Episode 2 of Season 2 of "Severance" opens with Mark standing outdoors, tightly gripping a photograph of him and his wife, signaling the return of Outtie Mark's reign. The Lumon authorities are dead set on uncovering precisely whom the Innies have confided in and rectifying this chaotic situation post-haste.
Helly's father is less than pleased with his daughter's predicament, prompting Helly to assign Mr. Milchick the clean-up duties for the meantime, while she deals with Mrs. Harmony Selvig. Selvig demands an apology for being placed in such a precarious position. After Helly extends a corporate apology on behalf of Lumon, she attempts to coax Selvig back into the workforce. However, Selvig harbors her own investigative aspirations, which Helly subtly derails by offering her a promotion to the Severance Advisory Council—a newly minted initiative that Helly intends to spearhead. In truth, this promotion is merely a tactical ploy to sideline Selvig, especially after Helly discovers Milchick's recent elevation to Floor Manager.
After wrapping up his workday, Milchick proceeds to confront Irving and Dylan, promptly terminating their employment. Meanwhile, Helly engages in damage control, crafting a PR piece that portrays her actions at the party—where she joked about her Innie being tortured—as mere drunken ramblings.
Dylan, now unemployed, struggles in vain to secure another job, finding that the world harbors a deep-seated distrust for severed employees, unwilling to take a chance on them. As for Irving, he and Burt continue to orbit each other's spheres, with little tangible progress made in their interaction for the time being.
The wildcard in this scenario remains Mark. He engages in a conversation with Devon and Ricken, recapping what they know about the recent events. However, just as they delve deeper, Milchick interrupts, bringing up the "overtime contingency"—a pre-established plan that enables the company to temporarily relieve the Innies of their duties. Outtie Mark readily swallows this explanation, believing it to be part of the paperwork he signed at the inception of the Severance program.Milchick elucidates that the Innies, for a span of 39 minutes, seized control of their outer counterparts, and assures Mark that Cobel will no longer tread those floors of Lumon. He also remarks on their unusual policy of not meting out punishment, yet cleverly manipulates Mark into persevering with his duties by evoking a sense of obligation, highlighting the bravery his Innie exhibited in his desperate bid for freedom. After all, to abandon his post now would render all his Innie's efforts futile, wouldn't it? Mark has firmly resolved to sever ties with Lumon altogether.
However, Devon remains uncertain, engaging him in conversation the next day at a diner. Given Ms. Casey's entanglement in the affair, Mark's wound from his wife's demise is still raw, making him yearn to abandon it all and walk away.
That very night, Mr. Milchick arrives bearing a fruit basket from Lumon, eager for a chat. Lumon is evidently bent on winning him back, sweetening the pot with a 20% raise and regular wellness evaluations conducted by independent bodies. It seems part of this initiative stems from Helly, who scrutinizes footage from her Innie's time spent with Mark. They've been documenting everything, and she catches sight of their tender kiss.
Turning back to Mark, Milchick endeavors to persuade him to stay on at Lumon. The Outtie Mark is clearly tormented by the loss of his wife, whereas his Innie counterpart remains unaware of his pain. Milchick further emphasizes that Innie Mark has found love, arguing that these positive emotions could potentially permeate to his outer self. It's undoubtedly a persuasive argument, one that induces Mark to capitulate and agree to continue his employment.
Yet, Lumon underestimates Innie Mark's unwavering loyalty to his comrades, as Helly decides to introduce arbitrary new workers into the fold. She is indifferent to their camaraderie, believing instead that they merely need to propel him towards focusing on a project dubbed Cold Harbor.
This seamlessly segues into the radio transmission. The Board, and let's be frank, Helly as well, consents to grant Mark whatever he desires. They are desperate for his expertise, and this is the sole path to secure it. Observing Irving and Dylan floundering without Lumon, they eagerly seize the opportunity to reunite the old team.
That fateful night, Outtie Mark confronts Selvig just as she prepares to speed away from her abode. Mockery laces her voice as she remarks on how effortlessly Mark can be swayed. "What in blazes is the meaning of this madness?!" Mark shouts, planting himself firmly in front of her vehicle. He inquiries after Gemma, and for a fleeting instant, Selvig's expression hints at the possibility of engagement... but then, with a relentless blare of the horn, she abruptly speeds off, leaving him behind.
