Throughout *Severance* Season 2, fans and critics alike have noted similarities between Mark (Adam Scott) and his spouse Gemma (Dichen Lachman) and the ancient myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.

This comparison is apt: In the tale, Eurydice succumbs to a snakebite and descends into the underworld. Similarly, in *Severance*, Gemma is thought to be deceased, yet she is actually imprisoned in Lumon’s basement—a realm that serves as a variant of the underworld. Helly (Britt Lower) even directly calls Lumon “hell” to Jame Eagan (Michael Siberry) in the Season 2 finale, further cementing the link.

Additional proof of *Severance*’s engagement with Greek mythology appears in Season 2, Episode 2, when Mark makes a nod to Persephone, the queen of the underworld. This reference harkens back to another woman confined underground and is pivotal in the Orpheus and Eurydice myth.

In the classic myth, Orpheus enters the underworld to rescue Eurydice, echoing Mark’s efforts throughout the season to liberate Gemma from Lumon. Orpheus captivates Hades and Persephone with his music, leading Hades to consent to let Eurydice go—on one stipulation: Orpheus must not glance back at her as they ascend. If he does, she will be lost indefinitely. This parallel raised worries among fans—would Mark repeat a similar blunder and doom Gemma?

Nonetheless, *Severance* offers a distinctive take on the myth in its Season 2 finale, “Cold Harbor.” Both Mark’s Innie and Outie manage to rescue Gemma from the terrors of the Testing Floor, thus, unlike Eurydice, she genuinely escapes. While this may appear to be a triumph, the narrative takes another twist—this time concentrating on Mark himself.

Innie Mark does glance back, but not for Gemma. Rather, he looks back for Helly, opting to remain in Lumon instead of reverting to his Outie persona. In this choice, he likely seals his own fate, choosing to delve deeper into Lumon with Helly in a scene that reflects the very first moment of Season 2.

Ultimately, *Severance* inverts the Orpheus and Eurydice myth. Eurydice (Gemma) escapes, while Orpheus (Mark) stays behind. However, in this retelling, Orpheus has another love—Helly—while Eurydice is left to grieve the absence of her husband.

With this intense cliffhanger, the future of *Severance*’s characters hangs in the balance. Will Innie Mark and Helly remain trapped in Lumon eternally? Is there hope for a reunion between Gemma and Outie Mark? The series has now transcended the myth, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.

*Severance* Season 2 is available for streaming on Apple TV+.