Severance S2E6: Dissecting The Clues And Implications Of "Attila"

Admin

3 min read

Post on Feb 22, 2025

4.8

Share

Severance Season 2, Episode 6: "Attila"—A Deeper Dive into the Mysteries of Lumon

Severance's penultimate episode, "Attila," didn't deliver the explosive answers some viewers craved, but instead layered on more intrigue, deepening the already complex mythology surrounding Lumon Industries and its unsettling practices. The episode, a masterclass in slow-burn tension, strategically revealed glimpses of information while simultaneously raising a plethora of new questions. Let's dissect the key moments and their potential implications.

The Evolving Dynamic Between Irving and Burt: The episode focuses heavily on Irving and Burt's increasingly fraught relationship. Their burgeoning romance, initially a source of lightheartedness amidst the grim Lumon setting, is now fraught with conflict. Burt's reluctance to fully embrace their connection, stemming from his ingrained Lumon programming and perhaps a deeper fear of the consequences of non-compliance, throws a shadow over their budding love. This tension perfectly underscores the insidious nature of Lumon's control, seeping even into the most intimate aspects of its employees' lives. The scene where Burt destroys Irving's carefully crafted birdhouse, a symbol of his burgeoning freedom and self-expression, is particularly poignant, hinting at the lengths Lumon will go to maintain its control. The visual symbolism here—the destruction of something beautiful and carefully constructed—mirrors the emotional devastation inflicted upon Irving.

The Mysterious "Overtime Contingency" and the Meaning of "Attila": The episode introduces the concept of an "Overtime Contingency," a protocol seemingly designed to manage unexpected events or crises within the Overtime division. This raises a crucial question: what constitutes an "emergency" that necessitates such extreme measures? The episode's title, "Attila," suggests a destructive force, perhaps alluding to an impending threat—either internal or external to Lumon—that demands this contingency plan be activated. The recurring motif of the ominous "drip, drip, drip" throughout the episode adds to the mounting suspense, further emphasizing the feeling of an impending crisis. This could relate to the increasing unrest amongst the severed employees or a potential external investigation into Lumon's unethical practices.

Harmony Cobel's Shifting Allegiances (or Lack Thereof): Cobel's actions remain ambiguous. While seemingly dedicated to Lumon, her loyalty is far from certain. Her emotional breakdown in previous episodes, combined with her increasingly erratic behavior, hints at a possible conflict of interest or a hidden agenda. Is she truly a loyal servant of the higher-ups, or is she playing a longer game? Her interactions in "Attila" neither confirm nor deny this, keeping the audience guessing about her true motivations and ultimate goals. The fact that her own identity appears fractured and uncertain adds to the overall mystique surrounding her character.

The Persisting Mystery of the Kier Eagan Footage: The snippets of Kier Eagan's seemingly innocuous home videos, shown throughout the season, continue to taunt viewers. Their significance remains unclear, though they seem connected to the overall narrative in a yet-to-be-revealed way. The seemingly mundane nature of these videos creates a stark contrast to the disturbing realities of Lumon, adding another layer of mystery to the already enigmatic plot. Their continued inclusion suggests they hold a critical clue to unlocking the broader mysteries surrounding Lumon and its origins.

Looking Ahead: "Attila" leaves the audience on the edge of their seats, perfectly setting the stage for a climactic finale. The interwoven threads of personal relationships, corporate intrigue, and unsettling technology converge to create a truly captivating narrative. While the episode raises more questions than it answers, its strategic use of suspense and symbolism guarantees that the final episode will be one for the ages. The unanswered questions surrounding the "Overtime Contingency," Cobel's true allegiances, and the meaning of Kier Eagan's home videos will undoubtedly be central to the season finale, promising a thrilling conclusion to this already mind-bending season of Severance.