
Irving’s Significance in Severance Season 2 Episode 1
Warning: This article contains spoilers for Severance season 2, episode 1, titled “Hello, Ms. Cobel.” Additionally, it includes references to sensitive topics such as suicide.
The highly anticipated <em>Severance</em> season 2 premiere, “Hello, Ms. Cobel,” introduces significant changes for Adam Scott’s character, Mark S, and his fellow Innies working at Lumon Industries. However, it’s John Turturro’s Irving who faces the most challenging emotional turmoil, especially after the unsettling glimpse into his Outie’s life at the close of season 1. While Mark’s rebellious actions reunite the original team from the Macrodata Refinement Department, the return to the Severed Floor is not met with universal relief.
The main cast of Severance continues largely intact as the Apple TV+ sci-fi narrative progresses into its second season. Importantly, Irving is not the only significant character returning after the shocking finale of season 1. The Innies’ attempts to bridge communication with the outside world have inadvertently led to a newfound status—Irving and his colleagues are now viewed as minor celebrities within the context of the Severance procedure and emerging Innie rights. However, the triumph of the “Macrodata Uprising” does not sufficiently reignite Irving’s motivation to embrace his current reality.
Understanding Irving’s “Not Our World Up There” Statement in the Premiere of Severance Season 2
John Turturro’s Character Learns the Consequences of His Wishes
In the context of Severance, the phrase “up there” signifies the outside world, encompassing any realm outside Lumon’s Severance floor. This term cleverly conveys the notion that the Innies are trapped in a metaphorical hell. Thus, when Irving expresses his disorientation while reflecting on his experiences beyond Lumon, his assertion “It’s not our world up there” reveals his belief that the Severed Floor is the only place where he and his fellow Innies truly belong. He conveys a sense of discomfort, indicating that while the outside may appear familiar, it is an entirely foreign environment for them, for which they are ill-equipped and unprepared.
Irving’s final words, “It’s not our world up there,” encapsulate his emotional turmoil just before he exits, overwhelmed by his feelings.
As Irving teeters on the edge of revealing the profound disillusionment stemming from what he witnessed outside, he struggles to articulate his feelings about this new reality. His poignant statement, “It’s not our world up there,” becomes his last utterance before he departs, consumed by overwhelming emotion. This moment must feel like a crushing disappointment for him, especially considering that their mission, which has achieved significant success, ultimately left him heartbroken.
Understanding Irving’s Desire to Leave Lumon in Season 2 and His Change of Heart
The Heartache of Witnessing Burt’s Outie Embrace Married Life
Irving’s affection for Christopher Walken’s Burt G blossomed during Severance season 1, but the harsh reality set in when Burt’s Innie was retired by Lumon, following his Outie’s departure from the company. This made it increasingly unlikely for Irving to ever encounter Burt again in the confines of their once-shared workplace. Consequently, when he gets a brief opportunity to see Burt’s Outie in the outside world, his anticipation is palpable. However, the painful revelation that Burt’s Outie is happily married outside of Lumon inflicts deep emotional wounds on Irving.

Related
Exploring the Financial Realities: “You’re Poor Out There?”: How Much Lumon Compensates Severed Employees
In the opening episodes of Severance season 2, Dylan questions Irving about his Outie’s financial status, prompting viewers to consider the salaries of severed workers at Lumon.
Irving’s predicament deepens, as even if he could somehow escape Lumon while retaining his Innie identity, Burt’s Outie would remain oblivious to who Irving truly is. This dissonance between personal identity and emotional connection drives Irving to contemplate a drastic decision, essentially a suicide attempt for an Innie—leaving Lumon permanently. Fortunately, Dylan (Zach Cherry) intervenes, reminding Irving of the value of their friendship and the larger purpose of their work within the complex narrative of Severance.
Release Schedule for Apple TV+’s Severance Season 2 |
||
Title |
||
1 |
“Hello, Ms. Cobel.” |
January 17 |
2 |
“Goodbye, Mrs. Selvig.” |
January 24 |
3 |
TBC |
January 24 |
4 |
TBC |
February 7 |
5 |
TBC |
February 14 |
6 |
TBC |
February 21 |
7 |
TBC |
February 28 |
8 |
TBC |
March 7 |
9 |
TBC |
March 14 |
10 |
TBC |
March 21 |