SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers for Season 2, Episode 10 of the acclaimed series “Severance,” which is currently streaming on Apple TV+. In a recent interview, Tramell Tillman, who portrays Mr. Milchick, shared insights about his character and the unforgettable scenes from the Season 2 finale, titled “Cold Harbor.”
After delivering a memorable performance during the “Music Dance Experience” in Season 1, Tramell Tillman was unsure if he could replicate that magic. However, when director and executive producer Ben Stiller proposed a marching band sequence for the Season 2 finale, Tillman recognized an opportunity to connect with his roots. “I attended two HBCUs, including Jackson State University, home to the Sonic Boom of the South, one of the best marching bands in the country,” he explained. “Witnessing the athleticism and creativity of these musicians and dancers left me in awe.”
In the finale, after Adam Scott’s character, Mark S., finalizes the significant Cold Harbor file, Milchick introduces the Choreography and Merriment department, proudly serving as the drum major. This moment celebrates Mark's accomplishment and serves as a fitting climax for Tillman, who has delivered some of the series’ most memorable lines, such as “Marshmallows are for team players” and “Devour feculence.”
When questioned about the physical challenges of filming scenes where he kicks down a bathroom door with a vending machine, Tillman expressed a sense of fulfillment. “It felt good because the writing team, led by Dan Erickson, crafted Milchick's journey so well that I didn’t have to act much to deliver that moment,” he said. “Originally, the choreography was different, but during one take, I knocked the vending machine over, and that became the final version. It felt epic!”
As fans have begun to reevaluate Milchick's character, many have started to develop empathy towards him. Tillman expressed his delight at this shift, stating, “It’s rewarding to watch people’s opinions change. The show raises the question, ‘Who are you?’ and Milchick's identity journey delves into his self-discovery within the corporate culture of Lumon.”
One poignant moment involves Milchick receiving paintings of Kier depicted as a Black man. Tillman shared that showrunner Dan Erickson approached him beforehand to discuss the inclusion of this narrative. “We took a risk with that story, but it was essential to portray the experiences of characters of color in a corporate structure that can be racially biased,” he explained. The scene, which was initially under threat of being cut, ultimately provided a crucial opportunity for Milchick to connect with another character of color.
Throughout Season 2, Milchick is reprimanded for his vocabulary, a commentary on the microaggressions present in the workplace. Tillman viewed this as a reflection of the underlying racism within the corporate environment. “It’s belittling and controlling,” he asserted. “It highlights how language can be policed based on ego rather than protocol.”
Fans have praised Tillman’s delivery of lines like “mon-o-syl-a-bic-ally” and “devour feculence.” He shared that for the tense confrontation with Drummond, he drew from personal experiences of being policed in his speech. “It was a moment of defiance, asserting that no one can control my voice,” he stated passionately.
When discussing the much-anticipated marching band scene, Tillman initially hesitated at the prospect of repeating the dance elements from Season 1. However, once he learned the marching band would be involved, he was excited. “I wanted to know if it would be military or HBCU style. I decided to embrace my role as the drum major, drawing from my experiences at Jackson State,” he noted.
In the finale, Milchick performs a unique comedy routine with an animatronic Kier, showcasing a blend of scripted humor and genuine emotion. “While some moments were scripted, others came from a place of real frustration,” Tillman explained. “Milchick’s facade begins to crack, revealing the complexities of his character.”
As for whether Milchick will ultimately stand up to Lumon, Tillman believes there is still much to explore. “Lumon operates like a cult, and escaping such environments isn’t easy. We need to delve deeper into Milchick's character to understand his potential for rebellion,” he concluded.
This insightful interview offers a deeper look into the character of Mr. Milchick and the themes of identity, race, and personal growth that permeate the series “Severance.” As viewers await future developments, Tramell Tillman’s portrayal continues to resonate, adding depth to the narrative.
