This week’s episode of “Severance,” titled “Attila,” navigates complex emotional landscapes as the boundaries between the characters’ innie and outie selves blur. In a pivotal moment, Gretchen passionately kisses Dylan during a visit to the severed floor, instigating a profound sense of longing in Innie Dylan, who laments that he and Gretchen cannot truly be together. This episode emphasizes the dichotomy between personal identities as Innie Dylan perceives himself as fundamentally separate from his outie counterpart, while Gretchen views them as one and the same.
The romantic entanglements in this episode are particularly intricate, featuring a love triangle involving Gretchen and both Dylans and a love pentagon that includes Helly, Helena, and the two Marks. This tangle of relationships demonstrates the emotional dissonance experienced by the characters, reflecting a recurring theme: that severed existence detracts from the emotional totality of one’s identity, be it innie or outie.
Amid these romantic storylines, notable subplots highlight the operational dynamics at Lumon. Milchick endures his own torture as he attempts to rectify perceived shortcomings at work, offering viewers a glimpse into the obsessive and often absurd behaviors ingrained within the severed experience. The presence of Mr. Drummond, who keeps close tabs on severed employees, hints at a larger surveillance culture permeating the organization.
Outie Mark’s attempts to reconnect with his wife, Gemma, further complicate the narrative. Questions arise about the nature of his relationship with Ms. Casey—Innie Mark’s perception of Gemma—adding layers of emotional turmoil as Helly grapples with her own feelings and history intertwined with the Marks. This dramatic conflict is underscored by Helena’s interaction with Outie Mark, a meeting reflecting both curiosity and underlying tension, as it becomes evident that their shared history adds complexity to the present.
The title “Attila,” referring to an affectionate nickname shared between Outie Burt and his husband Fields, mirrors the episode’s exploration of love, loyalty, and the burdensome realities of severance. As Burt reconciles with his outie’s past and their relationship dynamics, themes of deception and secrecy prevail, prompting reflection on the nature of identity and connection in a world where one’s essence is fragmented.
The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent struggle to find emotional fulfillment and understanding in a society where identities are compartmentalized. As the blurring of timelines and emotional experiences intensifies, the characters are faced with the stark reality that their hearts are not meant to be divided. This narrative complexity invites audiences to question the impact of such divisions on love and human connection, ultimately offering a thought-provoking exploration of identity.