Lumon is back to its usual antics in the Season 2 premiere of *Severance* — but would you honestly anticipate anything different from the globe’s most secretive and manipulative organization?
### Lumon’s latest storyline: Reform or trickery?
In the season opener of Season 2, Mark (Adam Scott) returns to the Severed Floor following the Innies’ bold escape at the conclusion of Season 1. To everyone’s surprise, Lumon refrains from punishing Mark or his fellow Macrodata Refiners for their insurrection. Instead, the new floor supervisor, Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman), asserts that the Innies’ worries about mistreatment have struck a chord with the outside world. Milchick claims this has led Lumon to reconsider its actions and adopt “severance reform.” To support his assertions, he even showcases a newspaper as proof.
Yet, something seems amiss regarding this supposed reform.
### An intriguing newspaper and grand promises
The publication, named *The Kier Chronicle*, includes a front-page article about the Innies revealing their mistreatment. It also features two unrelated side stories regarding a “Baird Creek Bandit” and fresh Lumon recycling innovations. The whistle-blowing article is particularly captivating, detailing new benefits for Innies, such as “top-tier recreational facilities, sexual liberation, enhanced snacks, and the potential for field…” The text abruptly cuts off, likely hinting at “field trips.” These benefits align with what Milchick later conveys to Mark, Helly (Britt Lower), Irving (John Turturro), and Dylan (Zach Cherry), though he notably refrains from directly mentioning “sexual liberation” to them.
Intriguingly, the article also references Mark’s brother-in-law, Dr. Ricken Hale (Michael Chernus), noted as the author of *The You You Are* and a brand-new book, *These Values Nine: How I Let Kier In*. While the former was crucial to the Innies’ uprising in Season 1, the latter hasn’t been previously referenced. It’s likely a fabrication by Lumon, crafted to manipulate Mark into thinking that Ricken — whom he admires — is a devoted follower of Kier Eagan. If Mark has faith in Ricken, and Ricken endorses Kier, then Mark might be more readily inclined to trust Lumon as well. Ingenious, yet profoundly disturbing.
### A manipulated image causes concern
However, the newspaper’s most glaring issue is the front-page photograph of Mark, Helly, Irving, and Dylan being honored in a ticker tape parade. At first glance, it’s evident the image is fabricated. The picture of the Innies is directly lifted from their group photo taken on Helly’s inaugural day — a photo prominently displayed on their desks. This image has been superimposed onto a background that doesn’t even belong to this century. In fact, the parade photo originates from Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1960 visit to Rio de Janeiro.
The overt photo alteration is yet another instance of how Lumon distorts reality for the Innies, manipulating the limited information they have about the broader world. If the image is fabricated, it’s reasonable to conclude that the parade — and the widespread support for the Innies — never occurred. So why would Lumon go to such extremes to concoct this narrative? Why fabricate a story about severance reform and provide the Innies with improved perks instead of merely terminating Mark’s Outie and replacing him in Macrodata Refinement?
### Why is Lumon interested in Mark?
The lengths Lumon goes to keep Mark in the organization imply that Macrodata Refinement’s “mysterious and vital” tasks necessitate more than just any severed employee — it may specifically require Mark. The episode’s concluding moments allude to this possibility, as foreboding flashes intersperse Mark’s refining tasks with visuals of Gemma/Ms. Casey (Dichen Lachman). Could Lumon be leveraging Mark and Gemma’s relationship as part of a larger, more sinister agenda?
### The broader implications
Lumon’s fabrications and manipulations continue to provoke inquiries into its genuine intentions. The concocted newspaper, the altered photo, and the questionable pledges of reform all suggest a company that is willing to stop at nothing to retain control. As Season 2 progresses, the stakes have escalated significantly, and the truth behind Lumon’s schemes may finally surface.
*Severance* Season 2 is now available for streaming on AppleTV+, with new episodes released every Friday.