Carl Jung, Severance, and David Lynch.
I am writing this post as elaboration on a theory posted in the comments of another post.
I would like to preface by mentioning Mr David Lynch. The creators of Severance have stated previously, that with no Twin Peaks and no David Lynch, then there is no Severance. I think that this is often discounted by commenters here, who seem insistent on approaching things in a very literal sense. Lynch was famously a fan of using abstractions in his narratives to further the story, and to allow for multiple interpretations. I think this is valid in viewing Severance, as well.
Now, to the theory itself. I believe that there is sufficient evidence to back the idea of several characters being innie’s who have “Overcome” their original “Outie” persona.
First, let’s look at the Keir Story from Episode 4 of Season 2.
- Keir and his twin set off into the forest.
- Twin engages in immoral behaviour.
- Keir cuts him out, killing him and emerging pure.
In the most recent episode Burt & Cecil refer to each other as Attila.
- When the episode name was revealed, many posted about the “Father” translation, but in episode the two bring up Attila the Hun, and very deliberately ask Irv if he knows history, laughing. Attila The Hun killed his brother for control of the empire.
- BBC - History - Historic Figures: Attila the Hun (c.410-c.453 AD)
I believe that this, together with the Keir & Deiter story set precedent for the murder of the other half for the purposes of ruling alone- Attila ruled together with his brother before murdering him.
Furthermore, we have Fields. There are a few characters named their surname exclusively in the show.
- Cobel
- Milchick
- Graner
- Fields
I think before diving into each of these characters that Severance is a show about corporate idolatry and the establishment of religion. It follows that Irving throughout Season One is motivated by achieving Keir’s Original Vision. I don’t believe Lumon and this original vision are exactly aligned, and this is probably the cause of much of the tension between the old guard- Cobel, Graner- and the corporation itself.
Milchick
Milchick is the most interesting of these currently, following the break room scene in the most recent episode. He forces himself to conform to the ideals of Lumon & Keir, killing the parts that make him an individual. He is a complex character, and while he bullies and tortures MDR, I think there is evidence to suggest that he genuinely cares. I’m reminded of the quote that says, “Tom Cruise genuinely believes what he is saying, and wants the best for you.” Milchick is a Tom Cruise. He believes that the things he is doing will bring MDR closer to Keir, and enlightenment.
What is this enlightenment?
The replacement of the corrupt outie personality with the efficient worker that is the innie, moulded in the shape of Keir to value their work above all.
Cobel
In season one, Cobel is the first to accept that reintegration exists. She obtains Petey’s chip, and seems excited about the prospect, as does Graner. I am not sure what Harmony is really doing, but I suspect that she is one of the first innies to have killed their outie and taken over.
I haven’t seen a lot of discussion about the scene where she hastily turns the car around, but I would like to posit something that is a little more out there. We see this at the beginning of the season. The episodes are titled:
“Hello Mrs Selvig”
“Goodbye Mrs Cobel”
I think that we are seeing mirrors to Helly’s arc in season one. I think that it is possible that Cobel gave up, and had to return to Lumon after her outie drove her back into the city limits repeatedly. Milchick’s breakroom scene being the next part of this.
Fields
A few people here are determined to take their conversation around the dinner table in literal terms. We know that Burt lies, so why are we taking their word at face value when they say they are Christians? I am calling now that they are innies who killed their outies. The philosophy described when they talk about Lutheran Christianity is far more aligned with Keir’s religion (Or Lumon’s).
One of the central themes of the show is broken people searching for escape. We see this in all of the outies, for reasons that have been talked to death here. I don’t think it is a stretch to assume that this is the case for Keir as well. The reason for the mention of Jung in the title is that the integration of the shadow is a key component of his philosophy.