“Severance” is currently airing its second season on Apple TV+. So far, the first seven episodes have met the high expectations set by the show’s first season, which aired in 2022. The show is a science fiction thriller which, as the name suggests, involves severing oneself into two different consciousnesses colloquially referred to as ‘innies’ and ‘outies.’ The ‘innie’ version of an individual exists solely at work, conscious only after they clock in and until they clock out. The ‘outie’ is the version of the individual which lives every other aspect of their life. Crucially, memories are not shared between the two. Innies are created with somewhat of a blank slate as they retain rudimentary knowledge of the world, but need to be informed of their first name and first initial of their last name to acquire any aspect of a personal identity. Essentially all an innie knows is their work at Lumon Industries, the company that invented the severance procedure.

Although “Severance” is clearly science-fiction heavy, the show does not get bogged down in endless explanations and details. Rather, it thrives on gripping mystery concerning the truth behind Lumon’s intentions and use of the severance procedure. The show follows Mark Scout (Adam Scott) who began working at Lumon after the unexpected death of his wife Gemma. Mark’s motivation for undergoing the severance procedure is his wish to avoid his grief. For eight hours every weekday Mark exists as his innie, Mark S., who has no idea about the loss Mark has suffered. 

The most recent episode of “Severance,” season two episode seven “Chikhai Bardo,” has only cemented the show’s brilliance. The episode completely turned the show on its head and revealed the answer to one of the biggest mysteries, while simultaneously generating more questions. “Chikhai Bardo” truly confirmed my suspicions that in terms of science fiction mysteries, “Severance” graduated from “Lost” University with honors and a concentration in shocking reveals that I never would have considered yet still make perfect sense. “Chikhai Bardo” was also the stunning directorial debut of Jessica Lee Gagńe. 

To me the most compelling aspect of “Severance” is the potential for so many interesting character dynamics, and I love that they are leaning into that potential. A relationship between people’s innies may be completely different to the relationship shared by their outies. Every severed character has the potential to have an opinion of others as their innie, an opinion of others as their outie, an opinion on someone's outie as an innie and their innie as an outie. Considering the myriad of ways the core cast of four severed characters can interact with others is tremendously exciting. In season one, one character  asked, “Do you think love transcends severance?” and thus far much of the show appears to be answering affirmatively. 

I can’t say much more without giving spoilers, but “Severance” is honestly doing incredible things and running circles around every other show airing right now. Apple TV+ drops a new “Severance” episode every Friday, so there’s still plenty of time to catch up before season two, episode eight “Sweet Vitriol.”