The fifth episode of Severance Season 2, “Trojan’s Horse,” arrives at a critical juncture, leaving viewers reeling from the revelations of “Woe’s Hollow.” This season has masterfully escalated the tension, weaving a complex tapestry of corporate intrigue, psychological manipulation, and the fundamental question of identity. “Trojan’s Horse” doesn’t disappoint, furthering the narrative’s labyrinthine path and offering tantalizing glimpses into the deeper mysteries that lie beneath Lumon Industries’ polished facade. This review delves into the episode’s intricate layers, dissecting its key moments, character arcs, and thematic resonance, while exploring the broader context of the series’ exploration of work-life balance, corporate control, and the very nature of consciousness.
Severance Season 2
Before diving into “Trojan’s Horse,” a brief recap of the preceding episode is essential. “Woe’s Hollow” culminated in a dramatic confrontation, where Irving’s suspicions regarding Helly’s true identity were confirmed. The raw intensity of the scene, masterfully portrayed by John Turturro and Britt Lower, underscored the emotional stakes at play. The episode’s exploration of the ORTBO (Outdoor Retreat and Team-Building Occurrence) added a layer of surrealism to the narrative, blurring the lines between reality and illusion, further amplifying the sense of unease that permeates the series. The team’s quest for the elusive fourth appendix of the Lumon handbook served as a metaphor for their own search for truth within the confines of their severed existence.
“Trojan’s Horse” picks up the threads left dangling in “Woe’s Hollow,” exploring the fallout of Helly’s revelation and its impact on the team dynamics. The episode’s title, a clear allusion to the ancient Greek stratagem, hints at the layers of deception and hidden agendas that permeate Lumon’s operations. The episode wastes no time in establishing a palpable sense of tension. The air is thick with unspoken anxieties, and the characters navigate their interactions with a newfound осторожность (caution). The team’s shared experience at the ORTBO has forged a fragile bond, but the undercurrent of suspicion threatens to fracture it at any moment.
Mark’s journey in “Trojan’s Horse” is particularly compelling. His hallucinations of Gemma, coupled with his recent encounter with Helly, have amplified his sense of disorientation and distrust. Adam Scott’s performance captures the character’s internal struggle with nuance, portraying a man on the verge of unraveling. Mark’s quest for answers becomes increasingly desperate, driving him to question the very nature of his reality. His interactions with his “innie” and “outie” selves become more blurred, further blurring the lines between his two existences. This exploration of duality is a recurring theme in Severance, raising profound questions about the nature of self and the potential consequences of compartmentalizing consciousness.
The character of Cobel, masterfully portrayed by Patricia Arquette, continues to be a source of intrigue. Her motivations remain shrouded in mystery, and her interactions with the severed employees are laced with a subtle menace. “Trojan’s Horse” offers a few tantalizing clues about her past and her connection to Lumon, but the bigger picture remains elusive. Her obsession with Kier Eagan, the founder of Lumon, suggests a deeper ideological commitment to the company’s mission. Whether she is a true believer or simply a cog in the corporate machine remains to be seen.
One of the strengths of Severance is its ability to expand the universe of Lumon Industries without sacrificing the intimacy of its character-driven narrative. “Trojan’s Horse” introduces new locations and characters, further enriching the show’s mythology. The glimpses into the inner workings of Lumon are both fascinating and unsettling, revealing a corporate culture that is both sterile and strangely seductive. The company’s emphasis on productivity and conformity raises questions about the ethical implications of its practices.
“Trojan’s Horse” reinforces the themes that have been central to Severance from the beginning. The show’s exploration of work-life balance takes on a particularly poignant dimension in the context of the severed employees. Their inability to access memories from their “outie” lives creates a profound sense of alienation and disconnect. The show also raises questions about the nature of free will and the extent to which individuals can be controlled by external forces. The corporate setting of Lumon serves as a microcosm of broader societal trends, reflecting anxieties about technological advancement, economic inequality, and the erosion of individual autonomy.
Severance continues to impress with its distinctive visual style. The show’s use of stark lighting, symmetrical compositions, and unsettling close-ups creates a sense of unease that perfectly complements the narrative. The sterile environment of Lumon’s offices stands in stark contrast to the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, further emphasizing the divide between the severed and unsevered worlds.
