how does the end of season 1 end?

In February 2022, Severance landed on Apple TV+ and shook up the world of series with its innovative concept. Imagined by Dan Erickson and partly directed by Ben Stiller, this dystopia mixing science fiction and thriller immediately won over critics and spectators. After three years of waiting, the show finally makes its return this January 17 on the platform with a second season ready – we hope – to explore the many questions left unanswered.

Please note, this article reveals key elements of the plot of season 1.

In the corridors of Lumon Industries

At the heart of the plot, Mark Scout (Adam Scott) and his colleagues at Lumon Industries are subjected to a radical procedure called “dissociation.” This singular surgical intervention splits their memories into two entities: the Inter, entirely devoted to work, and the Exter, freed from all professional concerns. If this method at first promises an ideal balance between one’s private and work life, it quickly reveals a dark and worrying side.

Mark oversees a team in the Macro Data Refinement department, consisting of Helly (Britt Lower), Irving (John Turturro), and Dylan (Zach Cherry). Day after day, they carry out tasks whose meaning completely escapes them. Over the course of the episodes, the team members begin to question the true purpose of their work, and try to clarify the company’s secrets.

A final episode full of revelations

The last episode of season 1 reaches a peak of intensity thanks to the activation of the “overtime contingency” protocol. This process, triggered by Dylan at the risk of his safety, allows the Inters to temporarily access the outside world.

Mark then discovers that his wife Gemma, who he thought was dead, is actually alive and employed at Lumon under the identity of Mrs. Casey, the company psychologist. Helly learns that she is Helena Eagan, heiress to the founding Lumon family, and that her role is to promote dissociation. This revelation pushes her to publicly denounce the company’s practices during an official event. Irving, meanwhile, discovers that his Exter leads a solitary existence, entirely dedicated to obsessive research on Lumon.

Burning questions for season 2

But these revelations are abruptly cut short when Milchick, a Lumon executive, deactivates the protocol, leaving the heroes in an even more uncertain situation. These events mark a turning point in the plot, while leaving many questions unanswered.

What will be the consequences of the Inters’ revelations? Can Mark, Helly and Irving continue their fight against Lumon or will they be silenced? Is dissociation limited to work or does it extend to other aspects of society? Do employee activities, particularly data management, hide a sinister design or a simple deception?

Finally, Gemma’s presence at Lumon under the identity of Mrs. Casey raises a central question: is she manipulated, or does she represent a tool of control over Mark? Season 2 will have to answer these mysteries while maintaining the tension and originality that made the first season successful. See you on January 17 to find out if the series will be able to dispel the shadows that hang over Lumon.