Created by Dan Erickson and partly directed by actor-filmmaker Ben Stiller, Severance has become a global success since it was released, and understandably so. Combining the science fiction, mystery, and psychological thriller genres with incredible results — it is worth noting that it is likely to appeal to Black Mirror enthusiasts, tackling themes like dystopia, isolation, and highly advanced technology — the Apple TV+ original has captured the attention of many TV enjoyers, particularly in the mentioned genres, for its astounding performances (Adam Scott shines in the lead role), remarkable visuals and musical scores.
With a second season in the works and set to hit the small screen again in late 2024 at the earliest, it’s not surprising that some fans may want to give the show a re-watch while the wait isn’t over. While ranking each episode in the Emmy-nominated show is not an easy task (each is almost equally incredible), we analyze which Severance episodes stand out more and how they all compare to each other.
Severance
Mark leads a team of office workers whose memories have been surgically divided between their work and personal lives. When a mysterious colleague appears outside of work, it begins a journey to discover the truth about their jobs.
- Release Date
- February 18, 2022
- Creator
- Dan Erickson
- Seasons
- 2
Watch on Apple TV+
9 “In Perpetuity”
Season 1, Episode 3
Like in the rest of the series, a lot happens in season one’s third episode. From Mark taking the team on an interesting field trip while Helly (Britt Lower) continues to rebel, to Mrs. Selving (PatriciaArquette) breaking into Mark’s house in the “awaken life” and Petey (Yul Vazquez) recognizing her as Cobel, it was certainly an eventful episode.
Although all Severance chapters are top-notch, In Perpetuity may be one of the least memorable in the show (it’s worth noting that that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad one, though). Despite being a tad less cohesive than other stronger episodes in the series, it is nonetheless an incredible showcase of the genius of the must-see sci-fi mystery series, with great performances throughout, as expected.
8 “Half Loop”
Season 1, Episode 2
In Half Loop, Mark takes a day off to meet with a mysterious former colleague and ends up giving Petey refuge at his home after being absent from work and heading to the address of Petey’s card. Additionally, the character continues training Helly in her new position but ends up being taken to the break room.
Like In Perpetuity, Half Loop felt like a somewhat intermediate episode when compared to later chapters. However, that doesn’t make it less enjoyable — it is nonetheless a valuable addition to the series. In fact, there are many great, stand-out moments in this one episode in particular (including Irving’s (John Turturro) wellness session), especially on the second watch after one learns about the series finale’s Helly-related jaw-dropping twist.
7 “The Grim Barbarity of Optics and Design”
Season 1, Episode 5
The Grim Barbarity of Optics and Design is a memorable episode for its title alone. However, its most unforgettable bits are probably when Burt (Christopher Walken) introduces Irving and Dylan (ZachCherry) to the O&D team and when Helly is saved from her suicide attempt by Mark and Graner. Additionally, Mark and Helly discover a strange, secret new department. The birth of Mark’s niece also takes place
Although the entire season is excellent from start to finish, the show arguably gets a lot more investing after episode 5, which is why it ranks a bit higher on the list. Overall, this one chapter was mysterious, enjoyable, and undeniably compelling, resulting in the audiences’ intrigue only increasing. It’s also a very intense chapter, especially towards the end, and the relationship between Mark and Devon (Jen Tullock) is intriguingly explored.
6 “Hide and Seek”
Season 1, Episode 6
The season keeps getting better and better throughout, and Hide and Seek is not the exception. In this particular episode, the team angers Cobel by forming an alliance. Furthermore, she tells Mark that Ms. Casey (DichenLachman) failed to watch Helly, and Mark took the blame for it. In the same scene, Mark confronts Cobel about their job and questions what the team really does there.
While it is not the best nor the most unforgettable episode in the show, Hide and Seek is nonetheless a great addition to the must-see surrealist series, is filled with twists and turns and ultimately makes for an absorbing time in front of the screen. Additionally, the episode provides audiences with further insight into the characters, namely Cobel, and even Dylan, who accidentally learns that he has a child in the “real” world.
5 “The You You Are”
Season 1, Episode 4
Based on the title of the fictional self-help, spiritual book written by fictional author Dr. Ricken Lazlo Hal that Irving finds at work, The You You Are is an undeniably entertaining Severance episode that keeps audiences guessing. One of its highlights is when Mark attends a funeral with Ms. Selvig, Helly threatens to kill herself unless she’s videotaped declaring her resignation, and ultimately tries to hang herself in the elevator at Lumon.
In addition to its memorable closure, The You You Are is a genuinely gripping and investing chapter that had many viewers piecing it all together and realizing how brilliant and well-crafted Severance is. Aside from being an episode where everyone gets an epiphany, the editing is nothing short of incredible, too, with a gripping premise and montages that further showcase how fantastic the show is on all levels.
4 “Good News About Hell”
Season 1, Episode 1
Opening with an unexpected overhead shot of a character waking up on top of a conference table, Severance‘s pilot episode is nothing short of impactful. Throughout its runtime, audiences are introduced to the characters and learn that Mark has recently been promoted to lead a team and, like in most pilot episodes, get a glimpse of what is going on (though not much information is given right away). We also get to know “outie” Mark.
What makes Good News About Hell so remarkable is partly how it opens from the perspective of a very perplexed Helly. This automatically leaves audiences just as confused as the character and incites them to want to know more. Severance‘s smart, slow-burn screenplay is evident from the beginning, with its gripping narrative keeping audiences guessing, especially about what the characters really do at work, which isn’t clear at all from the beginning. It’s also worth noting the episode’s stunning cinematography.
3 “What’s For Dinner?”
Season 1, Episode 8
Among other things, What’s for Dinner is incredible for the major moments it features. Apart from highlighting Irving’s tendency to create dark paintings (which indicates that his “innie” is impacting the mental state of the “outie”) at the beginning, it also showcases Mark attending Devon and Ricken’s (Michael Chernus) party. At the same time, the team comes up with a plan that includes waking up outside by clandestinely activating the Overtime.
From the iconic and bizarre waffle party to Cobel’s breakdown over getting fired, this eventful episode provides audiences with plenty of unforgettable moments and deserves a spot among the best. Plus, What’s for Dinner does a great job at getting audiences excited about the finale, making for a genuinely engaging precursor for a top-notch episode in television.
2 “Defiant Jazz”
Season 1, Episode 7
Among the most shocking and puzzling moments in the show comes in Defiant Jazz: the heartbreaking uncovering of Ms. Casey’s true identity. When Mark tears up a photo of Gemma and glues it back together, it ultimately reveals that the character is more than just the wellness director and is actually his deceased wife. In the same episode, Mark has a serious conversation with Alexa and decides that he’s not ready for a serious relationship. Of course, that iconic Music Dance Experience is also a stand-out moment in the show.
Overall, Defiant Jazz is an intense and involving chapter that delves deeper into the unsolved mystery and provides viewers with a genuinely absorbing time in front of the screen. It further highlights what’s so great about the acclaimed Apple series, whether that is the impeccable writing (and the fantastic closings) or the outstanding acting performances.
1 “The We We Are”
Season 1, Episode 9
Often considered the best episode in the series by many, the breathtaking The We We Are is doubtlessly top-tier television and the climax of the series so far. The uncovering of shocking revelations (talk about that jaw-dropping Helly twist) and overall reveal of the outside world experiences of the three innies, resulting in the first time they have really observed themselves, results in the perfect, very much anticipated full-circle moment.
What’s so great about the season finale is, too, how well edited and structured it is — despite its fast pacing, Severance‘s finale doesn’t feel rushed or confusing, but rather an anxiety and adrenaline-inducing cinematic experience that effectively immerses audiences in its twisted narrative and cements The We We Are as one of the best episodes in TV and unarguably one of the best season finales of all time.
