Apple TV+’s Severance season two delves deeper into the dark world of Lumon Industries, where employees are implanted with chips that separate their work memories from their personal lives. The show, created by Dan Erickson, shines a light on the indignities of modern work and the struggle for humanity in a corporate environment.
The second season expands on the first by exploring the company’s efforts to keep its most demeaned workers in line, making it even bleaker than before. Despite this, the twisted humor is still present, but mostly takes a backseat to the drama as the firm scrambles to get back to business as usual.
New characters are introduced, including Mr. Milchick, middle manager, who is forced to swallow indignities from his own bosses. The show tackles an unresolvable tension between corporate capitalism and humanity, highlighting how universal yearnings for meaning or connection are only seen as flaws to be managed.
The internal conflicts of the innies, particularly Helly R., drive much of the season’s plot. Lower’s performance brings out the contrast between her two personalities, and adds poignant shades to Helena without softening her cruelties. The show also explores the tension between solidarity, individuality, and emotion in a corporate environment.
Severance continues to capture the darker side of modern work, making it even more chillingly close to home. With its sharp writing and insistence on character humanity, the show remains one of television’s most compelling dystopian realities.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/severance-season-2-review-apple-tv-1236098929