If you thought Severance was a mind-bending journey through corporate dystopia, wait until you hear about its original script twists that could have reshaped the entire series.
The Original Vision of Severance
In the debut episode of The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott, listeners were taken behind the scenes of the Apple TV hit Severance. Show creator Dan Erickson revealed that the pilot script from 2015 painted a drastically different picture of the series we know today.
A Different Beginning
The original plot introduced Mark (played by Adam Scott) as a divorced man rather than a widower. This pivotal change would have altered the emotional weight of his character significantly. Instead of seeking a way to cope with his wife’s death, Mark finds himself interviewing at a quirky video store called Crazy Eagle Video after an incident involving a cat. This whimsical start leads him to a bizarre meeting with his future boss, Ms. Cobel (portrayed by Patricia Arquette).
The Rat Sequence
One of the most intriguing elements of the original script was a sequence where Ms. Cobel shows Mark her pet rat, who she tortures, only to reveal that the rat is “severed.” This shocking demonstration introduces the concept that animals, like humans, can transition between severed and conscious states. Such an introduction would have provided vital context for the presence of goats on the severed floor, a mystery that still puzzles fans.
Implications for the Series
The decision to have Mark’s Outie recruited by Ms. Cobel would have eliminated much of the tension surrounding his character’s motivations throughout the first season. In the finalized series, his journey through the severance process is intricately linked to his grief, especially as it leads to the shocking revelation that his wife might not be dead after all, but rather the wellness counselor Ms. Casey (Dichen Lachman).
An Unconventional Orientation
Erickson’s original vision also included a surreal orientation scene where Mark wakes up on a table, only to be “born” from a giant sphincter in the ceiling. This quirky start would have set a very different tone for the series. Instead of following Mark’s journey, the audience would have been thrust into Helly’s (Britt Lower) experience, where she constantly tries to escape the severed floor.
The Shift in Dynamics
This change in perspective would have reshaped character dynamics significantly. Helly’s attempts to inscribe messages to her Outie or take drastic actions to escape would have been attributed to Mark, altering the emotional stakes and character motivations we’ve come to know.
Anticipation for Season 2
With eight more episodes of the podcast set to release ahead of Season 2’s premiere on January 17, 2024, fans are buzzing with excitement. If the first episode is any indication of the revelations to come, it’s clear that our understanding of Severance is about to be transformed.
Conclusion
The insights from the original script of Severance uncover what could have been—a narrative that invites deeper psychological exploration and whimsical storytelling. As we await the next season, these revelations encourage us to rethink the complexities of the show and the characters we have grown to love.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Severance about?
Severance is a psychological thriller series set in a dystopian world where employees undergo a procedure that separates their memories of work from their personal lives.
2. Who created Severance?
The show was created by Dan Erickson, who has shared insights about the development process through various platforms, including podcasts.
3. When does Season 2 of Severance premiere?
Season 2 is set to premiere on January 17, 2024.
4. What are some major themes in Severance?
Major themes include the exploration of identity, the impact of corporate culture, and the implications of memory and grief.
5. How does the severance process work?
The severance process creates a division in a person’s consciousness, effectively erasing memories of their personal life while they are at work.
6. Are there any mysteries left in Severance?
Yes, many mysteries, including the significance of the goats and the true nature of the severance process, remain unsolved.
7. Who stars in Severance?
The series features a talented cast, including Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, Britt Lower, and Dichen Lachman.
8. What can we expect from the upcoming season?
Fans can expect further character development, revelations about the severance process, and deeper explorations of the show’s themes.
9. Where can I watch Severance?
Severance is available for streaming on Apple TV+.
10. How has Severance been received by critics?
The show has received critical acclaim for its unique storytelling, direction, and performances, particularly highlighting its intriguing premise.
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Tags: Severance, Apple TV, Dan Erickson, psychological thriller, TV shows, Season 2, corporate culture, identity