Ep 2. Half Loop

In the second episode of Severance, titled Half Loop, viewers are drawn deeper into the unsettling world of the Lumon Industries, an enigmatic corporation with a peculiar approach to the work-life balance. As the series unfolds, the ethos of severance—where employees have their memories surgically divided between their work and personal lives—becomes more pronounced, leading to shocking implications for those who choose to remain within the company's shadowy walls.

Half Loop opens with the haunting aftermath of the shocking events introduced in the pilot, compounded by the eerie ambience of the Lumon facility. Mark, the protagonist, returns to his sterile work environment grappling with the tension left unresolved from the prior episode. His coworkers, particularly the steadfast and resolute Irving and the research-focused Dylan, exhibit a palpable sense of unease as they process the unfolding mystery of their surroundings, their tasks, and, more importantly, their own identities. The show artfully contrasts the sterile, dimly lit office setting with glimpses of the vibrant personal lives that seem just beyond reach, heightening the sense of dissonance that permeates the lives of the employees.

As the narrative progresses, viewers are introduced to unexpected layers of the characters’ lives, as well as the possibility of alliances and divisions among them. The characters’ interactions enhance the growing tension, revealing individual motivations and desires that lead each person to embrace—or resist—the strict severance philosophy of Lumon. Questions of loyalty, morality, and self-awareness are explored with increasing depth.

In Half Loop, the exploration of the 'Audi'—a term used to refer to the employees' alternate selves who operate solely within the confines of Lumon—becomes a focal point. The internal conflict between their two existences raises profound moral dilemmas: If one's memories can be severed, what does it mean to truly live? This question echoes throughout Mark's journey as he navigates the complexities of both his personal memories and the stark reality of his work life.

The episode skillfully develops the theme of isolation. While the employees are physically together, each is spiritually and emotionally cut off, locked in their own psychological boxes. As they are prompted to reassess their relationships with one another, they also begin to question what it means to be 'severed.' Are their work selves a lesser version of their complete selves? And what makes them feel alive—sensation, emotion, connection, or memory? The minimalist setting emphasizes this loneliness, allowing for moments of introspection that linger long after the scene transitions.

As the episode unfolds, a sense of urgency permeates the narrative, highlighted by a series of questioning and probing interactions among the characters, particularly during work briefings led by the cold and calculating management. The authoritarian nature of Lumon becomes increasingly apparent, leaving the employees to grapple not just with their tasks but with their own autonomy and freedom. Each character responds differently to this pressure, showcasing the diversity of human response—some thrive under the conditions, while others begin to show signs of rebellion against the overarching control.

Additionally, the episode subtly reveals seeds of resistance, hinting at deeper conflicts and possibly sinister motives within the organization. Mark encounters haunting flashbacks that smack of nostalgia and longing for a past life that feels just out of reach. The conflict between remembering and forgetting resonates throughout, driving home the tension of existences pulling in two opposing directions.

The pacing of Half Loop deftly maintains an air of suspense that crescendos with a series of revelations and moments that challenge the characters’ perceptions of their reality—who they are, what they do, and the meaning of their actions within the company. Each twist compels both characters and viewers to reconsider the value of memory and personal identity in a world that seeks to compartmentalize and control them.

Ultimately, Half Loop is a gripping episode that deftly layers suspense with philosophical questioning and complex character portrayals. The haunting score layers psychological tension, while striking cinematography captures the eerie, almost claustrophobic atmosphere of Lumon. As the narrative builds, viewers are left at the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating how these intersecting lives will grapple with their earned severance from humanity and seek re-connection in a world designed to keep them apart. The unanswered questions linger, setting the stage for further exploration of the ethical, emotional, and existential implications of life—both inside and outside the confines of Lumon.