SEVERANCE Season 2 Episode 3 Breakdown, Theories, Mysteries & More!

[@MichaelB-jw5po]

Burt mentions in season 1 that there used to be a rumor that people from MDR had pouches on their stomachs

[@Newhorizons4u]

Glad someone remembered

[@richbaird9407]

Came to the comments just to say that. Thanks for bringing it up

[@dilaramamedova2368]

yup, that's what i thought. I don't think there's much more than that to this scene

[@gregoryfenn1462]

We didn't see Helly's bellybutton!!!! Is she a clone???

[@NewtonDKC]

I too thought it was odd we didn’t see Helly’s belly button, but thought it might be a female modesty thing? Plus can’t ignore the whole relevance to Innies and Outies being references to belly button types depending on how your umbilical was cut & healed as a newborn, and even in reference to people being in the closet or out. So many possible leveled of meaning! And can I just say having to wait a week for the next episode is torturous enough that I almost want my Innie to take over so I don’t remember Severance until next week when I can reassert to watch the next episode!!

[@eden20111]

The scene where Natalie gifts Milkshake the paintings, and then she weirdly walks around him staring at him while smiling was so disturbing to me... The actress is doing an incredible job.

[@nickbueno_]

The way the camera circles around milkshake but is focused on her creepy face was chilling lol

[@polskisernik8470]

Legit weirded me out. incredible acting tho

[@geminiaxelrod4592]

Right?? Also, was it just me or were Natalie's eyes two different colors in that scene??

[@finfog4590]

She just seemed uncomfortable being herself

[@ElGatoBlanco1970]

As soon as she said re canonicalized I thought Black Jesus (Black Kier) and then they made Kier look like his ancestors or even himself. Natalie gives off Huge "Pick Me" energy, like a Candice Owen's. Creepy and "Passing" . I did think it was very similar, milkshake and Natalie/MarkS and HellyR ( its HellyR imo) both scenes made me think they were going to kiss.

[@rowena5835]

the reintegration scene was SO GOOD

[@Hobodeluxe007]

both sad and good. but it had to be. next episode gonna be wild. mark is going to unionize Lumon :)

[@StanViviLee]

​@@Hobodeluxe007 and Dylan is going to be the one to break the union. 😔

[@green90123]

I think there will be at least 1 episode gap in momentum. Next episode is probably all about his first day and in the past. Likely won’t get progress in present time for a few weeks

[@jessycac6311]

@@StanViviLee im hoping they'll all come together at the end. like a better version of the marvel endgame team up.

[@jessycac6311]

​@@green90123 The summary ep4 says the team is doing a team-building day. the trailer shows them all wearing fur coats and ushanka-esc hats in a snowy landscape, with milchick holding a radio of sorts. Genuinely no clue what it could be but i suspect it links to cold harbour.

[@Bongobert]

My sister made a throwaway joke about the goat department being homeless people, that got me thinking. "Your outie excels at stargazing" made me suspicious, because we know that what miss casey tells the innies about their outies is missleading but somehow rooted in reality in some way. Being good at stargazing because you have no actual roof and sleep on the street sounds like something that could refer to a homeless person. What if lumon picked up these people that nobody would miss and severed them. They think they go home at the end of each day, but they‘d never know if they actually didn‘t

[@kristafarmer776]

I was definitely wondering why they looked rougher than the other departments. Sure, they work with animals but that does not explain the injuries and overall rough appearance. Maybe you’re on to something? Or there is an even darker way to explain the injuries they have….

[@Rirah]

Wow love this theory!

[@spaceylittlecowgirl]

very compelling theory

[@nathaliaalves8595]

this would make so much sense OMG

[@ohyeaaaa1]

I also wonder how many people are literally dead to the outside world and trapped in Lumon as clones like Miss Kacey seems to be.

[@adriant4479]

Side note: severance is making me remeber how fun it is when tv shows release episodes weekly rather than all at once. I love the suspense, the theories, talking with other fans etc

[@f1r3hydr4nt]

Soo true. I hope Severance last long enough.

[@ThwipThwipBoom]

I hate it. I would prefer every episode to release at once. The weekly model fucking sucks.

[@lntg]

@@ThwipThwipBoom Patience my friend.

[@meskahmusic]

There is absolutely no need for apple to release weekly but keeping talks around the show alive. I want my 10 hour binge back!

[@mathew1904]

After hearing your recaps on Cobel, I now think her mom was severed and her innie was an atheist and her outie a catholic with the chip Cobel carries actually her moms. Cobel could still be an illegitimate child. She could also have evidence her mom was killed by Lumon

[@AmanCreatesArt]

The silent exchange between Seth and Natalie after the board hung up (in the scene with the paintings) was some top tier eye acting. I had to watch it twice. So much said without a single word spoken!

[@user-kw7rt9zl4e]

It was like “I know this shit crazy af but you better like them mfin paintings or it’s gonna be a problem”

[@DanSmith-j8y]

The writers and actors deliberately made it ambiguous, we don't know what they were saying or thinking.

[@francescaa8331]

​@@user-kw7rt9zl4e that's what it looks like to me.

[@24JesseD]

I can tell the Dylan G storyline is gonna be a rough one

[@lawanddalatieh]

His acting was incredible. He was overwhelmed and overly smiling, just like a guy on his first date ever

[@melcg77]

finding out your outie is a loser would kill me too. like my god

[@keibakate]

I really hope he reintegrates. I think that will give his outie the hard working optimism of his innie and make him a better person by combining a version of himself not destroyed by the world

[@cowboywaingro7259]

Dylan is a great employee without distractions. Moral of the story - do not get married or have kids

[@scantilysad]

@@cowboywaingro7259idk if you are joking lol but I dont think thats the takeaway. I feel that the series really asks the question who are we without our core memories? Especially the memories that are heavy and create baggage. All of the innies seem to have this pureness to them. An authenticity that is untouched by the trauma and disillusion most adults experience. Its not Dylans wife or children that are his downfall. It is something that he seems to be battling within himself that is holding him back. If anything, he is the one who comes off as burdensome to his family. His wife works at night, and cares for the kids during the day. When she asked him to do one task for his kids he hadnt done it. Shes been nothing but supportive since her introduction to the show. But every scene Dylans outie is shown he is uninterested and not very nice.

[@Thevikingninja117]

That was the best episode of Severance yet. Holy crap. Damn anxiety attack then entire episode, horror show, and the reintragration ...worked. I am loosing my mind right now.

[@Flatpockets123]

I was holding my breath for last 10 minutes

[@mandolyn]

I cried watching this episode. It pains me to wait til next week

[@emilypeters9217]

I CAN’T BREATHE!!,

[@OG_Boodaah]

Yep. Gonna watch it again. I swear it felt like I did not move the entire episode.

[@waanaabe-4795]

wasn't expecting so much so early in the season!

[@thoriq2716]

I think the goat department asking whether Helly and Mark has pouches was just comedy relief and a throwback to when Burt said that MDR people is rumored to have pouches in their bellies.

[@Lilnutallergy]

Yes! It was a direct callback to the misinformation and fear mongering that was spread in the departments about MDR! Just like with the two different false paintings depicting both departments supposedly killing each other, the "pouches' lie must've also gotten to the other departments as a way to scare them and keep the different departments apart as to not rebel against the company and not trust each other.

[@BerkedBeans]

Clones dont have belly buttons

[@vitaminj7]

​@BerkedBeans after they show their bellies, Lorne says "See? Pouchless."

[@mjbabicful]

@@BerkedBeans Mark showed a belly button but Helly/Helena didn't. 🤨

[@allegrachaple]

Yes - both O&D and the goat dept have the green lanyards and may have both been shown the version of the painting where the blue lanyards (mdr) were attacking them - definitely seems like a call back but watching it I was hoping for a different reason that might explain more of how the bodies are treated and handled on the severed floor like if testing results in an additional surgery or mark because the goat dept looked roughed up

[@rollbacked]

I wonder if Milchick buys into the whole Lumon/Eagan fanaticism. At times it feels like he is just playing along and really doesn't care -- he just wants to climb up the corporate ladder Hoping for an arc where he switches sides

[@bubastis6306]

The black Kier paintings showed just how little Lumon actually cared about him, because any corporation with sense would realize right away that giving a black employee blackface paintings of their founder would be seen as infantilizing and borderline offensive. I think Milchik realized this because he was obviously not very pleased with his ‘gift’

[@LucasTowers__]

I think it works in both ways. Either doesn't buy the Lumon/Eagan fanaticism, or either so in on Lumon that he's disgusted with the idea of replacement the leader.

[@mjbabicful]

When those paintings were revealed I audibly gasped. Totally was not expecting that.

[@d4l3d]

@@bubastis6306 Sudden realization that Lumon was far more covertly racist than anticipated. Imagine his loyalty was predicated on a misplaced sense of equality there. So yes, a betrayal in the most fundamental way.

[@jessycac6311]

Yeah, with the culture of lumon developing almost fanatical worship towards Eagen and the Board I was surprised by how straight-faced he was, he almost needed to be prompted to say he appreciated it. He looked more surprised than happy. I think he was happier during the famed dance scene LOL.

[@jackfriedman4927]

Cobel clearly harbors a loss over Charlotte, which is why we saw that first scene. She looked at the breathing tube and headed back. She knows that if she can get Mark across the line with Cold Harbor, she too could be reunited with her loved one. This is why I think she gives such divine praise to Lumon and Kier because it would be an act of god.

[@CalvinandJordan]

I really don’t think Harmony/Ms. Cobel has ever had any malice towards Mark. I don’t think she’s his mom but I do think you could be right about her fixation on the breathing tube, which is more evidence for the theory she is good and why she’s fixated on Mark. I think there may be a third layer to their severed memories too based on evidence with the Exports Elevator but that’s a different theory. This one is honestly a pure gut feeling that Harmony(Ms. Cobel) has been trying to get Gemma back for Mark. I think she may have known everything about everyone before it happened. Here is my case: Harmony(is what I’ll call her for ease) has worked at Lumon as long as she can remember. She was probably already running the severed floor when Gemma had her accident. I think Harmony also knew Mark & Gemma before the accident and after it happened, she recognized Gemma inside Lumon, and planted the seed somehow with Outie Mark to work in the Lumon severed floor BECAUSE SHE KNEW SHE WAS GONNA ASSIGN HIM TO COLD HARBOR THATS WHY MARK WITH NO EXPERIENCE LANDED HIMSELF A HIGHLY COVETED POSITION(mdr) . I also think that she knew about the reintegration with Petey, and that maybe possibly there might be a small chance that she could facilitate Mark resurrecting his own wife from the dead, and that if the reintegration worked (that’s why she went to such lengths to get Petey’s chip to the board so they could confirm for her if it worked) I think Harmony’s been waking a very fine line of making sure Mark stays in mdr long enough to finish Gemma’s file, putting her outside self back together maybe? Whatever the file is, he’s gotta finish it before she’s ready. And even then, Marks reintegration has to go well and Gemma will also have to go through a successful reintegration to remember who Mark is. Veeeeeery long story short, I think Harmony is being set up as antagonist but may be our undercover protagonist. She screams when Mark confronts her in the street because she wants so so so badly to tell him but she can’t yet and if she tells outtie Mark anything, then they risk losing everything. Or I could be totally wrong. I’d be interesting hear your thoughts!

[@tommycole9617]

Something i havent seen mentioned. It seems like Cobel is trapped in the town of kier. We know she is severed because we saw her name on the OTC. My theory is Lumon set her chip to switch her to her innie if she tries to leave the town. This is why she sat at the town border, looking longingly towards the beyond before ultimately screeching back towards kier in anger. This could be the same for any/every severed employee.

[@eriwantie]

Oh my gooood this makes so much sense!! And why she was so interested in re-integration and seeing if love for someone would still be remembered - between Mark and Gemma but also herself (love for her mother). Makes so much sense thank you for bringing this up!!!!

[@ResistanceB.7]

That's why she kept Mark so close to her in season one meeting him so often....she also may know Petey's story 🤔

[@JakeLondonRivers]

Do we know she is severed? …

[@jmaddie2468]

One of Dan Erickson's inspirations for the show was The Truman Show... never being able to leave...I totally buy it

[@Bubbles603]

Good God that is HORRIFYING... which makes it an amazing theory good job!!!

[@jbiz3]

The small little details of how each character acts as innie vs outtie is incredible! It isn’t until you really pay attention that you start realizing how good the acting is. Even just subtle looks on their faces. I love it.

[@Bubbles603]

A little detail I love is that Innie Mark has so much better posture than Outtie Mark. Ben Stiller joked that whenever Adam Scott changed his posture that he would too, subconsciously. This also recontextualizes the dance party for me because Mark dances like a shy, awkward baby who doesn't really know how to move his body in a rhythmic way (tbf the "music" is not exactly rhythmic in and of itself) but is sure as Hell gonna try!

[@Luke101]

Adam Scott is absolutely terrific in this show, Good lord

[@Kidlaw77]

The scene with Seth and Natalie was so relatable as a Black American professional. The look they shared was an acknowledgement that the paintings were full on racist mess, but it was dangerous to say that out loud. Natalie and Seth being Black (Natalie is biracial) was showing how they understood the moment. You could see the recognition and fear in their eyes. I know I have had the same experience with Black coworkers especially these days. Phenomenal to see this experience in a mainstream show with these wonderful actors.

[@danadomino]

Especially when she tells Milchik that she had also received similar paintings when she was promoted. It seemed like her face was telling him "I also got these so I know how this feels". It was genuinely sad.

[@Kidlaw77]

@@danadominoIt really was sad. It was a reminder for both of them that they are not truly accepted just as they are in this cult. They are still outsiders even while being inside. Kudos to the actors for portraying this all through their slight facial expressions and eyes. Real acting, seriously!

[@danadomino]

@Kidlaw77 Right? And they themselves seem so dedicated to the mission. Only to be given the biggest backhanded "compliment" of now being able to see themselves in Kier. I actually wanted to reach out and give Natalie a hug. I do wonder if now Milchik will start to have a change of heart towards the organization.

[@ChipDizard]

Wow that makes so much sense. Yeah the lip quiver gave it away on that scene. Excellent, I felt the same way.

[@Angel-p7f]

I forgot what she said but it was something like “ I ALSO found it extremely moving “ or something basically putting the words in his mouth like this is what you should say at first I thought it was like gaslighting basically like tell him how he should feel instead of him creating his own opinion and feelings about it but I can see the other comments angle on this scene

[@MarwanOmar-x4j]

they setting my boy dylan up for a betrayal storyline :(

[@UNCONFORMEDCF]

Easily 😂

[@f1r3hydr4nt]

Noooooo

[@BaldyFade]

I think Dylan will come to his senses. I think he will find a way to utilize his wife visits to all the innies advantage, I think his wife will want to help as well.

[@karen-7057]

i hope they don't but it also really makes a lot of sense. he's the one with an outie that has way more to lose.

[@MarwanOmar-x4j]

@@karen-7057 exactly yea

[@Flatpockets123]

This was one of the best episodes of a show I’ve ever watched. After the three year wait than the first two episodes and then this episode… wow just wow.

[@MitchDuck-me4of]

I think that Dylan’s wife works at Lumon as security and she prolly got Dylan that job .. why is because she called milchick by his first name which means she has some type of relationship with him to know that’s his real name .. because obviously Dylan and the others didn’t know that’s was his name and before she could explain how she knows his name she was interrupted by ms.wong .. but it’s all about her saying his first name like she knew him more than just being Dylan’s boss

[@TheKatjee91]

Also remember when Milchick showed up to his house to take the card Dylan’s innie smuggled?

[@damian_madmansnest]

I think all outies probably know Milchik by his first name though.

[@MitchDuck-me4of]

@@TheKatjee91 exactly and how did they know he took it if someone that works for them seen it and reported it .. I also think just how the original security guard we sees always says employees names when they come in or out … just like Dylan’s wife did with milchick by saying his first name

[@MitchDuck-me4of]

@@damian_madmansnest no they don’t cause when he came to there homes they said his name like they know he’s only there boss

[@ohyeaaaa1]

​@@MitchDuck-me4of They just showed his home life and his wife leaving to work a night shift to make ends meet to express how outtie Dylan is just a screw up. When Milchick goes to Mark's house he introduces himself as "Seth Milchick from Lumon." He introduces himself as Seth to people on the outside. That's how Dylan's wife knew his name. She met him before the meeting with Dylan's innie.

[@nicolebailey7747]

damn bro IT JUST FINISHED

[@crimnvL]

he had early viewing

[@BlackNewty]

You must have had a viewing to figure that out!

[@ElGatoBlanco1970]

He gets screener copies. How is this a comment every time? Ffs. You think he just saw it for the first time and edited a whole breakdown in the time between now and then? How are you able to function in society? Do you wear a helmet and have a social worker 4 days a week come babysit you?

[@djcjr1x1]

I seem to get my episodes Thursday 9/10pm Eastern standard time in the US luckily. A VPN might help if you change regions.

[@Usapyon_0719]

I get mine at 6 pm Thursday on the west coast pst

[@jamesbuckley8917]

Driver was a total enforcer, hit-man. Cobel definitely worked with him before doing other nefarious things. Like burning bodies and faking car crashes.

[@missshamsa4470]

Thought so too, felt like a set up

[@oatlord]

That scene was so great. If anyone walked towards me like Helly did, I'd back up. Just complete "you're nothing to me "

[@jack.soncalo]

Baird Eagan

[@iamtheiceman]

Yes, he is Baird Eagan, CEO #4. Resurrected I guess....

[@DanSmith-j8y]

Except Helly didn't know Cobel would be there, he was her driver anyway. Whatever the reason is, we don't know it yet.

[@StreamlyBored]

I totally see outtie Dylans wife falling in love with innie Dylan. Innie Dylan is is motivated, driven, energetic. Outtie Dylan seems lazy, unmotivated, even depressed. That shit can really weigh down a marriage over time. It was probably refreshing to see a version of her husband she most likely knew when they first met.

[@DanSmith-j8y]

There's no reason to think he's lazy, unmotivated, or depressed. We saw him for a couple minutes.

[@meimou1754]

The show basically tells us that. The wide doesn't verbally answer inner Dylan when he ask if outside Dylan is a f@ck up, she answers with her facial expression.

[@Luke101]

@@DanSmith-j8y Are you oblivious to subtle storytelling? She works overnight shifts busting her ass, she had to remind him multiple times to do something he forgot, and Inny Dylan outright says "he's a loser" and she doesn't deny it. Outie Dylan also snapped at her on the phone and didn't say "I love you" back to her. It's all there.

[@hayleymcfadden9734]

One thing that solidified my belief that helly is Helena is that when they were going to crawl in the goat small hallway she seemed grossed out by it and kind of like “really?” Whereas helly is very impulsive and would have no problem going down there and originally would’ve been doing it before mark. Also props to the actor because even in her demeanor you can tell she’s Helena trying to disguise as helly, she speaks a bit slower and more poised.

[@kholim8528]

I thought the same thing ! Helly is notoriously bold and brash and this “Helly” is more hesitate and timid

[@DanSmith-j8y]

Anyone would be grossed out crawling through a tiny feces-strewn hallway like that, leading who knows where? This is really bizarre, the nonsensical reasons a certain type of fan has for having nonsensical theories solidified for them.

[@DanSmith-j8y]

@@kholim8528 Any other time we've seen her Outie, she's anything but timid. There's absolutely no reason to think this is her Outie.

[@Luke101]

I would hate that

[@leitecunha]

Yup, it's happening again. I'm living for a TV series once more. I'm living for the next friday. Damn.

[@iamtheiceman]

Lol I hear you. At least we have Something to live for.

[@joelperlestein]

Same lol

[@DanSmith-j8y]

I think I might have to tap out soon because they're doing the same thing Lost did - instead of answering anything, they're just introducing new mysteries.

[@xaytre-marc3309]

All the severed departments badge colors they’ve shown so far have also been in the order of those brain waves that’s pretty interesting

[@nicholasfactor]

good one

[@aliceright1]

I think the red one is below, where miss casey went!

[@diogoreis3008]

Crazy thing is that a watched a non-spoiler review from some reviewers who got the first 6 episodes and she said we next week is going to be BONKERS! The ending of this episode was a masterpiece!

[@SquidwardTentacles225]

Were they sent the first 6 episodes? How can i get my hands on them

[@Amziiwa]

@@SquidwardTentacles225 you cant cause they send early access to reviewers

[@tashwuzhair]

Natalie called the Board, 'IT' in this episode...the scene when Milchick walked into his office and she was waiting for him. Then Helena called The Board, 'THEY' when she and Cobel talked.

[@LiamYessayian]

Milkshake*

[@carolboender7995]

That's really bothering me, actually. It couldn't be an accident.

[@izzysucc]

Because helena was referring to both the board and Natalie

[@siya.bonga_mabuza]

I been had this feeling since season 1 that there is no board and it's just Natalie controlling everything.. Cobel alluded to it too back in season 1, you can even see in this episode... even Helena who's a literal EAGEN has to contact Natalie first if she wants to talk to the board

[@damienolympia3702]

A corporate board is usually referred to as a single entity.

[@martyr-17]

The most intense part was Cobel recognizing Helena's driver and being terrified. The driver reminded me of the wooden face sculpture that one of the member's from Mark's replacement team had on their desk.

[@steveboy35]

what do you mean?

[@brenemoj1814]

He didn’t look like Dario AT ALLLLLL

[@SquidwardTentacles225]

Drivers face reminds me more of one of the eagan ceo sculptures. The male ceo that has a blue suit.

[@BeleCoi]

​​@@SquidwardTentacles225I thought about this too

[@iamtheiceman]

Yeah. Baird Eagan, CEO #4. That is him. Check out the season 1 episode when they visit the perpetuity wing.

[@juancarlosbarrantesamador4996]

At 6:37 the salt pattern is created using a Chladni plate. The figures are formed by the wave nodes and antinodes. The higher the frequency, the more complex the figures become. I think it represents the Doctor trying to find the point where both wavelengths connect.

[@hernandez4856]

well yeah she said that in the episode

[@icarusandtherabbit]

My God, drop the damn whole season. Driving me crazy! That was an end of season cliffhanger!

[@SharraAmanda]

Imagine how good the finale will be! Shows like Silo and FROM could learn a lesson in pacing.

[@Roger-il8iw]

@@SharraAmandasilo season 2 was garbage. From and severance are on another level.

[@DanaWhiteMMA]

@@Roger-il8iwfrom glaze is crazy that show is slop 😭

[@fhilario]

​@@SharraAmanda yes! I agree 100%! Silo could definitely learn something from Severance when it comes to pacing. Despite the 2nd season having an amazing ending, the episodes have a lot of boring, repetitive 'fillers' that lose momentum at times, Severance on the other hand has this incredible ability to keep the viewer hooked, with every new revelation feeling genuinely satisfying. It's not just the conclusions that are great, but the entire journey leading up to them. It even makes me want to watch again just to go through that process once more. It's a masterclass in audiovisuals and storytelling.

[@steeledclub6368]

@@DanaWhiteMMAyea from is worse than silo all the characters are annoying

[@howat123]

Maybe the driver was the guy sneaking in the hallway during S2E1 when Mark looks at the former wellness room?

[@Quantumquirkk]

I think the huge driver guy that Cobel looks at while she follows Helena near the car, is also probably the guy they send to the exports department. This is why she turns away, as she probably realises its a trap and they will try reset her by sending her to the exports department via the downwards elevator.

[@iamtheiceman]

Ahhh, yeah maybe ! He is Baird Eagan. Check out the season 1 visit to the perpetuity wing....his statue.

[@JakeLondonRivers]

@@iamtheicemanI’m not sure about that

[@Usapyon_0719]

I don' think so, I was trying to find out who he is so I went on IMDB to see if he was on the cast list, and there is an actor cast as "man in hallway" his ( real) name is Adam Jepsen. I don't think he looks like the driver, but go ahead and take a look and see what ya think

[@howat123]

@@Usapyon_0719 yep, you disproved it with that. I think quantum's explanation above is very likely then.

[@JamersonSoto]

We have herd the board speak over the intercom in season 1 bud !!!!! All they said was “yes” but they did speak

[@kiippykiip]

Yes is also 1 in binary *tinfoil tightens*

[@wishywashyjuan]

Sounded like Kier’s version of Siri tho…to me anyway

[@DevineOfTulaighMhor]

YES!! Thank you! I’m so glad that I wasn’t the only one bugged by those statements!! Only once has The Board responded without Natalie serving as an intermediary. In a fit of rage after being let go, Cobel (Patricia Arquette) asks Natalie if The Board is even actually there and they simply say “Yes” through the speaker!!!

[@AcEoMaTiK]

@@DevineOfTulaighMhor From what you just described, I can imagine The Board is a not-quite-functional, but semi-conscious computer that ONLY Natalie has the capability of understanding. She’s the interpreter to the “computer language” - notice she actually waits until the full message is sent and interpreted by her before she forwards the message. Thus, that’s probably the reason why The Board only spoke 1s and 0s (“yes” and “no”) when Natalie is not there to interpret it!

[@jessycac6311]

@@AcEoMaTiK Yeah, maybe its just them discussing but she takes a while so translate a simple two word phrase. She holds her finger up for a solid 5 seconds to translate something like 'you're welcome'

[@thechewatson]

They brought up pouches because it was in season one. I believe it was Burt that’s said it’s what people think about mdr. Could be a reference to them having a belly button tho… maybe a clone doesn’t have one….

[@ThinkStory]

Oh, very cool!

[@mike-liu]

yeah Burt said that to Irv and also said that's where they kept their young.

[@srconrad]

I too thought of clones maybe not having belly buttons when watching the scene but also recalled the pouches rumor which is more likely the reason for them wanting to see.

[@diaegon]

but when Helly lifts her shirt her belly button is covered, or cant be seen if I'm not mistaken.

[@vitaminj7]

It's not about belly buttons. It's about pouches. After they lift their shirts, Lorne says, "See? Pouchless."

[@firesnakex8]

Another small detail I found interesting is the show's persistence to hide where this show takes place. When Mark is asked where he was born, that's the question he can't remember.

[@vgamemaster99]

The painting of Keir looking over the water is the Great Lakes, so likely somewhere around there. That’s also where the filming locations are (in NJ).

[@seriouslyidk]

@@vgamemaster99it doesn’t matter what the board show, they lie.

[@herald1953]

i really love this show depiction of bureaucracy, they be naming every department with fancy word, then to be simplified by the employees "the goat department"

[@beatrixkiddo2607]

Just finished the episode, I felt like I was holding my breath the entire time. The show just gets better and better. Amazing, the ending was insane. I’m so excited for what’s next, the theory’s and content like this is what’s keeping me going week on week.

[@theseigee3553]

It almost seems like milkshake is being set up for a redemption arc down the line.

[@martinnovales]

Can def see him teaming up with the gang by end of season

[@JustJeff777]

I just realized outie Irving was painting constantly to drill the room into his memory, and that's why innie Irving kept dosing off and dreaming about black paint.... he was exhausted from being up all night drinking coffee INTENTIONALLY

[@aysh444]

I fear this is common sense

[@user-rn2sn4fj4z]

@@aysh444LOOOOOL yep

[@davidblaxkin7845]

And also remember Riken's second book was in that fabricated news article Milchic showed Adam, just throwing that out there. It's really dope that we have this community to help us try to solve this puzzle together instead of us losing our mind alone lol

[@vitaminj7]

Ricken actually has 5 books! I was so disappointed he was falling for Natalie's flattery. Thank goodness Devon is still suspicious and not buying that BS 😮‍💨

[@JoshPlaysVideoGames]

Hope he doesn't get honey potted

[@Bubbles603]

@@vitaminj7 I was sad too but I can only imagine how nice it is to feel appreciated for your art by such a huge company and thinking of all the success that could bring. Especially as a new parent who probably has being a provider on his mind.

[@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

[@JakeLondonRivers]

it happens in PE lol

[@Winstonbfit]

How did you put this out so fast damn 😂

[@caleb5371]

Early access.

[@NotAllButMost]

@@caleb5371who gets early access? KZbinrs? Fans?

[@milkybalance342]

Yeah I’m sure a good handful of folks have early access. Media, related.

[@FadingVitals]

His Innie did that

[@martinmulcahy1]

Came here to find people as obsessed and curious as me, and damn y’all came through! This is The best breakdown and recap site, with so many details I didn’t pick up on. Thank you for this! And the breakdown of the opening credits and season trailer! Best show on TV!

[@jamesbuckley8917]

Goats are just for their milk; for the upper management to drink 3 raw eggs in a glass of milk - Kier's favorite breakfast. Goat milk has smaller fat globules than cow milk, which may make it easier to digest. Goat milk contains less lactose than cow milk. Goat milk is slightly higher in most vitamins and minerals than cow milk.

[@srconrad]

I enjoyed all those facts equally.

[@the-singularity5768]

geez, sounds like you and goat milk should get a room 😜

[@Metallic-Sun]

Where is the chicken room?

[@yaiya.7248]

Milkshake😋

[@shibainu7500]

​@@yaiya.7248 😋

[@tappajavittu]

Maybe Gretchen works as security at Lumon and got the job for Dylan and that's why she was so easily able to come and visit his innie. Or something.

[@jessycac6311]

That's true, she looks like she works night shifts or something which is why they wouldn't encounter each other.

[@stephenholmgren405]

The scene transitions, the camera framing, and the color contrasts in this show are stunning. Right up there with Breaking Bad/BCS, top notch artwork

[@Here4thepod]

I think the 3 paintings were: 1st - Milchek’s portrait 2nd - Milchek bloodied in hospital bed 3rd - Kier reigning once again The purpose being to scare Milchek, showing what his storyline can become. That’s why Natalie said, “I, Natalie, was gifting the same paintings” and why her lip was quivering. She also calls Milchek by his first name, Seth, in that scene (in an earnest, remorseful tone) which is interesting because I don’t think we’ve heard his first name before that.

[@speedymolasses3062]

they said his name a bunch before

[@knddddd]

In regards to the goats, it’s also very interesting what Mark says about looking for a lost goat. It reminded me of Luke 15:4 (“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?”). If we are playing comparisons between the show and religions, Mark could very well be Lumon’s lost sheep.

[@svl_93]

This episode had so much going on, I wouldn't know where to start. The moral debate on Dylan's wife developing feelings for Dylan innie is very interesting (reminds me of a short story on the book Exhalation by Ted Chiang), but Milchik's reaction when he sees the black version of Kier is also fascinating. The restrain in his eyes... Most of this episode was the actors playing with the non verbal communication, there was a lot of silence and tension. Props to the cast! Btw! I'm intrigued about something Tramell Tillman said: "Does he know he is black?" now, I haven't listened to the podcast, BUT... Is that a confirmation Milchik is severed? But he couldn't be.. He's been outside. ALSO... I noticed in the scene where Devon finds Ricken and Natalie talking, there is a goat bust. Just saying. Anyways, this episode was a masterpiece. May be the best one I've ever seen.

[@samariacaesar492]

Which short story did it remind you of?

[@svl_93]

@ “The Merchant and The alchemist’s wife”

[@adyrem.375]

No he’s not severed. In the podcast episode, for context, he was talking about the nuances of playing Milchick and so he asked one of the producers “does he know he’s black” because that would impact how he carries out the role. If this world is supposed to be homogenous that would require a different approach than if he’s playing a character that realizes he’s different from everyone else.

[@svl_93]

@adyrem.375 That makes a lot more sense. Thank you for clarifying that!

[@DanSmith-j8y]

Sounds like Tramell Tillman isn't the sharpest guy in the world.

[@MarwanOmar-x4j]

Marks circular patterns in the salt bed Ms Caseys file with the same circles too convenient not be related, they probably are remaking her consciousness

[@Nerr0us]

"ANTENNAE LIKE" made my audibly laugh

[@Eden.Lovejoy]

😂

[@nathanbilly9070]

When Orpheus looked back to she eurydice. Tragedy. Marks sacrifice to see Gemma may also end in the same way

[@daniellaaa24]

I have a theory! What if Irv Reintergrated?😱Like recently, before the day his 'innie' drew the photo in the severed floor. She did say she got better at it

[@Copiio]

1) Mark and Irv both know that Helena is present and not Helly. 2) The goats have something to do with the severed workers. In the intro Mark's head turns into a goat. 3) Gretchen, Dylan's wife, works for Lumon Security, she is seen coming down the stairs in what appears to be the same uniform as the people we see mark check in and out with every day. 4) Why do they need a Exports Hall when they don't make anything, that we know of, but rather preserve and store things. 5) Devin and Ricken will be divided about Natalie and Lumon's request to rewrite his book, because of Mark. 6)Harmony Cobel is an illegitimate child of Jame Egan. 7) The two Marks will learn to love each others lives and relationships and when he went to see Ragabi standing in the doorway one side of his silhouette was red and the other blue. The background was blue and his shirt is red, the machine is blue and the buttons are red. Just like in the intro, the innie is in blue and the outtie is in red. 8) Milchick is going to go against Lumon in some way, it is brewing.

[@vitaminj7]

4) O&D does make things. They have lots of 3D printers. They showed watering cans and talked about making hatchets. I still think the export hall is something more nefarious than transporting objects. I assumed it led to the testing floor 😬

[@AudoPlay]

@@vitaminj7 i assume the hall is where they go to export things, but theyve never been down the elevator, so they dont know that the things they are exporting are for the testing floor.

[@vitaminj7]

@@AudoPlay or they used to go down the elevator but someone saw something they weren't supposed to. So now they 'have a guy' like Felicia says 🫣

[@Copiio]

@@vitaminj7 They do print things your right I realized that after I wrote it. Yes it does seem like a cover for something villainous though.

[@MrAwpz]

Nothing brings me more joy than knowing this show is back but that you’re also here to break it down after. Thank youuuuuuuuuu. These are so good.

[@adyrem.375]

Random, odd thing. I like that they keep letting us hear the leather when Milchick is in his motorcycle gear.

[@rossbooth4635]

6:10 I hate to be that guy, but it appears the two waves already have the same *frequency* and she's attempting to bring them into the same *phase*.

[@goodorangekitten]

please keep being that guy. i felt something was nagging me when my brain fact-checked what she said!

[@denisesudell2538]

I just realized that I had waffles for dinner before watching this episode tonight. The show is slowly sinking into my subconscious.

[@sheyadams6750]

Your innie is trying to send you a message!

[@melisobell2286]

Sooo much in this episode , I’m giddy for mark knowing Gemma is a live!

[@redsoxfox]

Did anybody else notice that the cartoon Dylans kids were watching showed a character getting surgery with something its head with a chip? Social Jamming…there was also a Goat head in Rick N.’s house for some weird reason right after that scene…I also wonder if Mark’s basement has some symbolic connection with making connections with his innie

[@philippr.9410]

I have not read a lot of theories about a topic that, to me, seems to be a big part of the plot, and that would be: Babies, birth and children. The most obvious hint is this whole goat-stuff, especially after s2e3, but first time i noticed it was in s1 when marc was watching the tv news, Natalie was interviewed about the topic of a woman who got pregnant at work while being severed. Besides that, marcs sister is/ was pregnant, the severed wife of the senator seemingly just existing for giving birth, marc having dates with Rebeck's nurse, Cobelvig being some kind of pediatric nurse herself, Eagan reffering to workers as children of Kier... and the lady the lexington letter was about was a schoolbus driver too! Lots of similar topics here Not sure where this is leading, but it did not get discussed as much as i would have expected. Also, Melchik's family seems to have been a part of the company from the start, probably the history of the Melchiks with Lumen has something to do with slavery?

[@Usapyon_0719]

good point, i have thought about this topic too but just a passing thought. That is what is so great and crazy about this show, there is SO MUCH going on and so many things to try to find clues for and draw connections together , now with this info I want to watch S1 again and see if I see anything new

[@Father_Daniel]

Ben Stiller mentioned in an interview to pay attention to what Mark has in his locker. I believe this is the first time we saw the inside of his locker and I didn't notice anything unusual? Great episode and video!!

[@sitowat]

Keep an eye out maybe this isn’t the last time

[@FlimsyPickles]

I literally paused the show in that scene too! I didn’t notice anything. Tho maybe in season 1 we saw something?

[@dennisdoodlez]

We saw the inside in episode 1 S1

[@Father_Daniel]

@@dennisdoodlez ohh ok, Thanks. I need to go back and take a peek! lol

[@eza9071]

@@Father_Daniel if you find anything let us know pls

[@Ceicob]

Big giveaway that this is Helena all the time is that when they entered small tunnel to goats she laughs and smiles and comment on it like it is just a play time for her. She doesn't really take it seriously. That struck me as telling she is Helena.

[@youtubesucks-g3m]

Brain dead take

[@jessycac6311]

I agree with this theory that this is Helena but this is also something Helly would 100% do.

[@youtubesucks-g3m]

@@Ceicob y'all reaching like hell thinking Helena is a fun character when everything tells us she isn't

[@elliottgould5114]

Got me thinking now. She was studying the tape a few episodes back of her and innie mark kissing. Maybe she was trying to observe her innies behaviour to then act like her.

[@midwestmaniack]

I think it's some kind of immortality program for the elite class. I think Gemma is now the new young office manager. Before she was retired she expressed how much she loved observing Marks department, now this similar-looking little girl is the new manager.

[@spaceylittlecowgirl]

two asians in a show so they must be related - a midwesterner

[@midwestmaniack]

@spaceylittlecowgirl. I hope that's a joke and not an attempt to gaslight. But no, I didn't say they're related. Im theorizing they're the same person. Just based on the information we have now. All that could change the next episode, and I could be way off.

[@styleszachary6196]

You might be onto something. Just going by the name Ms. Huang alone, as others have pointed out, meaning "bright" "shining" "phoenix" etc. It could be interpreted as Gemma's rebirth into a younger version of herself. Considering how we don't even know if Gemma was a clone herself or if the car crash was staged and she was kidnapped idk - but both characters having that robotic vibe as if they don't have full personalities could indicate a connection. Of course, if this theory is wrong I still believe Ms. Huang is a clone. She mentioned "being a crossing guard" before her job at Lumon. Maybe she died and was brought back, which could pose another question: Like what if other unsevered employees like Milkshake etc. were cloned after death, and having been apart of the school of Kier were chosen to grow up and in some kind of debt to Lumon. It would explain the radical obession with Kier as if they were his children - as implied in the show a lot.

[@wholiveswhere]

I'm just overall impressed in how well people think and read an episode, most of these points I have never thought about and makes me feel dumb. Some crazy smart humans out there in the world. Go the internet!

[@JakeLondonRivers]

I am dying to understand Cobels character - her fascination with Mark, the constant checking to see if his innie and outie memories were crossing, wearing a severance chip around her neck, and almost choking up when she sees mark and gemma falling in love in the last wellness session and sending her back down for testing... and her demanding to be placed in MDR over cold harbor again...

[@JakeLondonRivers]

and her name is harmony lol .... that has to be one of the most intentional names in the entire show

[@bambiebrinson8822]

Goats have rectangular pupils, and when you see the reflection of the computers in the innies eyes they also look rectangular.

[@viennamumm]

Outie Mark and Helena met when he almost hit her with his car in the parking lot in season 1 lol. Great analysis, thanks for the video! Your timing is impressive too.

[@richard1493]

On the point of Mark’s hand shaking, I had a similar experience when I had transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy. They basically zap an electro-charged magnetic onto your brain, and part of that stimulation is locating a specific point that, when stimulated, causes your hand to tremor slightly until they hit the right point, where it then causes just your ring finger to twitch.

[@jamesbuckley8917]

Sydney Cole Alexander, who plays Natalie, has two different color eyes(heterochromia). One is hazel and one is blue/grey. Beautiful lady.

[@suisenshirasaki8298]

She's luminous. Like how some people are so beautiful it's like looking at the sun, you've to look away periodically (Ricken seemed stricken) She's a great actress too.

[@nate7276]

youre the goat bro, best breakdowns by FAR!

[@rachelkstarr3579]

This is another episode of evidence that would imply that Burt and irv are working together on the outside because there’s no way Outtie Irv has ever seen that hallway but BURT sure has…

[@MrXanthia]

2 Things that got my attention. Both about the "Exports Hall" 1) The framing and lighting of Cobel as she drives away from Helena and the guy in the Lumon parking lot (46:03) is EXACTLY the same as the Exports Hall. 2) When we learn the name of Exports Hall (28:34), Felicia says, "We send a lot of shipments there. Used to go ourselves, but now they send a guy." I wonder if the Exports Hall is where people return to oblivion or disaggregated data (even if only temporarily). And the guy next to Helena, who scared Cobel, is the "usher" of sorts to the end of the Exports Hall

[@CalvinandJordan]

There is another theory floating around that there is another layer to the severed brain in that floor

[@kenb9828]

The belly thing is a callback to the myths o+d had about mdr

[@guyinc0gnito]

3:52 I got more of a sense she realized they could easily intend to unalive her-because yeah, it’s very very weird that the ultra-important, demigod-like board can be assembled on short notice

[@euonova]

13:06 Dylan brings it up first, he literally asks “how was the thing with me?”

[@flo4930]

The end of the episode nearly made me cry lol everything that happened was so overwhelming I love this show

[@oatlord]

Britt Lower owns this season.

[@Roger-il8iw]

Episode 3 was 🔥 this show is so good! Seemed like another weird episode and then they hit us with reintegration! So good.

[@ribbit6301]

I cried at the last moment. So peak.

[@flo4930]

Ahhh I'm glad I'm not the only one who felt like crying :) it was so great

[@aychelleff]

I feel like a moron because I didn’t recognize Gwendoline Christie until she was towering over Adam Scott 😭

[@KatMango]

9:20 I don’t think these goat workers go home everyday. Some appear to have wounds/rashes and are so disheveled that it appears that they may be among the people previously referenced as never leaving Lumon

[@drtmftr]

I love how all of you catch details that completely fly over my head. I swear I never notice anything interesting, even the little things. It wasn’t until this episode that I even considered the show might not be set in the present day. The cars and TVs suddenly made me think Wait… is this actually the 80s? Maybe it was mentioned before and I just forgot, but it’s funny how I’m only realizing it now. You’d think it would be obvious right away.

[@kinetikfox16]

The moment between Natalie and Milchick speaks even so much more when you're a person of color. The nonverbal looks in each other's eyes is so important when you're a person of color in the workplace. To me, a person of color, i saw Milchick's look saying "what the fuck is this shit?" And Natalie's look saying "I know, right! but keep it together. They're watching and listening."

[@vitaminj7]

Thanks for that insight. As a mayosapien I can only imagine - I felt uncomfortable as hell. So creepy and manipulative. I wonder if the board thinks that shit works. Even Milchick, who seems very loyal to Lumen was disturbed by that BS 😬 I hope it starts making him question them more.

[@mainlyglitches]

14:45 - my personal thoughts as to why Milchik hid the Painting away is because to him it may ruin the image he has of Keir. So far it seems like Milchik could believe in the message of Keir and perhaps looks up to him/ what Keir represents. If this is how Milchik sees Keir then perhaps by changing details of who Keir is (e.g. skin colour) it shows that aspects of what it means to be "Keir" can change. By changing who "Keir" is even if it's just in skin colour it means other aspects of "Keir" may be changed too. At what point does Keir stop being Keir? A person worships e.g a religious figure or a person it's usually because it gives people something greater to believe in, it gives people a reason to change and better themselves in an attempt to be like that great person, but if the great person changes in some way, then it can change how you see it that person. Especially if that person is made to become more like yourself. If the image of a person changes to be more like yourself then perhaps you may begin to think he's not the great person you originally believed them to be, at that stage the person you worship is no longer the person you originally believed in, it changes who they where and their history. Perhaps when Milchik looks at the painting he thinks to himself "this is not the man I believe in, this is not the man I know".

[@JohnDunne001]

That's a critical detail; Telling Dylan's innie she loved him. His reaction was hilarious 'Oh....' he wasn't ready for it! :D There's so much I want to see happen with this story!

[@RicardoCarvalho_1996]

Dylan's wife "dating" innie Dylan brings up the conversation of cheating like you said. A series that actually explores that is Dark Matter, highly recommend it

[@biancabonilla8734]

The Dark Matter book is even better.

[@JasonZakrajsek]

I’m getting sick of people saying we never hear the board speak. They respond “Yes” when Cobel is getting fired and asks if they’re even there.

[@myrin.design]

I love that when mark asks "you mean what quarter?" it sounds soooo much like innie mark. Really good acting!

[@wyzdom_king]

If you watch the episode with subtitles, it's clear she actually does say "Love you" to Dylan right before he asks about how the outie visitation thing went. Still think there's gonna be a 'love triangle' plot going on

[@xsparik]

How the whole community just silently agreed to call him Milkshake is another mystery 😂

[@slimhazard]

“Mammalians nurturable“ is an anagram for “I‘ll murmur bananas, team“. The goat people’s crazy muttering is evidently a team effort.

[@buxycat]

A little off topic, but the mention of Pan got me listening to two The Waterboys songs: The Pan Within and The Return of Pan. Pretty epic songs.

[@savyon122]

2:56 Nathalie referred to the board as it when she was talking to Milchick

[@carolboender7995]

I thought that was interesting, too. Later Helena refers to the board as 'them.' So which is it?

[@FlimsyPickles]

@@carolboender7995it’s very possible that even Helena doesn’t know a lot of the secrets of the company. Her dad seems controlling of her so likely hasn’t told her the darkest secrets.

[@yaiya.7248]

​@@carolboender7995them as talk with Nathalie maybe? I think nathalie is the one who can translate what the board saying, idk

[@Storm_Doctor]

Dear god...I am sooo glad I found your channel. After watching your videos I think, "man, I was just watching for entertainment." Now I know I'm seeing Kier's brilliance.

[@darinagilmkhanova]

I’m curious why Reghabi doesn’t say to Mark that he is working with Helena Eagan (like in general, no matter outie or innie), she must know about that 🤔

[@AudoPlay]

she's only allotted one reveal per appearance.

[@RudolfKlusal]

I found fascinating, during the "operation" with mark, how he flashes multiple colours of stuff, clothes, microphone etc. Like he was severed multiple times and forgot about these older personalities.

[@FinlayCassell]

I love how the episodes are released weekly and not all at once!

[@babaluigi]

His wife’s uniform resembles a paramedic or emt, possibly a security guard.

[@rubenbarrera7338]

This video and the Lexington book just made me realize. Bobbing for pineapples is just a easy excuse for water boarding 😭😭🌊🌊🍍🍍

[@jamesburtch9331]

Okay so maybe this is reaching and can be disproven instantly but hear me out. What if Cobels mother is one of the initial test subjects for Lumons Severed program. It's might be a stretch theory but she mentioned in the first season when talking to Mark that her mom was an atheist, but when she was on the outside she told Mark that her mom was Catholic. What if Cobels mothers 'innie' somehow formed a different ideology or world view which caused a mental split between her 'outie', which in turn caused a downstream health impact which is why Cobels mother was in the hospital and ultimately passed away. Ms. Cobel may have secretly worked her way into lumon to exact revenge.

[@Mellie_H]

When looking at the pictures of Eagan as a black man, one image stands out; the one of Eagan overlooking the land and water. It appears as a rough draft of Michigan, and the Great Lakes. It's mostly the placement of the bodies of water, but it's pretty darn close! Also, replacement Mark states he broke a lease in Grand Rapids.

[@joepagram8287]

I was under the impression from the episode that the driver of Hellaena might also have been involved in doing hits for the Eagan’s and that’s why Kobel seemed frightened of him. The only other reason I think Kobel could be scared is of talking to the board as her dead father is among them and she knows her actions would anger him and she fears that. Anyway just ideas