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Note: This article contains spoilers for “Severance” Season 2, Episode 7.
Since the inception of “Severance,” the enigmatic disappearance of Mark’s (Adam Scott) wife, Gemma (Dichen Lachman), has been a central theme, deeply affecting the narrative. The true impact of Gemma’s loss has become increasingly evident, particularly after the first season concluded.
Jen Tullock, who portrays Mark’s sister, Devon, expressed her appreciation for the creative freedom provided by showrunner Dan Erickson and director Ben Stiller in fleshing out the characters’ backstories. Tullock discussed how she proposed that Mark, Gemma, Devon, and her spouse Ricken (Michael Chernus) shared a close-knit bond prior to the traumatic events surrounding Gemma’s disappearance. This dynamic illustrates the complexities of familial relationships and the nuances of human behavior, which are hallmarks of “Severance.”
Tullock elaborated on this by likening it to friendships where connections are often strained due to the partners being perceived unfavorably by others. “It’s like when you have a friend with a partner that maybe not everyone’s crazy about, but when they’re contextualized in the group, it still works,” she noted. The show captures how Gemma’s absence has significantly altered the relationships among the characters, specifically creating distance between Ricken and the sisters.
In the episode titled “Chikhai Bardo,” viewers are treated to flashbacks that delve into the lives of these characters prior to their entanglement with Lumon. Tullock described the experience of shooting these scenes as both “beautiful and devastating,” highlighting how they allowed for a portrayal of warmth and intimacy that had only been hinted at previously. The episode, notable for its lighter tone and warm cinematography, was directed by Jessica Lee Gagné, who Tullock praised for striking the right balance, ensuring the episode remained true to the series’ essence.
Tullock reflected on how the emotional weight of the episode impacted her, bringing her to tears as she recognized what Mark, Devon, and Ricken had lost following Gemma’s disappearance. The juxtaposition of previously dreary corporate attire against the more vibrant wardrobe in Episode 7 brought a refreshing change, as the characters were depicted in a more relaxed and joyful light.
Heading into the second season, Tullock was aware that Devon would play a more significant role in unraveling Lumon’s mysteries. “By the end of Season 1, there’s sort of no other place for her to go but to get involved because there’s no world in which she wouldn’t,” she stated. This new iteration of Devon is characterized by a more assertive and angry demeanor, yet maintains her inherent warmth, which is crucial to her character in such a bleak narrative landscape.
“Dan did such a beautiful job fully realizing all of these characters. There wasn’t a single character without nuance from page one,” Tullock remarked, emphasizing the complexity of Devon’s role as both a caring sister and a vibrant personality. “She serves a really specific purpose, which is being the audience’s eyes and ears at times.”
Tullock also touched upon the dynamic between Devon and Ricken, highlighting how their oppositional traits create a unique balance in their relationship. “For one thing, kudos to Michael Chernus for playing him so brilliantly… I think that somebody like Devon finds somebody like Ricken really comforting,” she shared. Tullock defended their relationship, suggesting that opposites can create a complementary connection that is deeply symbiotic.
“Severance” releases new episodes every Friday on Apple TV+.
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www.thewrap.com