would be information that a person in Milchick’s role would have more fleshed out, with addresses, etc., for everyone, so maybe this theory isn’t a good one after all… 😝 Great recaps regardless! Can’t wait for season 2!!

[@alanl9497]

I think it was the first episode when Irving actually trained Mark on introducing the new hiree, Helly. Your theory makes sense now!

[@PetePeppers1]

The light is only red right after someone descends. Pretty interesting detail.

[@jimrodney4797]

The only thing I can think of that might explain how Irving could see the red elevator light and NOT be in Milchick’s role, is if he was being sent down to the testing floor as part of a group of two or more, and they staggered their descents like the do the for the main severing elevator, and he was the second one to go down?

[@pulsarecho1952]

Makes sense; how else could Irving's outie have that memory from that perspective.

[@FarnazWallace]

He’s been there the longest, so I’m sure he’s held different positions…interesting theory/catch.

[@skarasik4021]

The best pacing of any episode. The ending gave me chills.

[@HighCRI]

Long-term, I think Ms. Casey’s character serves to eventually help Mark find closure and he won’t actually be able to save her/bring her back. It’s very likely we’re going to find out Gemma is essentially dead (or at least has lost most cognitive function) and Ms. Casey is what little of her mind they were able to save. She’ll essentially be a ghost of Gemma. Mark will eventually learn he’s unable to bring her back and it’ll force him to find closure with the reason he got Severed in the first place. I think Helena will become a more direct villain and a lot of her story will be her vs. Helly. I also think there’s a reason Helly is the way she is and that might tie in to Helena as a character. It could possibly turn out that Helena wants to be more rebellious against the cult stuff and the Eagan brainwashing is just too strong, but Helly hasn’t experienced that. Not sure if that would lead to redemption or to Helena being more dangerous.

[@8698gil]

I think you are probably right about Ms. Casey. She is likely in a vegetative state and can only be revived as an innie. It would be better to let her go peacefully than to continue to exist as a slave at Lumon. That could make for a very touching scene when Mark finally says goodbye to her and is able to let go at last.

[@MuantanamoMobile]

That's not how the brain works. If you are a vegetable, you whole brain is affected not just a part of it. So she wouldn't be able too be revived as an innie if she was brain dead as an outie.

[@8698gil]

@@MuantanamoMobile You are right, that is how it works in the real world, but this is tv and severance isn't a real thing, either.

[@gabapentin42069]

I think you're right about Helena v. Helly. There's a lot of speculation about how much of their "outie" self is preserved once they are inside. It seems like Helly has a defiant/rebellious streak through her that's inherent to her personality, not necessarily tied to memories. It could be that Helena is more opposed to severance than we realize, and she's either being forced into submission by her family or is planning a rebellion of some sort.

[@8698gil]

@@gabapentin42069 I highly doubt that, but we will see in season 2.

[@GrannyGamer1]

Irv isn't painting the same image. They're all slightly different iterations of the door opening. The red light only comes on when someone is inside the elevator. Irv may have been in it at some point, but he's painting it as an observer, from outside. This leads me to believe he's currently a repurposed gatekeeper who formerly put people inside and watched them go. I think he rebelled against what he'd witnessed, perhaps arguing it's not in line with the core principles. He was still loyal, but criticizing that inhuman aspect. He was still a company man with inconvenient idealism. So, Lumen didn't wipe him. Loyalty's too valuable, takes a lot of time, resources and effort. They simply repurposed him. They had no idea how much Intel he'd gathered, of course. Irv's innie wholeheartedly believed in the principles when we later meet him. His main source of rage, I believe, is not so much what happens to Burt. His rage centers on how betrayed by Lumen he feels . How annoyingly strict about company rules and how cowardly and frail he appears may betray his unconscious terror that, if he's not able to completely comply, they, mess him up again. Or, perhaps this time, outright kill him. He doesn't put that option past them, and flat out said so at Burt's party. Irv's going to transform from a mousey sychophant to a strong role model of, and maybe martyr to, the rebellion.

[@8698gil]

So he would have previously had Milchick's job. But then why is he severed? Milchick isn't. I can't see the company doing that without his consent.

[@VampireHeart518]

Oooh, interesting

[@GrannyGamer1]

@@8698gil where did I say that?

[@eldigan431]

Notice that he uses different canvases

[@mraso09]

I think Irv’s character is really interesting. I went back and rewatched the episodes and totally agree, Irv is obsessed by rules as shown in first four episodes, he begins to really question himself and the rules as his relationship with Burt grows. Also, his outie was in the military, another rigid rule environment. Maybe Irv’s innie is not so different from Irv’s outie. Irv could have felt equally disgruntled in his military life. This could cause a lot of anger, especially given his age and the number of times he has turned on his own belief system (both as an outie and an innie). His muscle memory allowed his innie to drive a car with no prior experience. Could be same type of issue resurfacing for both his innie and outie - his anger issues emerge as sort of a built in response that cannot be controlled by his brain implant. He would be a great character for the arc you mentioned, hopefully he will have a massive break through and strong role model.

[@angharadhatt3332]

⚠️ SPOILER ⚠️ (Although it is mentioned in the video) When Mark so casually (and accidentally) called Ms. Selvig Ms. Cobel at the party, I about lost my mind. The way it was so casual of a line, yet felt so incredibly intense for the viewer made me love this show all the more 👏🏻

[@PetePeppers1]

That was a great touch

[@etamommy]

Yeah me too! Didn’t quite catch in that she had two names until then when it did not sound quite right for him to call her that there!!!!

[@etamommy]

Then once I got it - I thought - oh holy hell!!! Nooo!!!

[@TheRealAlpha2]

"You'll feel like you never left." When they say that about season two I feel like they're talking more to the characters than the viewers.

[@Doyle69]

Be interesting if Season 2 was them getting all memories erased and its Season 1 all over again but all leads to the same outcome but different.

[@AreolaGrande94]

The episode and series, as a whole, is excellent and this type of show - dystopian/sci-fi/psychological thriller/whatever you wanna label this really brilliant concept - is SOOOO right up my alley. Apart from the specific content of the show, the entire time I watched this I was overcome by this pure, existential terror of what this would feel like if it happened to me. Imagine "waking up" to an entirely new consciousness and reality in a singular instant. Even if that segmented part of you that only ever lived in that cryptic office building basement knew that another, completely disconnected segment existed in said alternate reality, the state of being locked away from any memory or awareness of it, and being thrust into that alternate dimension in real time. Mark, Helly, and Irving knew the importance of their mission, but holy sh**, it seems like something way too nightmarishly hallucinatory to be able to keep a shred of your sanity.

[@brilliantbabies]

If this show was on Netflix it would be talked about everywhere. The entire season was masterful. I going back to watch the entire season again.

[@russg4313]

The goats are all about cloning. They cloned Gemma from her dead body and put Ms Casey in the body. Or Gemma was involved with Severance before she died and they also have Gemma's memories too, but didn't restore them cause her outie body is dead. The ultimate goal is to bring the founders/board members back through cloning. Also - perhaps a military angle (given Irving's military background) . A great cure for PTSD would be to wipe battle field memories. Also a huge cost savings would be to train soldiers, sever them, send them out to battle and if they die, just clone their body and restore their trained memories into the new body. Seems like something a corporation would do to make big bucks.

[@mraso09]

Remember the protesters that Outie Mark talks to in episode 2 or 3? The flyer they handed out has language about Lumon working on (severing) children. It’s on the bottom of the flyer. So, maybe the baby goats are the first stage of the cloning, the next will be to apply the Lumon tech on children. I guess we will find out if season 2 takes us to the testing floor.

[@Conantas]

Probably for testing, not cloning. Also the goats mean something bad. The person with a goat head was meant to be punished. Her outie body isn't dead. Both of them were injured in the car crash, it seems like Lumon had her declared dead and then kept her for themselves. Lumon has their hands in a lot of pies. Given how Kier doesn't like miniatures or replicas, and all the religious allegory, they are probably working towards resurrection. I have a feeling Lumon is up to something more than just profits. They're more of a cult with a goal than a business that just wants money or power.

[@TheDollyce]

This could very well be true. Remember when angry outie Helly shouted out to innie Helly, "you're not even real! I'm real! You're not" when denying innie Helly's application to quit. So maybe that's it! Innie Helly is a clone. Innie Gemma/Ms Casey is a clone. Orphan Black!

[@llothar68]

Someone came up with this cloning idea.but I can’t See anything like this in season 1.

[@R3LF13]

Also, when cobel retrieves Pete's implant, they say, "that's petey" as if his consciousness is somehow housed/backed up in the chip. Perhaps the ultimate goal is immortality through consciousness transfer, like in Altered Carbon.

[@cdpr99]

When Mark called her Ms Corbel I got so scared for him!

[@lifeissweet9826]

That has to be the best line of the episode.

[@LobsterHunter50]

Loved the premise, acting, cast, set design, you name it! Best finale I've seen in years too. Wild ride, can't wait for season 2!

[@Doyle69]

*SPOILER IF NOT SEEN* I personally think Marks wife is in a coma from the car crash, I believe that happened but Lumon used it their advantage. Mark gets to see her now and then rather than never as she would'nt of survived. Mark chose to work for Lumon but chose to be told a story she is dead, and have that memory of discussion erased. She said in episode 8 "I have only been alive 107 hours" I think this is why we have never seen her back story also, because when she returns she is placed back onto a machine, she is also the only character to show no skin on her arms or legs, this could be to hide her burns. I have more theories on things but I think about this one a lot.

[@drknightinla]

wow nice, had not even thought of that!

[@lizc6393]

But she still needs her body move around the office and function, so, is she waking up from the coma and being put back into it? Also, people in comas lose muscle tone and have to relearn to walk if asleep long enough, I had to after less than a month in mine.

[@8698gil]

@@lizc6393 That's a good point. She would need to exercise regularly or her muscles would atrophy She says she has only been awake for 107 hours, and Gemma was supposed to have been dead for over 2 years, so that is a lot of time to spend being a vegetable. She would have to be awake more often than that. Maybe she has been severed more than once.

[@Doyle69]

​@@lizc6393 I do agree with you on this, and I have also thought about that. What I didn't put in my 1st comment is, there are a lot of other options for the chip, we only see innie/outtie mode and the override function ever take place, but we see a lot more options. The chip "could" potential send muscle memory commands etc, basic human functions, without the chip she's "dead" or back into a coma or something.

[@hanniffydinn6019]

You are d, ü…mb,,, as rocks if you think she’s in a coma. 🤣🤣🤣😂😂

[@ANALOUEMMA]

Devon’s family is DANGER ⚠️ now that Mark has told her so much and she knows the true identity of Ms Selvig

[@Stress-Free-K]

But perhaps Mark is reset with a "clean slate". It seems that Harmony wouldn't want to tell Lumon how close she's been with Devon. She might even convince them to keep a lid on what they know ... for now. Cuz Harmony prolly knows firsthand how truly dangerous Lumon can be. Innie Helly might not have fully comprehended Harmony's admonishment before blurting out her pain to the gala. But Devon and her hubby have a newborn. So the next stop for Harmony is to quickly head back to Devon's house and convince them to keep a low profile cuz heads will literally roll.

[@Stress-Free-K]

But perhaps Mark is reset with a "clean slate". It seems that Harmony wouldn't want to tell Lumon how close she's been with Devon. She might even convince them to keep a lid on what they know ... for now. Cuz Harmony prolly knows firsthand how truly dangerous Lumon can be. Innie Helly might not have fully comprehended Harmony's admonishment before blurting out her pain to the gala. But Devon and her hubby have a newborn. So the next stop for Harmony is to quickly head back to Devon's house and convince them to keep a low profile cuz heads will literally roll.

[@Stress-Free-K]

Some Severed Queries 1) Even with a "clean slate" how can Helena's Father ever trust that innie Helly won't succeed in destroying his company and/ or daughter ever again.? 2) Is Ms. Casey in a coma on the "testing floor" only to be reanimated for Wellness Sessions? 3) Where is my "FU Mr. Milchick" tee-shirt?

[@8698gil]

I think Irving has already been reset with the clean slate option so they can probably do the same with Helly. Maybe eventually they do that with all their employees. Most of them seem to have been there for only a few years. Eventually they start asking questions and become problematic. Yes, I think Ms. Casey is in a vegetative state and is only brought out when Lumon needs her. She certainly can't leave, she's supposed to be dead. I'm just going to add something I just thought of. If Ms. Casey is kept in a vegetative state, her muscles would atrophy and she would be unable to walk. She has only been awake as Ms. Casey for 107 hours. Perhaps she has been severed more than once? I hope to find out in season 2

[@HoneyGoldJasmine]

I second the petition for the shirt 😂

[@8698gil]

I want one of those t shirts too. F you Milchick!

[@Stress-Free-K]

@@HoneyGoldJasmine The Severence merch store is really missing. There could also be finger puzzles and Lumen coffee cozies and mugs. A veritable treasure trove of kitsch.

[@Stress-Free-K]

@@8698gil I've been thinking about that too. After a few years, the Lumon employees must start to resent their lot in life. And sorta like in real office settings. Lil awards and office parties can only go so far. They got to feel like they are truly being respected. Which is why I love Helly so much. Cuz right from the outset, she's the type of person that wouldn't be caught dead under fluorescent lights and sitting at a cubical all day. I had a basement job like that in my 20's and was literally sick, for weeks on end until they transferred up to the top floor and gave me much more freedom. Apparently, even with a clean slate, your innate personality can not be wiped clean. And that's what Lumon doesn't get. Helly will continue to raise hell if she's not freed. No matter how many times they try to wipe her, break her or lullaby her to sleep. Ms. Casey, on the other hand, is existing in a nether world. Maybe she's being held in some type of ... revitalizing gel. No doubt part of Lumon's line of cosmetics. Also, Helena's father mentioned a "revolving" and "The Grandfather". Has Ms. Casey been "revolved"? Is this "revolving" a type of reincarnation? Are the Eagans clones of the "The Grandfather and "The Grandmother"? And what do you mean by being "severed more than once?" What type of new nightmare are you proposing, K M?

[@jasonluong3862]

Given that season 2 won't come out for at least a year, it's best to try to forget this show ever existed or else the cliffhanger is going to gnaw at you for a while. Like the show's premise, it's best to sever yourself from the show for now.

[@alejoideando]

*What a season finale. I loved how everything was narrated in real time, that's why it was so short. Great Dylan enduring practically the 40min of the chapter.*

[@mattgilbert7347]

I thought that Mark's wife may have been killed by Lumon, I knew that something dodgy was up with her death - but the Casey twist? Didn't see it coming at all. "A kinder, more empathetic revolution". Capitalism with a human face is terrifying.

[@RudieObias]

I really hope season two comes later this year instead of early 2023. I don't think I can wait a whole year to find out what happens next in season two. 😬

[@8698gil]

I hope so, too. Otherwise, it's going to be a really long year.

[@PetePeppers1]

There was a lot of reporting that Season 2 was getting ready to go straight into production. From the interviews I read post-finale that doesn't seem to be the case. Ben Stiller made it sound like 2023 at the earliest.

[@HDGamergr]

Well I would hope it came in 2023 but sadly 2024 sound more realistic

[@AppIeOfficial]

it’s coming 2025 now 😭

[@lifeissweet9826]

By 2025 I'll be less interested. Outed range took too long to come back. It was very anticlimactic.

[@notbill08]

What an amazing rush of an episode! Wonder if Helena/Helly will "recover" and say her little opening speech was just a joke? I also think Cobel will get her job back for stopping the Overtime incident. Can't wait for season 2!

[@silosara]

I knew Helly was an Eagan and everybody kept saying I was wrong bc of her parking spot. Literally listen to the way Milchick talks to her during her orientation. The flowers gave it away.

[@8698gil]

I knew she was an Eagan, too. If she were going in to work there undercover, why would she give it away by using an executive parking spot? I caught on because of the conversations between her and Milchick, too.

[@ajohnson8494]

Another thing that gave it away is when Milcheck told Irving at Burt's retirement party, is that he wouldn't allow Irving to embarrass the founder or his progeny (paraphrasing). When he said progeny, I kept thinking who the heck is he talking about? Now it makes sense lol. Even though Helly wasn't at Burt's party, he had to be talking about her since she is the only one related to Eagan as his progeny.

[@alexandrasandu3947]

10:45 This is just one of the many MANY details but, speaking of green and blue being pretty, I liked how this was echoed in Helly's gala dress :)

[@angharadhatt3332]

i was wondering if anyone else noticed that! The blue and green lights in the prototype, the blue and green echoed in the badges and overall severance floor design, plus the overwhelming amount of blue in Kier's house. In fact, if you go back to episode 3, Kier's slippers are blue and green. I hope that there is a reason as to why these two colors are so significant.

[@linziwade2529]

And her earrings!

[@alexandrasandu3947]

@@linziwade2529 Indeed. Idk why I didn't include the earrings in the comment but I did think they kinda represented the chip itself w/ the shape and all, not only the colors.

[@katshea47]

i totally noticed that too! amazing detail!

[@KDSima]

Great catch! I didn’t notice that. I can’t watch tense scenes bc I was pretty nervous watching it and kept having to leave them.

[@sopyleecrypt6899]

I find Ricken’s friends/disciples interesting. They are so odd, and at first it just seems that’s because they are new-age navel-gazers, but at the reading, their oddness is next-level. Rebeck babbles about the sores on her head from being attacked by a bird (or chip implantation?), is described as chewing even though she’s not eating (nibbling constantly like a goat?), and that she smells weird (like a goat?!) 😄. Her name “Rebeck” is like a fragment of a name, like she was Rebecca but is now just Rebeck. She says she’ll have to change her name again - to just Reb? Patton also speaks strangely and makes very sure that Ricken thinks he found the baby - it’s very childish. I believe they are severed but perhaps don’t know it.

[@catherinecaldwell-harris722]

Excellent observations that no one else had made!

[@beford628]

I'm hoping the loose ends aren't just "mystery boxes" the writers were throwing out to see if something would stick, because this show was great all season. Now the wait for "Better Call Saul" continues.

[@PetePeppers1]

I'm reading some post-finale interviews and it sounds like they know where they're going.

[@sumtingwong8592]

I'm overall glad the whole team survived. Though it's unsure what they'll do with Helly R. They can't physically torture Helly because her outie is a very important person. But they also would be letting her off if she never returned. Either way hope she gets to come back, she's a better person than her outie. Also Gemma, really hope she gets to see the light of day again, so happy that Mark is on their trail and might be able to save her.

[@8698gil]

Helly might return even though the original plan was that she was finished being an innie, just to punish her innie as much as possible. Helly seems to be a lot like her father, they don't seem to regard the innies as being real people with rights.

[@thrasher613]

I loved this episode. What a thrill ride! Overall, I think this has been the best series, I have watched in a very long time. Can't wait for Season 2. Thank you for making me aware of this series and for the weekly recaps!

[@keithferris9574]

This episode is honestly one of the greatest episodes of any show ever made.

[@KinggShmoke]

Legit the greatest show I’ve ever seen. But shoutout to my man dylan for holding those switches for a cool 30 mins at least

[@annsophiefans1472]

Thank you Pete Peppers, for your excellent show reviews of this great show! It is just as fun to watch your recap as it is to watch each episode!

[@annsophiefans1472]

* Pete, you give the BEST recaps, thank you!! *

[@Test27344]

Amazing! That's the only word I can use to describe it. I was on the edge of my seat with my heart in my throat the entire episode. Strong finale..strong season...wow..what I freaking show!! Can't wait for Season 2.

[@joemckeown4612]

Such a tension filled episode. Feel like a bit of the mystery is lifting and I hope they can keep the audience engaged after this season and not pull a Lost and keep inventing mystery’s with no pay offs. I think exploring the idea of severance it’s self is the way to go.

[@asant90]

There is a bigger thing at plY wih lumon

[@llgla]

I hope the show us the testing floor in the next season.

[@travelingbostonian]

They would be lucky to "pull a LOST". One of the best shows literally int he history of TV.

[@moosepasshippie]

Agreed, Lost was great. After the 3rd season I was wondering where the plot was going. It seems like the producers were trying to extend the series and make more money. During season 1 of Lost I was working at a large processing facility that had an alarm go off every so often and the plant operator had to go to the control room to turn it off. I was hooked to Lost after that.

[@VampireHeart518]

@@travelingbostonian When people say that, they specifically refer to the patched & improvised script that lead to a notoriously unsatisfying ending. Other than that, yeah, it was great :D (no irony, I loved the experience of watching it and it remained a point of reference for me, so many years later, after dozens, perhaps hundreds of shows watched)

[@bigfan007]

Sorry to hear about your COVID infection and hope you have a speedy and full recovery. Thanks for your great analysis and reactions for Season 1. The finale was very well done.

[@Great_Sandwich]

This wait will be unbearable. I can recall the days of network television leaving off our favourite shows with a cliffhanger, going on summer hiatus, and then returning PROMPTLY in September. All we had to do was wait a few months. NOW..? God knows when we'll see the next season. OVER A YEAR FROM NOW!? Damn it, it's frustrating.

[@somejackball]

ya in a perfect world they would start shooting in the summer and have a new season premiere up by fall. but hopefully by same time next year at least, if all goes well!

[@jenny_lopez_official]

this episode was the single most intense piece of media i have ever witnessed

[@mekareactsandreviews3026]

The one thing that I hope does not happen is that they wipe their memories, because I hate when series don't move forward and just recycle old storylines...Because basically we're starting from the beginning again, so I will be happy with anything but that..

[@heckinbasedandinkpilledoct7459]

A memory wipe is probably what will happen. But I doubt that lumon would make the same mistakes twice (e.g. leave the security room unattended at any time, not wiping the memories of an employee who’s gone through otc, not noticing strange behaviors in outies). If their memories are swapped, the story would just progress in a different way. Also, I think Devon would play a more prominent role in season 2 by actively opposing lumon. She might team up with Petey’s daughter and other people who have been damaged by severance.

[@cryptojihadi265]

So glad I didn't start watching this until last week, but bummed when I found out the second season isn't coming out until Jan. i was looking up the characters and they all said they were in 19 episodes, so I assumed S2 was out already. So yeah, it was a real shocker when I couldn't hit NEXT UP after the S1 cliff hanger.

[@FarnazWallace]

Thank you Pete for covering this fantastic show every week. It’s my favorite show of the year and your weekly videos answered a lot of questions and made this experience much more enjoyable. I think our 4 protagonists will be reset next season, in which case Mark’s sister should play a bigger role being the only one with the inside knowledge. There are two over arching motives/themes for the severance founders… immortality and control. I remember Petey telling Mark what if I told you that we kill thousands of people…this was validated in Lexington letter…and the reveal that Irv was x military makes me wonder if this was experimented in the military first. And now we have Gemma’s death and her experimentation as a full time innie. If the Lumen founders can both kill and bring back to life, then they make themselves the Gods indeed.

[@PetePeppers1]

I'm back and forth on Lumon resetting them. It makes sense if it's possible from their perspective, but it would kill the momentum. We'll see.

[@8698gil]

I'm not sure Gemma ever died at all. Maybe she was in a coma after the accident. Mark may have been told that she was too burned or disfigured for viewing and had a closed casket funeral, or she was supposedly cremated..Lumon owns that town, maybe they have a deal with the hospital regarding comatose patients. I think it's possible that she is kept in a vegetative state and only brought out when Lumon wants to use her for something.

[@Stress-Free-K]

"Clean Slate" is definitely Lumon's best option. Other than firing all their outties and portraying them as extremists. The Lexington letter establishes car crashes as part of their MO. I see Gemma returning to the "testing floor" in a coma. Agreed .. Devon and her hubby will be going to the press big time. And certainly, Mark will try to quit. Or will they think it's better to have him on the inside?

[@FarnazWallace]

@@Stress-Free-K I think Mark will go back in for Gemma. Now that we know they can switch them in the outside world, I wonder if they’ll use that to control them even after reset/clean slate.

[@FarnazWallace]

@@8698gil I agree, doctors under Lumen control could’ve declared her dead when she wasn’t. But I still think the founders seek immortality whether before during or after death. I think Helly’s father looked robotic like Ms Casey…

[@PrimetimeD]

Great breakdown as always. Now that Season 1 is all out, I imagine I'll be watching through it again and again to see what I missed, or what hits different knowing what we now know.

[@PetePeppers1]

Definitely rewatchable

[@CS-xo5fo]

When Mark yells “She’s alive” it looks like he may be holding the picture of him and Gemma in his hand. This could make his statement more clear and understood to his sister and the people at the party

[@PetePeppers1]

I think he's holding it

[@bhosterman]

Such a good show. I was screaming profanities at my tv when it ended. I hate waiting.

[@hipnhappenin]

I watched this at work and I gasped so loud when Mark called Mrs. Selvig "Ms. Cobel"

[@kakashiuchiha3448]

I was literally chanting "don't call her Cobel" "don't call her Cobel" whole time while they were having conversations

[@dillonobrien6442]

When mark said “SHES ALIVE” I got a flashback to “KATE WE HAVE TO GO BACK” from Lost two great shows

[@lynnhettrick7588]

I was so tense the whole episode! So well done! I think I said "Oh no!" out loud when Mark said the wrong name.

[@adereynolds]

Loved the episode, not going to love the wait for next season. And get well soon! I've had COVID quite badly all week and watching the finale today was definitely an improvement! Looking forward to more videos.

[@MissN77]

I hope you are feeling better❤️

[@OvechkinRbk9k]

No one cares you had common cold

[@claudiogallucci563]

I was yelling at them to MOVE FASTER hurry up get help they didn't know how long they had to be in overtime. Gooooo specially Haley

[@goodnewspov]

Easily one of the best shows I’ve seen in a while, wow! Can season 2 get here already!!

[@SheemsOfficial]

Damn Burt was married 😂😂 and helly is the freakn creators daughter !!!!!!!!

[@dxinupe1911]

This season was amazing!!!! About to rewatch the season now!!!!

[@evolv.e]

I’ve rewatched the series 3 times now 🤩

[@RobinHerzig]

Been watching every episode twice for the last few

[@yoambria3747]

Helly was looking like “Yeah it’s nice to finally meet ME too” 😂😂😂

[@barrymurphy1337]

What a ride! I've been binging the show over the last week and your breakdown videos & the comments that they raise have been really beneficial & the 'iceing on the cake' after watching each episode. Can't believe we have to wait until next year to carry on 😥 Many thanks.

[@nard1000]

I just finished the first season. I can't imagine waiting for 3 years for the 2nd season!!!!

[@cmv10]

My questions are why would Harmony withhold that information about Helly's suicide attempt knowing outie Helly is the CEO's daughter? She had to know that information would get out regardless? Also, why wouldn't the board mind Harmony living next door to Mark but mind Harmony spending time at Devon's house?

[@TrishD33LGK]

Thanks for the content. The analysis has been great. I finally set up an account so I can like and subscribe to these BCS and Severance videos I've been watching. I think Irv is going to play a key role next season. He's been there the longest; has likely been reset at least once if not more than once; was likely in multiple jobs, maybe in O&D with Burt. Maybe in Milchik's job. Maybe both. There are so many way they can go with this. Irv might have been part of Petey's group with Reghabi. It was strange to hear Petey say to Mark "I am your best friend. You are my very good friend." I also think the Lexington Letter will play a role. Peggy, like Ms. Casey, is a part-time innie who never leaves. She may even come back as Ms. Casey's replacement in Wellness. Like BCS, the creators of Severance don't strike me as releasing things for the sake of releasing them. Rather, everything has meaning. There is a reason for everything they do. In the BB and BCS world the Lexington Letter could be considered an easter egg.

[@vysharra]

I hope you recover quickly! Thanks for the video, it was great!

[@8698gil]

That apology statement that innies are forced to make in the break room finally means something when Helly says it to herself in the bathroom. She' is truly sorry for the pain that has been caused by her outtie

[@joanneweiss3864]

So glad discovered you w BCS! So fun & helpful, now I'm watching all Severance vids, my new fav show😱👍 glad for you it ended b4 BCS began, you put so damn much time & effort into these!!!👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@thoso1973]

Best series of 2022. All you need is a great idea and a great execution of that idea. Can't wait for S2.

[@brokenglassshimmerlikestar3407]

lol I can imagine an opening of season 2 where we see Mark waking up on the table hearing "who are you"

[@MarkLatimerRussell]

Hearing from reviewers a lot of people figured out Helly was an Egan makes me REALLY happy I binge watched it after it came out, I was hit HARD by that reveal. Such a good show.

[@adoormarkedpirate378]

I havent been that on the edge of my seat since Mr Robot was still on. I cant wait until season 2!

[@markburns4497]

Loved Mr Robot! I too had that feeling right afterwards, hadn't felt that way since the last 2-3 episodes of Mr Robot as its story concluded.

[@adoormarkedpirate378]

@@markburns4497 yeah I was yelling at the screen during this episode for characters to just say something before they get cut off. Haha I havent done that in a long time. I was very into the episode

[@DS-wp8do]

Yeah, it was the same for me. Haven't felt that way for a show since Westworld's S1 and Mr. Robit

[@alfirojascornelius6542]

Thanks so much for your reviews. Hope you feel better 👍💐💐💛💛

[@dinocollins720]

When he called her "Miss Cobel" I was so pissed!!! I was shouting and freaking out haha

[@Dayvit78]

This is why I never say anyone's name when talking to them. It's "you" or "buddy" or something :)

[@dinocollins720]

@@Dayvit78 Haha great so you're always prepared in case you're thrust into a sci-fi narrative haha😂

[@radsk8rbigollies594]

OOOHHH, I just got it that when Ms. Casey told Irving about his Outie she told him that he likes the sound of Radar. That is his dog's name

[@theproximian]

You’re incredibly insightful! Thanks for sharing.

[@andrewwhitfield5480]

Get well soon! Thanks for all the wonderful and intelligent videos.

[@PetePeppers1]

thanks

[@adio4402]

I heard about this show before the pilot and was immediately drawn by the premise. So glad it was executed so perfectly with a great cast. I hope it can get a well planned run and tell a good story.

[@M113A1]

Anyone else think the reason Rebeck specifically mentioned the bird pecking on the back of her head to explain a recent severance chip insertion scar? It seems to specific to commit to the dialog of the show if it was just a ‘bird’.

[@staceyb.5878]

maybe that's why they all act so weird, maybe they used to be severed or something

[@spinning_data2974]

Was thinking Irv and Burt have known each other outside. Once Burt opens the door, Irv is already in outtie mode and Burt will just asked Irv, ‘what’s going on?’

[@rogermucroy750]

Been watching your vids bout Severance and just realised I used to watch your Dark explained vids! You have good taste in shows sir.

[@Cristinas_watching]

Thanks Pete, for dropping the best post-episode videos this season. Hope you feel better soon! Now I'm not going to be able to get the idea of "Kier's Army" out of my head... Gabby/Gabriela and her severed birthing plan/childcare plan is one thing, but now that the tension of the finale is wearing off, am thinking more about (waxy) Jame Eagan and wtf "revolving" means, "the grandfather,” why Dylan opted in for severance (similar to Peg from the Lexington Letter?), ETC. We'll have plenty of time to theorize.

[@PetePeppers1]

Making severance a consumer product really would expand their reach. Thanks for watching!

[@katshea47]

i'm super curious about why people opted in for the severance procedure. is it some ptsd or traumatic event? what happened to dylan to make him want this? or was it like Peggy who saw a noticeable increase in salary and benefits that lured him.

[@Cristinas_watching]

@@katshea47 Peg was burned out too. Makes the fact that we only saw a few minutes of Dylan’s outside life even more mysterious!! As many have pointed out already, S9 pretty much proved that Dylan does muscle shows.

[@katshea47]

@@Cristinas_watching he definitely does muscle shows lol! Only a rockstar could Do that that long

[@RobinHerzig]

Yeah, we still don't know Dylan's motivation for severance 😏Not sure how that's gonna come out as I believe Dylan is in for some brutal punishments + I could see him wiped clean, sent to another dept + not even recognize his MDR comrades

[@spinning_data2974]

Possible damages will be averted. Devon will think Mark is talking about the baby, Helly’s outie will just say sorry and retract everything. As for Irv, he and Burt migh have known each other outside. Given the situation, i dont find reason why Helly will be allowed back to severed floor. Will Devon let Mark go back ti Lumon? Will Dylan be Clean Slated as a punishment?

[@58bobby]

"All be Kiers children" - if everyone gets the procedure Lumon will be able to control them all based on what we saw in the security room.

[@wendycape7283]

I believe the endgame is a single Kier consciousness for all - omnipotent god

[@heckinbasedandinkpilledoct7459]

@@wendycape7283 true. They have already set up their company culture like a religion. Hell, Cobel has a shrine to kier and the perpetuity wing is literally a temple to the Eagans. Weird shit

[@knives6683]

Everytime Mark was interupted i was seriously losing my sh1t lol.

[@doctormoobbc]

Helly's head briefly covers her name as soon as she walks in. For a moment it spells "Hell"

[@salmanjets718]

You know what’s crazy?.. I see ur videos uploaded and then I try to catch up. I’m glad I watched this weird show. Can’t wait for season 2

[@ShannaPeeples]

Love your recaps - it really helped me navigate the season in an enjoyable way. Thank you!

[@Sjrick]

Feel better Pete !!! We need you to show us what we are missing !!!!

[@moneyybag_fro]

This is the best show out right now.

[@nysockexchange2204]

Two words for Dylan, DUCT TAPE!

[@gregwilliams3120]

I'm late to the party on this, but my goodness, what a great show! I just hope they don't go full out confusion like Westworld did after their amazing season 1.

[@lowproof]

I'm sorry, but I have to confess that I watched ScreenCrush and Heavy Spoilers before. But you are the original and better!

[@sandcake]

The suspense was unreal in the finale. In the beginning I thought this was a mini series, but now I see this could go on for 3 seasons or more - if done right. I hope Erickson has a vision for the whole story and for Lumen, otherwise the writing room has to make things up and oftentimes that doesn't work out.

[@TrishD33LGK]

Cobel has some sort of attachment to Mark. In an empty housing complex she lives immediately next door to him, not next to any other severed employee. Graner said security at the college tipped him off about Reghabi. There's a connection between the college and Lumon and Gemma (experimented with?) that now has her monitoring Mark.

[@mitcharendt2253]

I may have teared up a bit when Mark shouted 'she's alive!'

[@sopyleecrypt6899]

I think the scene at the gala draws parallels between slavery and severance. Lumon’s upper echelons and those that benefit from severance see the innies as less than human. They already know the innies suffer (through the methods used to control them, like the Break Room), they just don’t care. To them it’s a necessary part of controlling the innies, using sticks alongside the carrots of their little rewards systems like melon parties and coffee cosies. I don’t think Helly’s revelation will have the impact she is hoping for. The Helly project is a PR exercise by the Eagans/Lumon. They don’t actually believe Helly is happy, or care one way or the other. The whole thing is designed to persuade people outside their enclave that severance is a good thing, and that the severed innies are fine. Like the idea of “happy slaves” that was often portrayed in era of slavery. People then knew that slavery was a miserable existence. They either didn’t care, or persuaded themselves that slaves weren’t like real humans and that, when properly controlled, they were really happy with their lot. Of course some might rebel, but they just needed to be brought back in line and conditioned to accept their fate. I think in season 2, Helly will be horrified to find that the people at the gala don’t care about her revelation. They will focus on suppressing her and forcing her to comply, so they can continue to profit from severance.

[@stephaniejimenez7876]

I loved the last episode!! I was hooked on the show since ep 1, but at the same time felt kind of irritated by the not knowing, everything seems to have come together in this last episode....can't wait for next season!! Cheers from Honduras 🤩🤩