Awkward Reunion and a Suspicious Farewell: "Severance" Episode 5 Recap
Spoilers ahead for "Severance" Season 2, Episode 5, "The Rogue Innie."
In the aftermath of "Woe's Hollow," Mark (Adam Scott) and Helly (Britt Lower) confront their altered reality after Helena's true identity was revealed. Mark grapples with his inability to distinguish between Helena and Helly, while Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman) faces the consequences of Helena's near-fatal encounter during the work retreat. Irving (John Turturro) is dismissed, leaving his innie's fate unknown.
The episode opens with a mysterious figure transporting equipment to the Testing Floor, where Ms. Casey (Dichen Lachman) is suspected to be held captive. Outside Lumon, Helena refuses to return to the Severed Floor, claiming the innies are "animals." Natalie (Sydney Cole Alexander) insists that Helly must comply to appease Mark, reminding her that "the board appreciates [her] sacrifice."
Helly explores the new office, encountering child boss Miss Huang (Sarah Bock) for the first time. She is horrified to learn about Helena's impersonation. Mr. Milchick rationalizes Helena's actions as part of a "noble tradition." When Mark and Dylan demand answers about Irving, Milchick reveals that Innie Irving is dead and unveils a new office setup that erases any trace of him.
To honor Irving's memory, Dylan leads an awkward funeral with a watermelon shaped like his head. Miss Huang expresses disapproval, fearing it humanizes the innies. Dylan discovers a hidden note with Irving's drawings and directions.
Helly confronts Mark about Helena's actions, questioning his lack of emotion over Irving's death. Dylan reveals that Mark's wife, Gemma, is Ms. Casey. Mark struggles to trust Helly, who bears no responsibility for Helena's deception.
Before his performance review, Mr. Milchick attempts to connect with Natalie about their bizarre portraits. She dismisses him. At the review, he receives criticism for excessive vocabulary and for his "kindness reforms," including allowing Dylan to meet his outie's wife. He is also held accountable for Irving's assault on Helena.
Board member Mr. Drummond emphasizes the importance of Mark completing the Cold Harbor file, a mysterious project crucial to Lumon. Milchick intensifies his pressure on Mark, asking if he disclosed his encounter with Helena to Helly.
Outside Lumon, Devon questions Ricken's support of Lumon propaganda. Outtie Irving connects with Outie Burt, suspecting an affair between his innie and Irving's innie.
Outtie Mark experiences hallucinations of his late wife, Gemma, guiding him through a strange office building. He encounters Ms. Casey, leaving viewers with a tantalizing cliffhanger.