As I write this, I have just finished watching the season two finale of Severance, and I am in shock. I’m going to try to sum up my thoughts on what I consider one of the greatest seasons of television ever made.
I started watching Severance just before season two began airing and instantly fell in love. I binged all of season one just in time to catch up and watch season two live, and what an experience that was. I don’t think there has ever been a more clever or expertly crafted show than Severance. The level of filmmaking on display is genuinely unmatched. Just watch the opening scene of season two, episode one, and your jaw will be on the floor the entire time. Ben Stiller and the entire directing team are operating on another level.
I was particularly impressed with Jessica Lee Gagné, who made her directorial debut in episode 7, Chikhai Bardo. As the show’s DP, her experience in that field is evident, making this without a doubt the best looking episode of the series. The choice to shoot the flashbacks on film was really inspired and it was incredibly effective in creating a warm, nostalgic feel in comparison to the cold, darker and more muted visuals that are typically used outside of Lumon.
Another standout episode this season was episode 4, Woes Hollow. This episode was also different from the usual Severance formula, taking place in a completely new location. Just like the main characters, I found myself confused and questioning everything, something this show does very often. This episode also brought a lot of interesting developments for Helly/Helena and Irving, with John Turturro delivering an absolutely outstanding performance. He and Tramell Tillman are going to be battling it out at the Emmys.
I also really liked the structure of this season. I’ve seen some complaints that the second half was mostly filler, and I honestly can’t comprehend that take. The amount of major revelations and added context we got for the characters, especially Mark and Gemma in episode 7, was incredible. I think it’s a perfectly structured and well paced season, and every time the credits rolled, I was already craving the next episode. I just hope we don’t have to wait too long for season three.
Now, onto the finale, one of the greatest TV episodes of all time, capping off one of the greatest seasons of all time. When the credits rolled, I was speechless. This episode had absolutely everything, even a new Milchick dance scene! I have full trust in the team behind this show, but I was genuinely worried about how they could possibly set up season three. But wow, they set it up in the most insane way possible. I did not see that coming at all, and that final shot will be engraved in my mind until season three releases.
This is a fairly short review, I just needed to get my immediate thoughts out about this masterpiece of a season. I might write something longer in the future after I’ve fully processed it. But in truth, there’s not much I can say that would truly do Severance justice.
The Emmys are going to be fun this year, just give Adam Scott, Britt Lower, and either Tramell Tillman or John Turturro the award already.
What a show.
Review by Jacob Wolfe
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