Unraveling the Intricacies of ‘Severance’ Season 2
As Megan McCluskey so eloquently penned in her review, the second season of ‘Severance’ takes the audience on a roller coaster ride of emotions and revelations. This article delves deeper into the twists and turns of the sixth episode, particularly focusing on the enigmatic characters Irving and Burt.
In the fourth episode, despite his termination due to his alter ego’s behavior at the ORTBO, outie Irving, played by John Turturro, is far from conceding defeat. He appears determined to penetrate and potentially dismantle Lumon. However, as the plot unravels, it emerges that there could be more sinister operatives on the loose outside the world than Irving initially anticipated.
Episode 6, aptly named “Attila,” sees outie Irv making good on his promise to dine at outie Burt’s house, played by Christopher Walken, along with his spouse Fields, portrayed by John Noble. While Irv receives a seemingly cordial reception, the atmosphere grows tense as the evening progresses. The interaction between Burt and Fields projects an eerily hostile aura, sparking critical questions about their relationship with Lumon and their overarching role in the ‘Severance’ narrative.
Who is Fields?
While John Noble is fondly recognized by ‘Lord of the Rings’ fans for his portrayal of Denethor, the self-indulgent Steward of Gondor in ‘The Return of the King’, ‘Severance’ presents his first appearance. However, there is speculation that Noble may have already made a concealed appearance in the season’s fifth episode. The theory stems from the unidentified, intimidating man who retrieves a tray of surgical tools in the episode’s cold opening.
Is Outie Burt Evil?
Burt and Fields’ conversation reveals they hold controversial beliefs about severance’s relationship with Christianity. This discussion, along with the couple’s switch to the nickname “Attila,” potentially hints at their sinister side. The nickname “Attila” signifies Attila the Hun, a savage warlord renowned for murdering his brother to usurp total power, a narrative that echoes the storyline of Kier and his brother in the ORTBO.
The conversation also brings to light Burt’s deceptive history with Lumon, implying he has worked with them longer than he initially claimed. As Fields bitterly exposes his resentment for Burt, the audience is left questioning the authenticity of Burt’s relationship with Lumon.
What is Lumon’s Knowledge of Irving?
As the episode unfolds, Lumon’s security chief Mr. Drummond is seen entering Irving’s house, implying he might hold keys to every Lumon employee’s home. He inspects Irving’s list of severed employees, taking particular note of Burt’s name and address. The episode concludes with Irv and Burt expressing a desire to meet again without Fields, leaving the audience questioning the true depth of Burt’s involvement with Lumon and who might be manipulating who in this intricate web of deceit.