A clever promotional maneuver for Apple TV+’s *Severance* Season 2 transported an unsettling piece of Lumon Industries to New York City’s Grand Central Station on January 14, and I had the unique opportunity to experience the unusual occurrence up close.
The event kicked off with the unexpected arrival of a sizable glass cube in Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central. Within it, a carefully crafted replica of Lumon’s Macrodata Refinement (MDR) department setup was showcased. Actors embodying Lumon employees occupied the four-person desk, meticulously organizing data as expected of them—entirely unaware of their significance, of course.
### A Celebrity-Laden Lumon Encounter
The thrill heightened when actual cast members from *Severance* made their entrance into the cube. Among the first were Adam Scott (Mark S.), Britt Lower (Helly R.), and Zach Cherry (Dylan G.), quickly followed by Patricia Arquette (Harmony Cobel) and Tramell Tillman (Mr. Milchick). Missing from this gathering was John Turturro’s Irving B., presumably deep in contemplation of Kier Eagan’s legacy in the Perpetuity Wing.
Creator and showrunner Dan Erickson observed the proceedings from afar, while director and executive producer Ben Stiller interacted with the attendees, capturing moments like a proud guardian.
Once inside the glass cube, the actors enacted a typical day for Lumon employees. Despite the glass barrier isolating the audience from their conversation, the visual performance was enthralling. It truly felt like an episode of *Severance* was unfolding right before our eyes. Ms. Cobel’s sharp hit with a Lumon-branded ruler caught me off guard, while Helly’s mischievous antics—such as tossing a cleaning rag at Mr. Milchick—provoked laughter. Naturally, fans like myself scoured the set for hints about the forthcoming season.
### A Rich Collection of *Severance* Insights
Although the pop-up didn’t disclose any significant plot developments for Season 2 (unfortunately, no Post-It note detailing Lumon’s intentions for Mark’s wife Gemma), it overflowed with Easter eggs sure to please fans.
The desks were exact duplicates of those featured on the show, featuring personal touches. Dylan’s workspace displayed caricature drawings—merit rewards for completing files—whereas Mark’s desk showcased the crystal head cube he received for concluding the Allentown file. Each workstation displayed the MDR group photo, subtly hinting at the team’s bonding.
The actors also brought along props from the series. Mr. Milchick held the red ball from Season 1’s icebreaker scene and a copy of Dr. Ricken Hale’s self-help book, *The You You Are*. Mark was even seen reading aloud from what seemed to be Lumon’s Compliance Handbook. For a fan, encountering these legendary items up close was exhilarating—when else would I be privy to Ricken’s philosophical reflections?
Outside the cube, a white pedestal exhibited the ominous speaker from Ms. Cobel’s office, producing the sinister static sounds used by the Lumon Board to “communicate.” The disconcerting noise enhanced the immersive atmosphere.
### An Odd and Captivating Conclusion
As the event drew to a close around 7 p.m., the actors began to “clock out” from the cube. Ms. Cobel compelled Mark to stand in a corner like a reprimanded child, subsequently appearing to either chastise him or sing the Kier anthem—unfortunately, we were unable to hear. Before departing, Adam Scott and Patricia Arquette penned a puzzling Post-It note that simply read “human,” adorned with a small triangle drawing. Naturally, fans rushed to interpret its significance. (Let the speculation commence!)
### A Celebratory Tribute to *Severance*
Not unexpectedly, the *Severance* pop-up evolved into a viral phenomenon on social media. A live performance featuring the actual cast? It’s the kind of quirky, attention-grabbing promotion that fans relish.
Yet, the event didn’t merely shine online—it energized Grand Central Station itself. Around me, people buzzed with enthusiasm, sharing their affection for the show and their eagerness for Season 2. I heard enthusiasts exchanging theories on everything from Lumon’s enigmatic baby goats to the relevance of waffles and melon. Some even took the chance to introduce friends to the series, ardently proclaiming, “You *must* watch this show.” I couldn’t agree more.
The chosen location added another layer of significance to the experience. Grand Central Station, teeming with commuters transitioning from their work personas to their personal lives, reflected the show’s central theme of work-life balance—or lack thereof. Watching the Lumon employees confined in their glass enclosure while the outside world continued to move freely highlighted their predicament. We, the audience, became unwitting participants in Lumon’s oversight, capturing photos and staring at the “Innies.”