Hey guys! Are you ready to dive back into the bizarre and captivating world of Severance? After the mind-blowing finale of season 2, we're all itching to know what's next for Mark, Helly, Irving, and the rest of the Lumon crew. While we're still waiting for the official drop of Severance season 3 episode 1, let's explore what we can anticipate based on the previous seasons and some fan theories floating around.

What Happened in Season 2?

Before we jump into predictions, let's do a quick refresher on the wild ride that was season 2. The innies managed to briefly experience the outside world, which led to some shocking revelations. Mark discovered that his supposedly deceased wife is actually Ms. Casey, a wellness counselor at Lumon. Helly revealed herself to be Helena Eagan, the daughter of Lumon's current CEO, and Irving found Burt, his love interest from Optics and Design. These moments of clarity were fleeting, as the innies were forced back into their severed state, leaving us on a major cliffhanger.

Season 2 ramped up the tension by introducing new characters, like the mysterious Alexa and the unsettling Milchick, who kept us guessing about Lumon's true intentions. We saw the inner workings of Lumon become even more bizarre, with goats, waffle parties, and a whole lot of strange corporate rituals. The stakes are incredibly high as our characters struggle to understand who they are inside and outside of Lumon.

Key Questions for Season 3

• Will the innies remember their time on the outside? This is probably the biggest question on everyone's mind. The brief glimpses of their outie lives have undoubtedly left a mark, but will they be able to retain those memories while severed? If they do, it could drastically change the power dynamic within Lumon.
• What will happen to Mark and Ms. Casey? The revelation that they are married in the outside world is a game-changer. How will they react when they inevitably meet again, and what will Lumon do to keep them apart? Their relationship could be the key to unraveling Lumon's secrets.
• How will Helly navigate her position as an Eagan? Helly's outie being an Eagan adds a whole new layer of complexity. Will she use her influence to expose Lumon's wrongdoings, or will she succumb to her family's legacy? Her internal struggle will be fascinating to watch.
• Will Irving and Burt reunite? Their love story was one of the most heartwarming aspects of season 2. Will they find a way to be together, or will Lumon keep them separated? Their relationship represents a beacon of hope in the otherwise dark and twisted world of Lumon.
• What is Lumon's ultimate goal? We still don't know what Lumon is really up to. What is the significance of the severed floor, and what are they trying to achieve with their bizarre experiments? Season 3 will hopefully shed some light on Lumon's overarching plan.

Fan Theories and Predictions

Of course, no discussion about Severance is complete without diving into some fan theories. The show is full of hidden clues and subtle hints, so it's no surprise that fans have come up with some creative explanations for what's going on. Here are a few of the most popular theories:

• Lumon is trying to control consciousness: This theory suggests that Lumon is experimenting with severance to ultimately control people's minds. By separating the innie and outie, they can manipulate behavior and create a workforce that is completely subservient.
• The severed floor is a testing ground for something bigger: Maybe the severed floor is just a small part of a larger plan. Perhaps Lumon is trying to develop a technology that can be used on a global scale, potentially to control entire populations.
• The goats are somehow connected to the severed process: The goats have been a recurring symbol throughout the series, and their significance is still unclear. Some fans believe that they are being used in the severance process, possibly as a way to test the technology.

Character Arcs: What to Expect

As we eagerly await Severance Season 3, Episode 1, let's take a closer look at the potential character arcs and what we might expect from our beloved innies and outies. The writers have masterfully crafted complex characters with compelling motivations, making it essential to analyze their trajectories.

Mark Scout: Mark's journey has been central to the series. In Season 1, he was a grieving widower seeking solace in the severance procedure. Season 2 saw him questioning everything he thought he knew, especially after discovering his wife, Gemma (Ms. Casey), was alive and working at Lumon. In Season 3, expect Mark to delve deeper into Lumon's secrets and his past with Gemma. His determination to uncover the truth will likely put him in direct conflict with Lumon executives. Mark's emotional arc will likely revolve around his evolving relationship with Gemma as they both grapple with the realities of their severed and unsevered lives. His resolve will be tested, and he might face difficult choices that question his loyalty and morality. Could Mark become a leader in the fight against Lumon, or will the corporation's influence prove too strong?

Helly R: Helly's defiance has made her a fan favorite. As Helena Eagan, she is the face of Lumon, yet her innie self is vehemently opposed to the company's practices. This internal conflict sets the stage for a dramatic arc in Season 3. Will Helly use her outie's power to dismantle Lumon from within, or will the weight of her family's legacy be too much to bear? Her position provides her with a unique vantage point, giving her access to information and resources that the other innies don't have. It is likely she will face intense scrutiny from her family and colleagues, testing her commitment to her innie's ideals. Expect Helly to make bold moves that could have significant repercussions for Lumon and herself.

Irving B: Irving's devotion to Lumon was unwavering until he discovered his outie's obsession with Burt, an employee from the Optics and Design department. Season 2 explored his budding romance with Burt and the conflict between his loyalty to Lumon and his growing feelings. In Season 3, Irving's internal struggle will intensify. He will likely seek ways to reconnect with Burt, potentially risking his safety and career. His arc may involve uncovering more about Lumon's history and the role of Optics and Design in the company's operations. Will Irving find happiness with Burt, or will Lumon's control over their lives keep them apart?

Ms. Casey (Gemma): Gemma's existence as Ms. Casey is one of the biggest mysteries in Severance. Her interactions with Mark were both tender and unsettling, knowing that they shared a deep connection in their outie lives. In Season 3, expect Gemma's backstory to be further explored. How did she end up working at Lumon? What is her relationship with the Eagan family? Her arc will likely involve her regaining memories of her past life and grappling with the ethical implications of Lumon's severance procedure. Her connection with Mark could be the key to unraveling Lumon's secrets, but it could also put them both in danger. Will Gemma and Mark find a way to be together, or will Lumon keep them separated forever?

Dylan G: Dylan's arc has been one of self-discovery and rebellion. Initially motivated by perks like waffle parties, he played a crucial role in activating the Overtime Contingency Protocol, allowing the innies to experience the outside world briefly. In Season 3, Dylan's knowledge of Lumon's protocols will be invaluable. He may become a key player in the innies' efforts to expose Lumon's wrongdoings. His character could evolve into a strategist, using his understanding of Lumon's systems to outsmart the corporation. Expect Dylan to struggle with the consequences of his actions and the impact they have on his outie life.

Themes and Symbolism

Severance is rich in themes and symbolism, which are likely to continue in Season 3, Episode 1. One of the central themes is the exploration of identity and the duality of human nature. The severed floor represents a physical manifestation of this concept, where individuals are split into two distinct personalities. The show also delves into the themes of corporate control, the exploitation of labor, and the search for meaning in a dehumanizing work environment.

Symbolism plays a crucial role in Severance, with recurring images and motifs adding layers of meaning to the story. The goats, mentioned earlier, are one example of this. The break room, where innies are sent for punishment, symbolizes the psychological manipulation and control exerted by Lumon. The paintings and artwork in the severed floor often reflect the themes of alienation and disconnection. In Season 3, expect the show to continue using symbolism to enhance the narrative and provoke thought.

Potential New Characters and Storylines

While we eagerly anticipate the return of our favorite characters, it is also possible that Season 3 will introduce new faces and storylines. The world of Lumon is vast and mysterious, and there are many unexplored corners of the company to discover. New characters could bring fresh perspectives and challenges to the existing dynamics.

One potential storyline could involve the exploration of other severed floors or departments within Lumon. Are there other employees undergoing similar experiments? What are the different divisions of the company working on? Exploring these questions could expand the scope of the show and reveal more about Lumon's overarching goals. Another possibility is the introduction of characters from the outside world who are connected to Lumon in some way. These characters could provide valuable insights into the company's influence and reach.

Conclusion

While we wait for the official release of Severance Season 3, Episode 1, there's plenty to speculate about. The show has proven to be full of surprises, so it's impossible to predict exactly what will happen. However, based on what we know so far, it's safe to say that Season 3 will be another wild ride filled with twists, turns, and shocking revelations. Severance is more than just a TV show; it's a thought-provoking exploration of identity, corporate control, and the human spirit. We can't wait to see what's in store for Mark, Helly, Irving, and the rest of the Lumon crew! Get ready, guys – it's going to be epic!