We’re now well over a month removed from theSeveranceSeason 2 finale, and while updates on the already-confirmed Season 3 have been quiet, creatorDan Ericksonjust weighed in on a major fan debate. TheSeveranceSeason 2 finalesees Mark’s (Adam Scott) innie decide to stay withHelly (Britt Lower)at Lumon instead of leaving to be with his outie’s wife,Gemma (Dichen Lachman). Fans have speculated that Mark actually stays with Helly’s outie, Helena, who is impersonating her innie to manipulate Mark, but this is nothing more than conjecture. During a recent interview with Variety, creator Dan Erickson responded to this theory/rumor, sharing that he thinks it comes from a place of investment:
“I think that people really do love Gemma and they love Mark and Gemma, and the idea of Mark and Helly sort of making this choice that is so heartbreaking,I think some people have trouble with that. And I understand it — they should.”
He also weighed in with his thoughts on the situation, essentially confirming that it’s notHelena taking advantage of Mark, but rather Mark“claiming his own autonomy”with his decision:
“I don’t see it as a moment of somebody stealing somebody else’s lover. I see it as a moment ofsomebody claiming their own autonomyand the importance of their own existence.”
While there are plenty of ways to interpret this, the choice to end Season 2 with Mark staying at Lumon with Helly certainly caught fans by surprise. The entire story of Season 2 to that point had revolved aroundMark getting Gemma out of Lumonafter learning she’s alive, but this is just what makesSeverancesuch a great series: its ability to subvert expectations. It’s up in the air where things areheading inSeveranceSeason 3, but after yet another revolution from the Lumon innies, they’re certainly going to have to be on their toes. It’s unclear at this timewhenSeveranceSeason 3 will be released, but fans remain hopeful that it could comeas soon as next year.
Where Does ‘Severance’ Take Place?
Severancetakes place in a fictional location, but most of the scenes were filmed in New York. This choice to setSeverancein a cold area that closely resembles that of somewhere in the Northern United States helps play intothe show’s cold and dark tone and message. Employees who live severed lives are often hiding from something or pushing something deep down inside — such as Mark running from Gemma’s death, which plays much better in cold weather than warm. Juxtapose this to a show likeThe White Lotus, which also has dark themes but is much more of a fun, good hang show thanSeverance.
The first two seasons ofSeveranceare now streaming. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of the series, and watchSeveranceonApple TV+.
