Severance Series: Season 2 Episode 6 Review – "Attila"
Severance continues to build on its tension and intrigue in its second season, with Episode 6, titled "Attila," taking the mystery to new heights. The plot thickens as characters in both the "inside" and "outside" worlds face critical developments, but the most unsettling moment comes from a suspicious dinner gathering between Irving, Burt, and Fields.
A Sinister Dinner and Hidden Secrets
Irving (John Turturro) attends a dinner party at Burt’s (Christopher Walken) house, and what starts as an awkward social event quickly turns into something far more disturbing. Burt appears entirely different from his Lumon persona, exhibiting an eerie presence that no one expected. His husband, Fields (John Noble), adds to the tension from the start, especially when he reveals that Burt has longstanding ties to Lumon that predate his "severance."
The most controversial revelation comes when Burt and Fields justify his severance by claiming it was for religious reasons. They insist that Burt wanted to sever himself from his sinful past to grant his "innie" a chance at heaven, even if his "outie" was doomed to hell. However, this explanation clashes with traditional religious beliefs, raising questions about whether it’s just a cover for something much deeper.
Things become even more unsettling when Fields mentions that they’ve been using the name "Attila" for over twenty years, in reference to a past encounter with one of Burt’s Lumon associates. This shocks Irving, who knows that the first severed office wasn’t opened until just 12 years ago! It appears that Burt is hiding a dangerous secret, possibly linked to a long-term Lumon experiment that goes far beyond what was previously known.
Romance and Tension in the Severed Floor
On the severed floor, complex relationships develop among the employees. Dylan (Zach Cherry) begins to develop feelings for his outie’s wife, Gretchen (Merritt Wever), who sees a more affectionate and caring version of her husband in him. This emotional connection leads to an intimate kiss, raising an ethical dilemma: can someone cheat on their spouse with themselves?
Meanwhile, Mark (Adam Scott) confesses to Helly (Britt Lower) that he slept with her outie, leaving her deeply unsettled. She decides to test this herself, leading them to an abandoned room where they become intimate. However, after the moment passes, Mark notices blood on his face, only to realize he has a nosebleed—just like Petey did in Season 1. This suggests that the reintegration process is beginning to take a dangerous toll on him.
Mark Confronts the Truth
Mark continues his search for answers, as Regabi (Karen Aldridge) conducts a new experiment to accelerate his reintegration by "floating the chip" inside his skull. Feeling overwhelmed, Mark leaves the facility and finds himself in a Chinese restaurant, where he encounters an unexpected figure: Helena Eagan. However, this time, she appears more approachable and friendly, a stark contrast to her usual controlling nature.
She tries to lure him into a casual conversation, but Mark quickly realizes she knows far too much about his life—including the shocking truth that his wife is not dead, as he had believed. Stunned, he flees the restaurant and rushes back to Regabi to continue the experiment. But things spiral out of control quickly, as Mark collapses into violent convulsions on the floor, leaving viewers in suspense.
Milchick’s Internal Struggle: Is He Turning Against Lumon?
In another intriguing development, Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman) seems to be experiencing growing internal conflict, questioning his loyalty to Lumon. In a chilling scene, he stares into a mirror and repeatedly mutters, "You must rid yourself of childish foolishness," reflecting his deepening inner turmoil. Could this be the beginning of Milchick’s rebellion against Lumon? Or is he merely trying to convince himself to stay loyal?
What’s Next?
With only four episodes left in the season, each character stands on the edge of shocking revelations, while the mysteries continue to pile up. Who is Burt really? Has he been part of Lumon from the very beginning? What will happen to Mark after the "chip floating" experiment? And will Milchick finally break away from Lumon?
This episode was packed with surprises and high-stakes moments, making the wait for the next installment even more agonizing! What do you think of these developments? Do you believe Burt is hiding an even bigger secret? Share your theories with us!