Warning! This article contains spoilers for Severance season 2’s finale.
Severancenot only draws inspiration from a well-known dark TV show but also brings a positive spin to its ideas with season 2’s ending. Created by Dan Erickson, Apple TV+‘sSeveranceis an original series and does not directly adapt any books or existing works. However, viewers might have noticed that many of its story beats and sci-fi concepts seem familiar. For instance,Severance’s exploration of memory alteration and its impact on one’s identity seems similar toEternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’s narrative and thematic elements.
Similarly, while watchingSeverance, many viewers may also be reminded of othermovies likeThe Truman Show,Office Space, andBeing John Malkovich. Interestingly, as theApple TV+ sci-fi show’s creator, Dan Erickson, has confirmed,Severancealso heavily draws from a highly acclaimed dark Netflix series.
Black Mirror’s “White Christmas” Episode Was One Of The Biggest Inspirations For Severance
Dan Erickson Confirmed “White Christmas” As One Of Severance’s Biggest Influences
Severance’s creator, Dan Erickson, has cited many shows, movies, and pop culture phenomena as the inspiration behind the sci-fi series. In an interview (viaNY Times), he revealed thatBlack Mirror’s “White Christmas"episode was one of the key inspirations behind the series. The showrunner recalled that whileLostandThe Twilight Zonewere reference points for the show,theBlack Mirrorepisode’s portrayal of characters “trapped in an eternal loop with no way of leaving” is what helped him come up with the concept of “innies” inSeverance.
Severance Season 2’s Cliffhanger Ending Explained In Detail & How The Finale Sets Up Season 3
In Severance season 2’s ending moments, Mark makes one crucial decision that only affects his outie but also significantly impacts Gemma and Helly.
After watching “White Christmas,” Erickson recounted feeling “cold and afraid” at the idea of experiencing “endless solitude.” Just like the digital clones in “White Christmas” are trapped in the digital realm and forced to work as slaves to their human counterparts, Erickson seemingly tried to capture how the innies were forced to do something similar for their outies. He even tried to show the endless loops experienced by digital clones from “White Christmas” in the season 1 moment where Helly keeps finding herself back in the Lumon building despite her best efforts to leave from the stairway door.
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Although theBlack Mirrorepisodeunfolds more like a crime thriller and is less of a satire on white-collar jobs, it makes sense thatSeverancedrew inspiration from it. Both explore similar themes of identity and the human desire for freedom and affection. TheBlack Mirror episodeand Severance also share some common ground when it comes to theirexploration of grief and how deceptive and unreliable one’s memory can be.
Severance Season 2’s Ending Makes White Christmas’ Concept A Little Less Haunting
The Innies' Win In Severance Makes It More Hopeful Than Black Mirror
Black Mirror’s “White Christmas” episode portrays a world where digital clones of humans are forced to live like slaves to their human counterparts. Since they also share the same memories as their human versions, the clones also face the consequences of the crimes and morally skewed actions of their original selves. TheBlack Mirrorepisode ends before any digital clones are able to find freedom.
By showing how the previously enslaved innies finally land a massive win against their outies,Severanceseason 2’s ending upturnsBlack Mirror’s portrayal of the tragic lives of the digital clones.
Although the innies, too, experience many atrocities inSeveranceand are often at the mercy of their outies, they gradually build their own sense of identity in the show’s season 2. TowardsSeveranceseason 2’s ending,Mark’s innie even manages to break free from his outie’s control by pursuing his desires. By showing how the previously enslaved innies finally land a massive win against their outies,Severanceseason 2’s ending upturnsBlack Mirror’s portrayal of the tragic lives of the digital clones.
Black Mirror
Black Mirror is a dystopian anthology series that explores the unsettling and profound impact of modern technology on society. Premiering in 2011, it examines various scenarios where technological advancements intersect with human nature, creating thought-provoking narratives about contemporary and future issues.
