*Severance* delves into a variety of themes—mindfulness, independence, and even baby goats—but one of its most compelling features is the portrayal of hallways.

At this point, Lumon’s stark white corridors have morphed into a character of their own. The performers have admitted to losing their way within them, and across Seasons 1 and 2, characters have dedicated considerable time to exploring their layout. The Season 2 opener, “Hello, Ms. Cobel,” showcased a captivating sequence where Innie Mark (Adam Scott) hurriedly navigates Lumon’s labyrinthine halls in search of Ms. Casey (Dichen Lachman), whom he has just learned is actually his Outie’s spouse, Gemma.

This moment resonates in the closing scene of *Severance*’s Season 2 finale, “Cold Harbor.” Innie Mark successfully aids Gemma in escaping the Severed Floor, sending her to the non-Severed stairwell with hopes of her fleeing Lumon. However, rather than pursuing her, he takes Helly’s (Britt Lower) hand and rushes back into the Severed Floor. This mirrors his previous dash in “Hello, Ms. Cobel,” but with a significant change—previously he ran towards Gemma, and now he is running away from her.

This parallel underscores Mark’s shifting intentions throughout the season. At first, his aim was to locate and save Gemma for his Outie, even as his bond with Helly developed into something deeper. By the finale, he comes to understand that if Gemma reunites with Outie Mark, his own identity as an Innie will come to an end, along with his moments with Helly. His ultimate choice strives to reconcile both realities—he guarantees Gemma’s escape while opting to remain with Helly, seeking his own joy.

Both of these running scenes, helmed by Ben Stiller, showcase different styles. The “Hello, Ms. Cobel” sequence is lively and disorienting, with the camera swooping and spinning around Mark, crafting the impression of an uninterrupted shot. This amplifies the sense of turmoil as he races through the pristine, fluorescent-lit corridors.

Conversely, the “Cold Harbor” sequence is more measured and intentional—not solely due to its use of slow motion, but also because of its fragmented editing and controlled camera movements. The camera remains close to Mark and Helly, occasionally shifting to depict the area they are heading toward. The shaky, less polished aesthetic of this scene enables the audience to dwell on Mark’s choice. His decision to remain with Helly is romantic, yet it bears a tragic burden—Gemma might never see her spouse again, and Outie Mark’s consciousness could be erased forever.

As red warning lights blink around them, *Severance* encourages us to interpret their meaning beyond merely Lumon’s alarms. The red hue disrupts the sterile whiteness of Lumon’s setting, potentially symbolizing Mark and Helly’s unforeseen love. Yet, it also implies looming peril—regardless of their speed, can they ever genuinely break free from Lumon’s hold?

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