The highly anticipated second season of *Severance* is set to premiere on Apple TV+. To help you get back into the groove of this captivating sci-fi series, here’s a detailed overview of the concept of Innies and Outies at Lumon Industries.
Since its debut in February 2022, *Severance* has rapidly gained popularity, becoming a standout series on Apple TV+ due to its enthralling narrative and exceptional performances by talents such as Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, and John Turturro.
This show cleverly satirizes corporate culture and its politics while enveloping viewers in a futuristic narrative centered on mind manipulation. With numerous perplexing mysteries woven throughout, it’s undoubtedly a must-see series.
Season 1 of *Severance* left fans with a plethora of questions, creating excitement for Season 2 as viewers hope for answers. In the meantime, let’s explore what we know about the employees affected by the Severance Procedure.
Understanding Innies and Outies in Severance
Employees who opt for the ‘Severance Procedure’ at Lumon consent to a division of their memories and consciousness into two distinct identities.
This results in their lives bifurcating into two separate realities: the Innie, who performs their job at Lumon, and the Outie, who lives outside of the workplace.
For an Innie, their workday commences once they step into the office elevator. All their actions and thoughts remain confined to that environment, with memories vanishing as soon as they ascend back up at the end of the day.
An Outie, on the other hand, represents the individual who has voluntarily undergone the procedure. They navigate life outside the company, fully unaware of their Innie’s experiences within Lumon.
Mechanics of the Severance Chip
Much like the enigmatic Flux Capacitor facilitating time travel in *Back to the Future*, the Severance Chip is the crucial technology enabling the Severance Procedure, which divides memories to create both Innie and Outie identities.
During this painless procedure, the patient remains conscious as a small incision is made in the scalp, and a tiny hole is drilled into the skull for the chip’s insertion.
Afterward, the employee is put under sedation, dressed, and then transported to the Waking Chamber, emerging as “Severed.”
Are Employees Allowed to Leave Work?
At the conclusion of their work shift, employees can leave Lumon, at which point their Innie memories fade away, replaced by their Outie recollections.
This transition can lead to confusion, especially if an employee suffers an injury at work. The Innie may be fully aware of the circumstances surrounding the injury, while the Outie remains oblivious. Lumon addresses this issue by leaving notes on the affected employees’ vehicles to explain the situation.
The possibility of becoming “un-severed” is a complex issue. Through the Overtime Contingency, certain characters briefly experienced a merging of their memories at the end of Season 1. However, true reversal of the procedure, known as ‘Reintegration’, poses risks, as evidenced by Peter Kilmer’s illness followed by his death.
Character Spotlight: Ms. Cobel
Ms. Harmony Cobel starts Season 1 as the manager of the Severed Floor within Lumon Industries, frequently interacting with the Macrodata Refinement Department.
A staunch supporter of the Severance Procedure and the guiding principles of Lumon’s founder and CEO, Kier Eagan, Marc harbors dual identities. While she has not undergone the procedure herself, she lives outside of work as Mrs. Selvig, Mark Scout’s neighbor who bakes cookies and keeps a watchful eye on him.
By the season’s end, Cobel is dismissed by Lumon’s board for withholding crucial information but remains steadfast in her loyalty to the cause.
Patricia Arquette plays both Harmony Cobel and Mrs. Selvig.
Character Spotlight: Milchick
Seth Milchick serves as the chief supervisor and employee liaison at Lumon’s Severed Floor.
His role encompasses various tasks, including aiding in the chip implantation process for new hires, facilitating team-building exercises, and organizing recreational activities like Melon Bar, Egg Bar, and the Music/Dance Experience.
Milchick also conducts Break Room interrogations, oversees The Compunction Statement, metes out punishments for more severe offenses, and acts as the main contact point for Outies.
Seth Milchick is portrayed by Tramell Tillman.
Article concepts and visuals provided by Dexerto.com
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