Severance

I've been on a lucky streak with new series lately. Right after finishing  The Offer (TV series) (2022), I stumbled upon this intriguing show. While the pilot episode didn't quite hook me, the first season became a delight from the second episode onwards. The creators crafted a deluxe package with a well-written and directed story, captivating characters expertly cast, a fantastic, almost horror-like atmosphere, and all complemented by constant and almost subtle tension. If a second season comes around, count me in. / Lesson learned: And they say slavery is over. 4*+ (17.11.2022)

The pilot episode played out like your standard series opener — setting the stage, and introducing the characters, but not throwing in anything too extraordinary. Those never-ending walks through the maze of corridors didn't really do it for me. On the flip side, the creators hooked me with the notion of crafting artificial schizophrenics who'd be a dream for any employer. Let's be real, having an employee who's all about the job has to give every ambitious manager a hard-on. / Lesson learned: Sometimes, you just need to spend some hard-earned cash on alcohol or drugs to drown out the noise... 3*- (10.11.2022)

The last episode didn't really grab me. The plot felt lackluster at times, and those slow walks underground were just plain dull. I wasn't exactly pumped for what came next. However, the second episode felt completely different The slow pace actually worked, creating this eerie vibe that oozed with a sense of despair, or hidden threat. It was a whole different experience, and if the show can keep up this vibe, count me in. The subject matter intrigued me, and I'm curious to see where it goes. / Lesson learned: If you're going to sleep at work, at least be subtle about it. (11.11.2022)

Initially, the pilot episode left me somewhat uncertain, but by the second episode, I was satisfied, and the third one didn't disappoint either. One thing I'm certain about is that this series isn't for the paranoid — it's a surefire way to mess with your head. You can see the series evolving gradually. Even the seemingly mundane walks through the corridors turned out to be surprisingly insightful. Boredom wasn't a concern for me, and the atmosphere, which I praised before, somehow became even more grim this time around. / Lesson learned: Don't swallow indigestible objects. (12.11.2022)

In my previous review, I mentioned how I don't get bored during those long walks in the maze of corridors, and the fourth episode only solidified that notion. It feels like the series is pushing even greater demands on my heavily tested and already worn-out brain cells. I took a glance in the mirror to make sure smoke wasn't coming out of my head yet. It seems that critical overheating of the circuits isn't happening just yet, so hopefully, I can handle it. If things get tough, I guess I can always perform a self-trepanation with an electric drill, right? I had a blast. There was food for thought. The acting performances were stellar, the oppressive atmosphere turned into a horror-filled one, and I just hope the security guard has good reflexes because I wouldn't want to lose my favorite character. / Lesson learned: Don't mess with your innie. (13.11.2022)

The start of the episode had me hooked, and although the absence of the elevator security guard was a bit of a letdown, I could finally breathe a sigh of relief by the end. As the episode progressed, it did lose some of its momentum, but that wasn't a major issue for me. Interesting dialogue unfolded in an otherwise uninteresting setting, works of art were compared, conspiracies unfolded, manipulations occurred, and even fans of erotica got their share. I've almost forgotten my reaction to the pilot episode, and now I'm genuinely enjoying the show. / Lesson learned: One can never be too cautious. Cannibals lurk everywhere. (14.11.2022)

After finishing this episode, my prevailing emotion was disappointment. It felt sneakily short. With many series, I often can't wait for the end, but Severance isn't one of them, so the shortened runtime caught me off guard. While the plot didn't quite reach the quality of the fourth episode, it still struck me as incredibly intriguing, and I definitely could've used another ten to fifteen minutes of it. True, the story began to stall a bit, but since I'm fine with subtle hints, I still dig it, especially when the events take a new turn, which certainly helped the overall vibe. / Lesson learned: If you're starting a resistance group, stick to the principles of conspiracy. (15.11.2022)

I sensed a slightly slower pace in the previous episode, but the creators more than made up for it in the seventh episode. They didn't opt for sheer speed but managed to deliver an incredibly interesting sequence of events. The resolution to the Dylan G. problem had me on the edge of my seat, and I was far from disappointed. I felt like the story had taken a new direction (or a breath of fresh air) thanks to the rebellious vibes in the basement. Speaking of the basement, the rewards for innies were well thought out. I'd have a tough time deciding which musical instrument to choose. / Lesson learned: Rebel tendencies must be nipped in the bud, or nobody will respect you. (17.11.2022)

The entire eighth episode felt like nothing more than a build-up to the season finale. While there weren't many new surprising revelations, there was one exception. Who would have thought that outie Irv was into Motörhead? Lemmy sure was a nice surprise. Irv and his outie made it clear that the splitting of minds has certain flaws. Although I started this review sounding a bit disappointed, the opposite is true. I had a great time, enjoyed the tension, and soaked in the fantastic atmosphere. / Lesson learned: Life is full of surprises. Some lives get a double dose of them. (17.11.2022)

If I were to rate individual episodes based only on tension and atmosphere, then the ninth would win hands down. Despite the constant, obvious delays of anything significant, this was a fantastic episode that provided me with several further revelations that I hadn't yet discovered myself. In any case, I have to appreciate Dylan's practically acrobatic performance and incredible endurance. A great ending to the first season. / Lesson learned: Act quickly. (17.11.2022)