Content Warning: The following article contains spoilers for the Apple TV+ show Severance.
The disturbing events in Apple TV+’s Severance have unsurprisingly prompted its characters to form meaningful relationships with friends, family, and colleagues. Lumon Industries’ chilling halls and sterile offices are impossible to survive without companionship, after all.
The best relationships on the show so far highlight the different effects that the controversial titular procedure of “severance” can have on people, whether they’re employees Like Mark Scout and Helly Riggs or just average citizens like Devon and Ricken Hale. They can be genuine friendships, useful partnerships, and sometimes, romantic relationships, with each pairing serving its own purpose in the sci-fi series.
Devon & Ricken Hale
The romance between Devon and Ricken is a strange one, as it’s clear that Ricken is ridiculed by the show for having weird beliefs and being too needy, while Devon is shown as being rational and strong. Their dynamic as husband and wife puts unfair emotional pressure on Devon, who is already struggling with taking care of her brother.
Their marriage is clearly not perfect, but it still works in a weird and often amusing way. Any scene involving Ricken is usually funny, as even Devon its that he can be a bit wacky and sensitive.
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It can’t be denied that a healthy relationship has formed between O&D and MDR. The two divisions may have been cynical of each other at first, with workers telling stories about the other group’s allegedly horrific traits, but they’ve developed a potentially useful relationship. This is in large part due to Burt and Irving’s romance, which sparked important conversations about the myths surrounding the two divisions.
Fans may recall Mark’s speech to O&D about how they can work together to figure out exactly what it is they’re doing at Lumon. It’s an important turning point for both groups, who, up until then, have been trying to connect the dots on their own.
Alexa & Mark Scout
There have been some moments between Alexa and Mark that have ittedly been difficult to watch. It must be obvious to Alexa that Mark has issues, with one of them being that he’s not ready for a new romantic relationship. However, she continues to pursue him even after his public outburst, only stopping after he drunkenly tears a photo of Gemma in front of her.
Their messy time together is valuable for viewers, who can see Mark’s state of mind through his interactions with Alexa. She deserves better and Mark needs time to heal, which is something they both thankfully seem to be realizing now.
Devon & Mark Scout
Devon has main character energy that only becomes easier to see as the series progresses. As Mark’s sister, she deeply cares about him and has been trying her best to take care of him after Gemma’s ing. Mark, for his part, loves her and wants to be there for the big moments in her life like when she gives birth.
The two may not be completely honest and open with each other, but they know when something important has to be said. This is why Devon knows that Mark thinks Lumon is up to something bad, which may be linked to how she’s reacting to her eerie meeting with Gabby Arteta. They’re ing each other even when they’re not together, with both working on the Lumon issue in their own ways.
Helly Riggs & Mark Scout
Everyone knows Helly doesn’t want to be in Lumon, which is why Mark’s role as her supervisor has been important from the start. Their work relationship has slowly evolved into genuine friendship, as Helly encourages Mark to embrace his more rebellious side, and Mark helps Helly feel okay on the severed floor.
There have been subtle hints about a potential romance between the two, as fans may how Dylan teases Mark for having a crush on Helly. After the recent revelation about Ms. Casey being Gemma, though, it’s not clear what will happen to Mark and Helly’s partnership.
Mark Scout & Petey Kilmer
Although fans don’t see Petey past the third episode, he leaves his mark on the show through his friendship with Mark. They were best friends in Lumon, which means for Mark, Petey was the closest thing to a brother he has ever known – this is why his sudden disappearance from the office is so jarring for him.
Through flashbacks seen during Petey’s hallucinations, audiences get a better idea of the kind of fun and carefree relationship the duo had. They made life at Lumon bearable for each other, at least until Petey got reintegrated and changed everything for the both of them.
Seth Milchick & Harmony Cobel
It’s not easy being the righthand man of a powerful woman like Harmony. Mr. Milchick often finds himself in nerve-wracking situations, as he knows he has to keep the employees under control or risk Ms. Cobel getting angry with him.
They both have an odd dedication to their jobs, as it must feel different to be in their position, considering they are unsevered and part of management. Despite their power, though, they both just kowtow to their superiors, which is what Mr. Milchick has to do on a regular basis. Even if they are the least likable characters on the show, they’re an effective duo because of the way they can control and manipulate their underlings by working together.
Harmony Cobel & Mark Scout
Mark was likely shielded from Harmony’s frightening management style for the longest time thanks to Petey, but since his promotion as division head, he has had to endure her unfair punishments and bizarre outbursts. There’s an obvious disparity in power between them and Ms. Cobel knows and uses this to her advantage.
For Mark’s outtie and Harmony’s alter ego as Mrs. Selvig, though, it’s a different story. Harmony uses her persona as the friendly neighbor to spy on Mark’s outtie, who is mostly just annoyed by her. This stark contrast is part of what makes the pair’s dynamic so attention-grabbing, both inside and outside of Lumon.
Mark Scout & Ms. Casey
The unassuming wellness counselor, Ms. Casey, has quickly become one of the most remarkable characters in Severance. After the shocking revelation that she could actually be Mark’s presumably deceased wife, the interactions between her and Mark’s innie have taken on a completely different meaning.
Fans are more interested than ever in the peculiar relationship between the two, as Mark’s outtie is obviously devastated by Gemma’s loss, but Mark’s innie has no idea that Ms. Casey is actually his wife. It would be satisfying to see these two worlds finally collide, hopefully before the first season ends.
Burt & Irving Bailiff
Without a doubt, the relationship that has stolen audiences’ hearts is that between Burt and Irving. From their sweet first meeting to their rendezvous in Burt’s secret jungle, they’ve given fans more than one reason to root for their budding romance.
While they both respect and appreciate Lumon and Kier’s works, the pair slowly find that their love for each other goes beyond whatever a manual might dictate. The real turning point in their will-they-won’t-they dynamic sadly happens too late, with Irving realizing how much Burt truly matters to him during that upsetting retirement party.