Episode 3 of Severance's sophomore season kicks off with Cobel embarking on a solitary road trip. As the wheels churn beneath her, Mark sets his sights on Lumon, meticulously timing his journey to the building with his watch, the rationale for which will gradually unravel later in the episode.
At the workplace, Mark is hell-bent on locating Ms. Casey. He has printed Missing Person posters and assigned his colleagues the task of canvassing different departments for answers. Additionally, there's a covert plan afoot – to gauge Lumon's sincerity towards transparency. Will they permit these individuals to roam freely and explore all departments? It seems they have, as the Innies end up traversing various floors and departments in search of leads.
Helly offers Irving reassurance as he prepares to venture into O&D, evoking nostalgic memories of Burt. However, instead of departing, Irving engages Dylan first, revealing that he's been working on the same paintings as his Outtie. He seeks Dylan's assistance in finding them. Dylan, preoccupied with his own objectives after discovering the new Severance Visitor program in the previous episode, remains focused on his work, persuading Irving to proceed alone.
Irving arrives at O&D, where he's warmly greeted by Felicia, Burt's former colleague. They reminisce about Burt and his infectious humor before Irving shows off his notebook filled with doodles of Burt. At the back, however, lies a sketch of a hallway. Felicia recognizes it as the Export Hall and reveals that someone from their department works there.
Mr. Milchick enters his office, where the board seeks a conversation. They discuss it through Natalie, his assistant, clarifying their desire for him to feel connected to Lumon's history. They present him with paintings to foster a deeper connection with Kier, their leader. This time, all paintings feature race-swapped subjects, leaving Milchick's expression inscrutable.
Helly and Mark team up on this quest, leading them on an unorthodox hunt, eventually ending up in… a green field populated by goats? What manner of company is this? Furthermore, there's a man disguised as a goat and a woman wielding a syringe who suddenly appears.
The woman clarifies that they have arrived at Mammalians Nurturable, but Mark promptly flaunts the poster, revealing their unacknowledged presence. It becomes evident that Wellness is not recognized here, fueling Mark's suspicion that the woman is withholding crucial information. As she rings a bell, a multitude of individuals emerges, informing the duo that they ought to have already departed. What enigmatic occurrences are transpiring within this realm of Midsommar?
Mark endeavors to persuade them to lend assistance, emphasizing that they desire no fate akin to Casey's—erased and vanished without a trace. All they seek are answers to their bewilderment. His words resonate with the workers, who reluctantly agree to allow them to proceed with their quest. They reveal that Ms. Casey used to visit frequently, exuding a gentle demeanor.
Elsewhere, Dylan is escorted to the security room, where he is granted an 18-minute visitation with his wife, Gretchen. Her visit is a privilege granted due to Dylan's "good behavior." They are prohibited from discussing sensitive information and are constantly under surveillance. Gretchen elaborates on Outtie Dylan's struggles to maintain employment, as he has yet to discover his true passion. She proudly displays a photograph of them together with their children, albeit portraying them as an Amish family on a farm—a slight embellishment of the truth.
Upon Gretchen's return home, we observe Outtie Dylan's lackadaisical demeanor and aimless existence. The children play on the floor while he slumbers on the sofa, while Gretchen tirelessly works to sustain their family.
Throughout these events, Cobel returns from her brief journey and decides to resume her duties at Lumon. She demands the position of floor manager, convinced that Milchick is inadequate for the task. Given their proximity to completing Cold Harbor, she is determined to see it through to its conclusion.
However, as she approaches the entrance, a hint of suspicion crosses her mind regarding a potential ulterior motive, prompting her to abruptly depart.
Meanwhile, Natalie makes her appearance to visit Ricken and Devon, her intention clear: to delve into the depths of his tome and explore how it has cast a long shadow over the workforce at Lumon. She harbors ambitions to revise the current manuscript, transforming it into a catalyst for revolution among the Innies. However, Devon's trust in her is non-existent, as behind his back, she has been colluding with Mark to convey a cryptic message to his Inner self. Their devious plan involves searing the inquiry "Who is Alive?" onto his retina, hoping it would manifest in the eyes of his Innie upon his next shift. Needless to say, this contrivance fails to materialize.
That very evening, Mark finds himself confronted by Dr. Asal Reghabi, who whispers of a more viable approach. She unmasks a startling revelation: Gemma Casey remains very much alive, at least within the confines of Lumon and its Severance program. The sole conduit for exchanging intelligence between their dual existences lies in reintegration. Initially hesitant, Mark's resolve crumbles at the mere thought of reuniting with his wife, and he eagerly embraces the opportunity.
In the sanctity of her basement, Dr. Reghabi orchestrates Mark's reintegration. As their brainwaves intertwine in perfect harmony, the process of reunification commences, painting the air with anticipation.
