Content Warning: The following article contains spoilers for the Apple TV+ show Severance.
One of the most gripping new shows of the year so far has been Severance. It is a surreal thriller with a sci-fi mix and just the right amount of comedy to make it a very unique experience. And the excellent writing of the show is a big reason it has grabbed the attention of so many viewers.
While there are so many memorable lines in the show, some have stood out as perfect examples of what Severance does so well. Some are eerie glimpses into this world, some are profound and relatable words, and others show the strange sense of humor the series has. As fans start the long wait for the second season, they can look back on the best quotes in Severance.
Helly Passes The Test
Mark: "So That's Unknown, Unknown, Delaware, Unknown, Unknown."
The show throws audiences into the strange concept in the first moments as Helly wakes up on a conference room table with Mark speaking to her over an intercom. As she tries to grasp the bizarre reality she finds herself in, Mark continues to ask questions like her mother's name and the name of any state.
Hearing Mark read back Helly's confused answers in a perfectly normal tone is odd enough. But when he informs her that she got a perfect score, it is a great indication of the wild ride the show is about to take viewers on.
Returning To Work
Mark: "Every Time You Find Yourself Here, It’s Because You Chose To Come Back."
While life inside the office for the "innies" is less than ideal, even for those who have grown used to it, they are at the mercy of the other half of themselves. Helly gets taught that lesson very early on as she tries to conceive of how her other half could force this upon her.
When Helly asks if she is a prisoner at Lumon, Mark points out that no one is forcing her "outie" to come in. So each time she enters the elevators at the end of the day and finds herself back there, it is because she chose to come back. While Mark means it to be reassuring, it is unsettling as the innie Helly has no say in that choice.
Seeing Things Differently
Helly: "The Numbers Were Scary."
One of the biggest mysteries of the first season is what kind of work is actually done at Lumon. Though the innies' entire existence is inside the office, they are kept in the dark about what they are working towards. They are simply told it is important work, and even creepier, are made to feel its importance.
When Helly starts her work, she is told to stare at a computer screen and separate any numbers that appear "scary." She is understandably skeptical about the whole thing, but eventually, she does encounter the scary numbers hinting that Lumon has more control over them than they realize.
Irving Shows His Loyalty
Irving: "I Bet It's A Loyalty Test. Remember The Spicy Candy."
One of the funniest characters on the show is Irving. As the oldest member of the Macrodata Refinement division, he is someone who blindly believes in the work that they are doing at Lumon. He is a stickler for the policies and takes any opportunity to prove himself as a loyal employee.
When Irving, Mark, and Dylan find a book from the outside world, Irving happily accepts it as a test, reminding the others of the "spicy candy." What makes the quote great is that no more information is given but the idea of candy being used as some mind game is strange and hilarious.
Another Life
Mark: "This Is The Life You've Been Given. And That's Another Life And You Don't Get That One. So Do Something With This."
For much of the first season, Mark is the only one of the "severed" employees who the show focuses on outside of work. He is shown to be a man attempting to forget a tragedy in his life but having trouble moving on.
While on an attempted date, Mark reveals he and his late wife were unable to have children. However, he adopted her philosophy of accepting that is not the life that was meant for them and to make the most of what they did have. It is interesting as that sentiment could be seen both as positive motivation for Mark to move on or the subjugation of his severed self.
The Party Is Over
Milchick: "The Music Dance Experience Is Officially Cancelled."
One of the strangest and funniest themes of the show is the way in which Lumon rewards its employees. Though they are essentially trapped in a never-ending cycle of work, their superiors treat them to meaningless incentives like waffles and dance parties.
This leads to the outrageous scene in which Mr. Milchick gifts the office with an awkward dance party only for Dylan to snap and attack him. After being bit, Milchick angrily announces, "Music Dance Experience is officially canceled" like it is some terrible punishment.
Burt Says Goodbye
Burt: "I Am Certain You Will Remain With Me In Spirit, In Some Deep And Yet Completely Unaccessible Corner Of My Mind."
Christopher Walken gives a great supporting performance in the show as Burt, an older employee of another division who forms a bond with Irving. However, much to both their surprise, they are shown a video of Burt's outie announcing his retirement.
The farewell video is a terrific piece of the show's absurd humor inside this strange concept. Burt says goodbye to all of his colleagues while at the same time acknowledging that he doesn't know and will never know who they are.
Ricken's Wise Words
Mark: "Our Job Is To Taste Free Air. Your So-Called Boss May Own The Clock That Taunts You From The Wall, But, My Friends, The Hour Is Yours."
On the outside world, Mark's well-meaning yet obnoxious brother-in-law Ricken spouts endless sage wisdom that mark finds to be ridiculous. However, this is given an interesting spin when Mark and the others find Ricken's self-help book in the office.
Though the words may be lame and cliché on the outside, Mark and the others who know nothing but the motivational words Lumon gives them, find them to be inspiring in their mission to escape.
Perks Of The Job
Cobel: "A Handshake Is Available Upon Request."
For much of the series, Ms. Cobel seems to be the character with all of the power and she likes to wield it over her employees. She maintains a cold and distant relationship with Mark especially, even when offering him a promotion.
Following the disappearance of Petey, Mark is made the new head of MDR. After telling Mark the good news, Cobel emotionlessly lets him know he can have a handshake upon request. It's even funnier when she seems disappointed when he takes her up on her offer.
Mark Finds Gemma
Mark: "She's Alive!"
The finale of the first season offers an intense and edge-of-the-seat conclusion that leaves audiences with a gripping cliff-hanger. Mark and the others find away to awaken their innie consciousness outside of work.
As they each try to put the pieces of their lives together and expose Lumon, Mark makes the shocking discovery that his supposedly deceased wife Gemma is actually Ms. Casey from work. The final moment of Mark yelling to his sister "She's alive!" before being switched back makes for a very exciting end to the season.