Severance Season 2 Episode 6 Review: "Attila" Breakdown

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Severance Season 2, Episode 6, "Attila," Review: A Descent into Chaos

[Date of Publication]: October 27, 2023

[Source]: Newsweek

Severance’s second season has been a slow burn, meticulously building tension and unraveling the mysteries surrounding Lumon Industries. Episode 6, titled "Attila," doesn't offer easy answers, but instead throws the audience—and the characters—headfirst into a maelstrom of betrayal, escalating violence, and the unsettling blurring of lines between the innie and outie worlds. This is not a neatly packaged episode; it’s a chaotic, brutal descent into the heart of Lumon’s disturbing machinations.

The episode centers on the fallout from the previous week's revelations, specifically Irving’s (John Turturro) increasingly unhinged behavior and the growing distrust amongst the severed employees. The narrative expertly weaves together multiple storylines, showcasing the fracturing alliances and escalating stakes. We see the consequences of Mark’s (Adam Scott) actions in his desperate attempts to protect Helly (Britt Lower), and the increasingly erratic actions of Burt (Christopher Walken) are further explored, adding another layer of complexity to the already convoluted plot.

A key element of "Attila" is the heightened sense of danger. The previously sterile and controlled environment of Lumon is now demonstrably unsafe. The violence, while not gratuitous, is impactful and underscores the true nature of the power dynamics within the company. The show skillfully builds suspense, leaving the viewer on the edge of their seats anticipating the next shocking turn of events.

One of the episode’s most compelling aspects is the continued exploration of the severance procedure’s psychological impact. The innie-outie dichotomy is further blurred, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between the personas and their motivations. This ambiguity is unsettling and forces the audience to question the very nature of identity and consciousness. The episode also delves deeper into the overarching mystery of Lumon, hinting at a larger, more sinister organization pulling the strings.

However, the episode's fragmented narrative, while contributing to the overall sense of unease, could potentially alienate viewers seeking a more straightforward plot. The pacing, while deliberate, might feel slow to those expecting immediate resolutions. This deliberate approach, however, aligns with the show’s overall aesthetic and reinforces the unsettling feeling of disorientation and uncertainty.

Despite its complexities, "Attila" is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling. The performances are uniformly exceptional, with the actors convincingly portraying the emotional turmoil and moral ambiguity of their characters. The episode concludes on a cliffhanger that leaves the audience breathlessly anticipating the next installment, eager to see how the pieces of this intricate puzzle will finally fall into place.

In conclusion, "Attila" is not an episode for casual viewers. It demands attention, patience, and a willingness to embrace the show’s deliberately ambiguous and unsettling nature. For those invested in the world of Severance, however, this episode is a thrilling and rewarding experience, a dark and disturbing descent into the heart of Lumon’s sinister secrets, leaving the audience desperate for answers – and terrified of what they might find. It's a testament to the show's ability to maintain its grip on viewers, leaving them craving more even as the narrative becomes increasingly fragmented and unpredictable. This episode solidifies Severance's position as a truly unique and compelling television experience.