Warning! This article contains spoilers for Severance season 2, episode 1.
Irving’s story inSeveranceseason 2, episode 1 centered around his unwillingness to explain what happened to him in season 1’s finale, his decision to leave Lumon, and his reasoning why. As a vital member ofSeverance’s cast of characters, Irving naturally has a big role in the premiere of the much-anticipated second season. After the cliffhangerending ofSeveranceseason 1, audiences have been waiting patiently to see what became of the show’s characters after they disobeyed Lumon irreparably.
The activation ofSeverance’s Overtime Contingency Protocolsaw the work personalities of Irving, Helly, Dylan, and Mark S wake up outside of Lumon’s offices. Thedifferences betweenSeverance’s innies and outieswere highlighted more than ever at this moment, as the four navigated a life that was completely alien to them. Where Irving is concerned, the character sought out Christopher Walken’s Burt before realizing the latter was in a relationship with someone else on the outside, leading to his despondent journey and decision to quit Lumon inSeveranceseason 2, episode 1.
Irving Was Also Likely Dealing With Intense Heartbreak
As soon asSeverance’s core cast are reunited in season 2, episode 1, they explain what they saw on the outside world, only with a few hiccups. Mark S tells his friends the truth, yet Helly lies about her discovery that her outie’s identity is Helena Eagan, the heir to Lumon. Irving, meanwhile, decides not to tell his friends anything, keeping his experiences under wraps. He eventually divulges to Dylan that he went to find Burt, which ties into his reasoning for not telling Mark S or Helly in several ways.
Severance Season 1 Recap: 10 Biggest Things To Remember Before Season 2
Severance season 2 has finally confirmed a release date, but enough time has passed since season 1 that it’s worth looking back at the biggest twists.
For one,Irving is likely embarrassed that he did not seek help for himself and his colleagues as Mark and Helly did, but instead somewhat selfishly pursued his continued relationship with Burt. Secondly, Irving is likely in incredible pain after finding out that the man he loves is in a relationship with someone else outside of Lumon’s severed floor, and does not wish to relive such heartbreak by explaining to his friends. These feelings, as well as other deep-rooted aspects from Irving’s season 1 arc, saw him wish to leave Lumon for good inSeveranceseason 2, episode 1.
Irving’s Innie Didn’t Think There Was Purpose Anymore After Seeing Burt’s Outie Was In A Relationship
Irving’s Heartbreak & Crisis Of Faith Led To Him Giving Up
Towards the end ofSeveranceseason 2, episode 1, Irving and Dylan discuss the former’s decision to exit the severed floor once and for all. The scene’s excellent performances likely contributed toSeveranceseason 2’s positive reviews, with Irving revealing he is done with Lumon. One reason why is his disappointment after seeing Burt in a relationship; Irving’s work life inSeveranceseason 1 was massively bolstered by his connection to Burt. Now that this seems almost fake or unfaithful after seeing Burt’s partner on the outside, Irving feels there is little point to his severed life.
If Irving leaves Lumon, he does not have to live with this sense of meaningless life as his outie has a different one…
This somewhat links to the crisis of faith he suffered inSeveranceseason 1 after learning that his work is meaningless. InSeveranceseason 2, episode 1, Irving spitefully says to Dylan that the former is simply a work perk to the latter, linking to his notion that there is no purpose anymore. If Irving leaves Lumon, he does not have to live with this sense of meaningless life as his outie has a different one, with another benefit being forgetting Burt ever existed.
Why Irving Finally Agrees To Stay With MDR In Severance Season 2 Episode 1’s Ending
The Mysteries Of Lumon Proved Too Strong To Ignore
In the final scene ofSeveranceseason 2, episode 1, Irving returns to the MDR crew and commits to his future as a severed employee, begging the question of why after his earlier decision to leave. One reason as to why Irving stayed could be his commitment to revenge. Irving, like Mark, Helly, and Dylan, likely wants to expose Lumon for the awful conditions severed employees face, something that is likely only bolstered now that he feels almost tricked into having a relationship with Burt thanks to theterrifying severance process.
Another reason as to why Irving agreed to stay could be his friendships with Dylan, Helly, and Mark. Dylan especially makes the case for why he needs Irving at Lumon inSeveranceseason 2, episode 1, which likely swayed Irving and forced him to confront that, despite his personal issues, his friends need help. Moreover, the mysteries of Lumon likely tempted Irving. Irving mentions his outie’s painting of a dark room with an elevator inSeveranceseason 2, episode 1, and uncovering what this means could lead to Lumon’s exposure and deeper, darker secrets coming to light.
Cast
Severance is a psychological thriller series featuring Adam Scott as Mark Scout, an employee at Lumon Industries who undergoes a “severance” procedure to separate his work and personal memories. However, as work and life personas mysteriously begin to collide, it quickly becomes clear that not all is as it seems. Created by Dan Erickson and directed by Ben Stiller and Aoife McArdle.
