bbc.com
Severance" Season Two: A Surreal Workplace Drama Continues
Apple TV+'s "Severance" returns for a second season, picking up five months after the cliffhanger ending of season one, with the characters now aware of the extent of Lumon Industries' manipulation and the true identities of some employees, leading to increased suspense and complex emotional journeys.
- How does the show utilize the contrast between the surreal office environment and the characters' outside lives to explore themes of identity and work-life balance?
- The show's success stems from its ability to blend the bizarre with relatable office experiences. The characters' emotional journeys, particularly Mark's grief and Helly's revelation as the Lumon heir, deepen viewer engagement. The narrative cleverly uses unreliable narrators to increase suspense, maintaining the show's unique appeal.
- What are the immediate consequences for the "Severance" characters after accessing their suppressed memories, and how does this impact their relationships with Lumon Industries?
- Severance" season two continues the surreal workplace drama, exploring the emotional consequences of the employees' decision to undergo the severance procedure. The season seamlessly continues the plot from the cliffhanger ending of season one, with the characters now grappling with the knowledge they gained about their identities and Lumon Industries.
- What are the long-term implications of the severance procedure, and how might the show address the ethical and societal concerns raised by Lumon Industries' practices in future seasons?
- The introduction of new information about the severance procedure's impact and the cult-like aspects of Lumon Industries adds intriguing layers to the narrative. However, the later episodes' increased focus on sci-fi elements risks disrupting the show's careful balance between surrealism and realism. The exploration of the cult-like devotion to Kier Eagan and the implications of the procedure's broader societal impact remain underdeveloped.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review presents a largely positive framing of the show, highlighting its strengths and engaging storytelling. The negative aspects, such as the somewhat underwhelming later plot points and under-exploration of the cult-like aspects, are mentioned but ultimately overshadowed by the largely positive assessment.
Language Bias
The language used is largely positive and enthusiastic, employing words like "savour", "bracing", "imaginative", and "seamless". While this creates an engaging tone, it could be argued that the overwhelmingly positive language creates a slight bias. However, the reviewer does point out flaws, balancing the overly positive descriptions.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the plot and characters, potentially omitting analysis of the show's broader themes or societal commentary. The cult-like aspects of Lumon are mentioned but not explored in depth, which could be a significant oversight. The review also doesn't discuss the show's visual style beyond a brief mention of contrast between the exterior and interior settings.
Sustainable Development Goals
The show depicts a dystopian workplace where employees undergo a procedure that separates their work and personal memories, leading to identity crises and exploitation. This highlights the negative impacts of poor working conditions, lack of work-life balance, and potential for unethical practices in the pursuit of profit. The show critiques aspects of modern work culture and its potential dehumanizing effects, thereby indirectly relating to SDG 8 targets related to promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.