What is Severance?

Severance is a psychological drama set in a somewhat dystopian reality. The show was created by Dan Erickson and is headed by Ben Stiller. The show stars Adam Scott as Mark Scout, a person who is a severed worker. The show is about the act of severance and its workers. The act of severance is the act where someone undergoes a surgery in which a chip is implanted in their brain. This chip now separates one’s brain, where they have an “innie” and “outie”. These innies and outies are practically separate people, with one only ever working, and the other living a full life. The innies only remember entering work, working, and then exiting, rinse and repeat. The outies remember entering work, then all of a sudden, they are leaving. The show really delves into the ethics of this, and is this procedure just? The show is mysterious and attempts to keep you guessing after every episode.

Why should you watch Severance?

Severance is, in my opinion, the most interesting and compelling show on television right now, and we are all sitting through a historical show that will be looked back at as one of the best shows to ever be released when all is said and done. There is a little something for everyone in this show; there is mystery, romance, action, and astonishing performances. I personally have had many friends and family, all with separate interests, watch the show with each finding an interest in the show. As mentioned earlier, the show’s brilliant performances really set it apart, with the show being nominated for 27 Emmys this year and 41 in its current 2-season run. 27 Emmy nominations were the most of the year, and not far behind Game of Thrones at 32 for a single year. Out of those nominations, it won 8 awards this year and 2 in 2022 for a total of 10 Emmys in only 2 seasons.

Cardinal Nation had the pleasure of speaking to an actor on the show, Eric J Carlson, who portrays the Mark Watcher in the show, and was able to ask him all about the show and his own interest in it.

Cardinal Nation: How is it working with a lot of the cast and crew?

Carlson: This cast and crew is stunning, to say the least. 27 Emmy nominations says it all. We all were brought together by Dan Erickson’s ideas and create and execute those ideas through Ben Stiller’s meticulous producing and directing. This is a show where everything is perfect in the Lumon world, so we ALL strive to be simultaneously perfect in all our jobs to achieve this. Now we may fall short as individuals at certain times but we’re always trying. We’re all there because we like this challenge. Some people come in for a couple of days, and realize that this mindset is not for them, so they leave. We understand. But we love it.

Cardinal Nation: Do you personally enjoy the show as viewer?

Carlson: I’m a HUGE fan of the show. As the whole cast and crew is. This is not unheard of but it is highly unusual. But that’s why we all love to interact with these wonderful fans. They have basically joined us in loving the show and we welcome them into the endless conversations about theory’s, characters, meanings etc. The fans have some of the best theories! Even with my minor character, “Mark Watcher”, tons of theories are floating around about who I am, what am I actually doing there and what will Mark W’s future be. I get excited as anyone when an episode drops.

Cardinal Nation: What was your overall experience acting on the show?

Carlson: My overall experience was that this was like working on the original Star Wars film or Star Trek series. My two favorites since I was about 6 years old that took my brain to a whole new universe. With amazing new ideas. That’s what Severance means to me. I have a chance to be a part of television history, creating this new world. This new universe. Very few people in this business are lucky enough to experience something this. I’m well aware of how extraordinarily blessed I am.

Overall, the show is a deep and interesting, constantly unwinding mystery with many unanswered questions and many other theories and potential paths that can be taken. The show has only grown in popularity, gaining more traction and power, with a larger fanbase, including itś own actors who put on career-defining performances episode after episode.