This article contains significant spoilers from the thrilling season two finale of Severance, titled "Cold Harbor." On the same day that the highly anticipated final episode premiered on Apple TV+, the cast and creative minds behind the show gathered at PaleyFest LA for an engaging discussion about the conclusion of the season.
The event took place at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, featuring a talented lineup of stars, including Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, Britt Lower, Zach Cherry, Dichen Lachman, Jen Tullock, Sarah Bock, Tramell Tillman, Michael Chernus, Gwendoline Christie, and Ólafur Darri Ólafsson. They were joined by director and executive producer Ben Stiller and creator Dan Erickson for a lively conversation moderated by Ben Schwartz, known for his work on Parks and Recreation.
The gathering was particularly special as it marked the first public celebration of the show, given that the first season premiered during the pandemic and the second season's launch was delayed due to L.A. wildfires. To add an element of surprise, Tillman, who portrays floor manager Seth Milchick, made a memorable entrance accompanied by the USC marching band, paying homage to a pivotal band moment featured in the finale episode.
Following a screening of the finale, which showcases Mark (played by Scott) helping his Innie escape and free his Outie's wife Gemma (portrayed by Lachman) from Lumon, the cast delved into the emotional weight of Mark's decision. Instead of leaving with Gemma, he chooses to remain on the severed floor with Helly (Lower). Lower quipped to the audience, “On the surface, it looks like a triangle, but if you know me, you know I love talking about shapes.” She pondered if the situation might resemble a tetrahedron or hexagonal prism, hinting at Helly's unexpected feelings for Gemma.
Scott reflected on the filming process, describing it as emotionally taxing, stating, “We were all kind of depleted and tired — which was good for the scene, I guess, but it was heartbreaking.” He elaborated on how the character of Gemma has become significant to all of them, emphasizing the complexity of Mark’s choice. “For Innie Mark, Gemma is someone he doesn’t know in that way, and he crosses that threshold,” he explained, highlighting Mark's deep love for Helly as a driving factor in his decision.
Lachman shared her perspective on Gemma's reaction, noting that initially, she is confused but soon realizes that Mark has undergone the severance procedure. “She’s just trying to get through to him, like break through that barrier,” she said. The episode also took an uncharacteristic turn towards violence, featuring a dramatic confrontation between Mark and Lorne (Christie) against Drummond (Ólafsson) in the Lumon hallways. Christie playfully remarked, “I loved the fight scene,” adding that she had initially vowed to avoid combat roles post-Game of Thrones. However, the allure of working on Severance, her favorite show, drew her back into the fray.
With the finale now available, Erickson shared with The Hollywood Reporter that he's been observing fan reactions but has opted to distance himself from the chatter while working on season three. “It’s fun to see people discover this thing that feels like it’s been our secret for the last couple of years,” he remarked. He noted the division among fans regarding their allegiances to Innie Mark and Helly versus Outie Mark and Gemma, acknowledging the complex feelings surrounding the finale’s conclusion.
Stiller echoed Erickson's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the audience's differing perspectives. “We were hoping that you could take one character’s side or the other and really think about where we’re coming from,” he noted, adding that the filmmakers intentionally left room for interpretation. Both Erickson and Stiller confirmed that they aim for a shorter gap between seasons two and three than the three-year stretch experienced previously, with Stiller affirming, “We’re in the writers' room and working on it.”
