Understanding O&D in Severance: The Mystery of the Department and Its Paintings Explained

Within the intricate and enigmatic Lumon building, one of the most captivating mysteries unfolds in the Optics and Design department, commonly referred to as O&D. Though the Microdata Refinement office claims most of the spotlight in the series, O&D is shrouded in an aura of intrigue, particularly due to its peculiar art collection.

As anticipation builds for the arrival of Severance Season 2, fans eagerly await possible insights into O&D and the potential unveiling of other perplexing departments. However, what exactly is the function of O&D, and why does it hold significant importance within Lumon? (Caution: Spoilers for Season 1 follow!)

Understanding O&D’s Role

Similar to other Lumon divisions, Optics and Design retains an air of mystery. Primarily, its personnel focus on the curation and upkeep of Lumon’s extensive art collection. This naturally raises the question: what are their actual tasks? This puzzle is reminiscent of the enigma surrounding Microdata Refinement, as well as many other seemingly redundant departments within Lumon.

Interaction between MDR and O&D in Severance — Apple TV+

The only glimpses we have of O&D’s operations come from their brief appearances in the show. Located on the Severed floor, the O&D team dons blue lab coats and green badges, with their activities led by the reserved Burt G. Their responsibilities seem to involve organizing and maintaining the eclectic art housed within Lumon, akin to those working in a museum.

In Season 1, Episode 4, Irving visits the O&D department, introducing us to its staff who engage with a range of props—a scene that raises more questions than it answers about their daily functions. Furthermore, being part of “Optics” implies that O&D also contributes to the visual branding and color palette that characterizes the Lumon building.

Employee Count in O&D

Initially, it appears that the O&D team is limited to just two members: Burt and Felicia. However, during a later visit by Irving and others, it becomes evident that O&D consists of a more extensive team, with at least eight individuals. This discrepancy further contributes to the air of confusion surrounding the department’s objectives.

The O&D department's workspace — Apple TV+

The office space allocated to O&D is significantly larger than that of Microdata Refinement, equipped with a variety of filing systems and unusual machinery. Tensions arise when the MDR and O&D teams first collide, stemming from an alleged historical rivalry that Lumon claims resulted in one department’s slaughter of the other—details of which remain completely unclarified.

According to O&D whispers, MDR employees are rumored to possess peculiar pouches and offspring that retaliate when provoked, a narrative woven by Lumon to maintain division between the two departments.

Curation of Unusual Artworks

The O&D team’s principal responsibility involves the stewardship of a collection of perplexing yet striking paintings displayed throughout the Lumon facility. These artworks aim to narrate the ambiguous history of Lumon—though there is a strong suggestion that their true purpose is tied to a concealed agenda.

Burt and Irving examining art in Severance — Apple TV+

The paintings capture significant moments from the life of Kier Eagan, Lumon’s founder, and reflect his philosophies. Many of these pieces bear striking similarities to real-world artworks, portraying Eagan as an influential figure to both the Innies and the audience. Notably, themes of historical conflict—including the infamous clash between O&D and MDR—are elegantly portrayed through visual symbolism in these artworks.

Artwork from Severance depicting office conflicts — Apple TV+

Styled in diverse manners, the collection features everything from traditional oil portraits to more contemporary pieces. The art elevates its relevance, tying into the larger narrative threads of the series, as seen in Mark’s tree sculpture and Irving’s dream paintings, all just as mysterious in purpose and significance.

The Mystery of the Ideographic Cards

The significance of the Ideographic cards found by Dylan within O&D has yet to be revealed, but speculation suggests they may represent Lumon’s subtle aim to provoke further conflict between departments.

Ideographic cards from Severance — Apple TV+

Dylan stumbles upon these cards during a visit to O&D, leading to a frantic pursuit when Milchick realizes one is missing. This incident triggers the Overtime Contingency, underscoring the perceived importance of these cards to Lumon. While the images displayed on them depict various physical movements, ambiguity remains about their true meaning.

The nature of several cards includes representations of martial arts techniques or combative stances, igniting fan theories about their potential relevance. For instance, one fan speculated that the blue and green badges on the cards echo the historical tensions symbolized in “The Grim Barbarity of Optics and Design” versus “The Macro Data Refinement Calamity.”

As fans eagerly anticipate the second season of Severance, set to premiere on January 17 on Apple TV+, further unraveling of O&D’s enigmatic role and meaning promises to captivate and intrigue audiences.

Explore other new streaming shows to keep you entertained this January!

Source & Images