Warning: There are spoilers ahead for Severance season 2, episode 3, "Who Is Alive?"

A harsh reality about Ricken Hale (Michael Chernus) is confirmed in Severance's cast of characters, Ricken provides some of the best comedy, often due to his lack of self-awareness. There is a stark juxtaposition between Ricken and his wife, Devon (Jen Tullock), who is more pragmatic, aware, and has concerns about what is happening to her brother at Lumon Industries.

Ricken proves to be more than comic relief in season 1, though, as a copy of his latest self-help book, The You You Are, ends up in the hands of Mark's Innie and his fellow severed employees in Severance season 1's ending sees Ricken fearing for the safety of his child, Eleanor, and encountering Mark's concerned Innie, which makes his reaction in season 2, episode 3 all the more disappointing.

Ricken's Lumon Book Deal Proves He Prioritizes His Ego Over His Family’s Well-Being

His Self-Help Book Is Being Modified For Lumon's Innies

When Devon returns home, she finds that Lumon's representative, Natalie (Syndey Cole Alexander), has been invited in and is meeting with her husband. Ricken has been offered a book deal with Lumon, who want a modified version of The You You Are to be available to all Innies. Thrilled by the idea of his work being recognized and widely read, Ricken is eager to accept Lumon's offer, and does not hesitate at the idea of collaborating with them or even at inviting one of their representatives into his home.

While he does not have nefarious intentions and is not trying to hurt anyone, Ricken's actions prove that his ego matters more to him than doing what is best for his family. Ricken knows that Lumon's Harmony Cobel (Patricia Arquette) lied about who she was as she embedded herself in his family's lives. He knows that Devon has serious concerns about Lumon, including that they are mistreating Mark, and that they may be hiding the truth about Mark's wife, Gemma (Dichen Lachman). Nevertheless, Ricken chooses his own ego and subconsciously ignores his family's concerns.

What Ricken’s New Partnership With Lumon Means For Severance Season 2

It Will Affect Lumon And Ricken's Marriage

Lumon will undoubtedly weaponize Ricken's writing and use it as an attempt to reassert control over the Innies. Much like the Family Visitation Suite, hall es, and other "perks" that have recently been introduced, Lumon will tout Ricken's book as a sign of them listening to their employees, and being generous enough to provide literature from the outside world. The modifications to the original book will surely be a new way of communicating the dogma of Severance's Eagan family to Lumon's employees through the guise of self-help writing.

Lumon's sinister impact on Mark's family has now officially gone beyond him and Gemma in Severance season 2.

Ongoing meetings with Ricken can also help Lumon keep a close eye on Devon, who they know who is still suspicious of them, and on Mark's Outie, who they do not realize has just been reintegrated. Ricken and Devon have always seemed like an odd couple who may be too different for each other, but if Ricken becomes increasingly connected to Lumon, this may lead to a breaking point in his marriage to Devon. Lumon's sinister impact on Mark's family has now officially gone beyond him and Gemma in Severance season 2.