Explaining the Glasgow Block: New Concept in Severance Season 2 Episode 4

As the dramatic plot of Severance unfolds, viewers are left astounded by pivotal moments that deepen the intrigue surrounding the show’s mysterious elements. One such moment occurs at the conclusion of Season 2 Episode 4, when Milchick instructs his team to remove a cryptic entity referred to as the “Glasgow Block.” Tracing the origins of this term may reveal a darker undertone within the show’s narrative.

This week’s episode has truly captivated audiences, centering around Mark and the MDR team during their inaugural ORTBO (Outdoor Retreat and Team-Building Occurrence) set amidst the enchanting Dieter Eagan National Forest. As they traverse the terrain, they are regaled with tales about Lumon’s enigmatic founder.

However, the revelations from this retreat take unexpected turns. Irving makes a startling realization about Helly—he believes she is merely an Eagan impersonating her “Innie” identity. In a moment of desperation, he threatens her life until Milchick can locate the authentic Helly.

After a tense moment, Helena pleads with Milchick to intervene, prompting him to send an urgent directive to Lumon: “Remove the Glasgow block now.”

Deciphering the Glasgow Block in Severance

Helly, Mark, Irving and Dylan in Severance Season 2 Episode 4 — Apple TV+

While the show has yet to fully elucidate its meaning, it is evident that the Glasgow Block serves a critical function—it prevents an “Innie” from engaging with the outside world and is intricately connected to the Overtime Contingency.

The moment Milchick sends that command, Helena transitions back to her true self, Helly, almost instantaneously. This transformation suggests that Helena has been masquerading as Helly since the start of Season 2, though this has not been explicitly confirmed.

This mechanism likely plays a vital role in the severance process; the entire purpose is for Innies to be shielded from external realities, ensuring their experiences are confined within the parameters set by Lumon. Therefore, it can be inferred that the Glasgow Block effectively maintains the separation between the lives of Innies and the outside world.

Moreover, it stands to reason that at the beginning of the ORTBO, Mark, Dylan, and Irving also had their Glasgow Blocks deactivated. Their Outies presumably made the trip to the team-building event, and upon arrival, Milchick promptly activated their Innies.

Hints of the Glasgow Protocol in Season 1

For attentive viewers of Severance Season 1, particularly in Episode 8, the term “Glasgow” may have caught your eye as one of many protocols featured in the security room.

In a crucial sequence, Dylan initiates the OTC for Mark, Helly, and Irving, scrolling past a series of contingency options until he reaches “OVERTIME.” Here’s the complete list:

BEEHIVE
BRANCH TRANSFER
CLEAN SLATE
ELEPHANT
FREEZE FRAME
GLASGOW
GOLDFISH
LULLABY
OPEN HOUSE

Each protocol seems to relate to aspects of memory or consciousness. Some, like Clean Slate and Branch Transfer, have more straightforward interpretations, while the significance of others, including Glasgow, remains ambiguous.

The Glasgow Block: Meaning Behind the Name

Mark and Helly next to an elevator in Lumon — Apple TV+

One possibility is that the Glasgow Block derives its name from the Glasgow Coma Scale, a tool utilized to gauge a person’s consciousness level following brain injuries, concussions, and similar traumas.

In essence, the Glasgow Coma Scale assesses a person’s awareness—not just fatigue—but their responsiveness to external stimuli, including eye, verbal, and motor reactions. According to the GCS framework, individuals assessed while the block is in effect would receive a “none” score across all categories.

Initially, as a resident of Glasgow, I hoped the Glasgow Block might reference the city’s famed tower blocks, yet that connection appears unlikely.

Stay tuned for further developments in this gripping saga by checking our Severance Season 2 release schedule.

Source & Images