'Severance' Episode 3 Review: Thrilling, haunting saga of no escape from hellish work

Helly learns the hard way that there is no resignation at Lumon Industries as repeated attempts to escape fall flat
Britt Lower as Helly in 'Severance' (Apple TV+)
Britt Lower as Helly in 'Severance' (Apple TV+)

Spoilers for 'Severance' Episode 3 'In Perpetuity'

It's finally Friday which means the gripping Apple TV+ thriller series is back with a fresh episode of 'Severance' that entails the intriguing concept of work-life balance that is achieved via a memory alteration procedure.

Previously on 'Severance', we saw one of the workers Petey, who managed to escape and become unsevered try to expose the company's unsettling conditions to his work best friend Mark. But he too himself is dealing with the aftermath of reversing the procedure causing Mark to doubt it all. With ever-increasing shadiness from the company here's what happened in the third episode and what we thought of it. 

RELATED ARTICLES

'Severance': 5 things to know about Apple TV+ thriller series by Ben Stiller

'Invasion': 5 things to know about the Apple TV+ thriller series

The episode begins as wee Petey (Yul Vazquez) experiences severe post-unseverance symptoms in Mark's (Adam Scott) house. Although Mark leaves for work, he's never safe from prying eyes as later Ms Cobel (Patricia Arquette) who is masquerading as his neighbor Mrs Selvig breaks into his house to investigate and find evidence of Petey. The hidden man narrowly manages to escape from her eyes but not before having a flashback of her in Lumon industries that jars him.

Adam Scott as Mark Scout in 'Severance' (Apple TV+)

The third episode of the series gives a deeper insight into the unsettling workplace. Helly (Britt Lower) learns the hard way that she cannot resign which scares her. Features a thrilling saga of escape the urgency of Helly's attempt to leave is marked by a haunting piano score and fast-paced scenes that brilliantly showcase the scenario. Her desperation leads to her arm getting cut with the chase sequence keeping us at the edge of our seats. Lumon's increasing bizarre and scary conditions are coming to the surface with Irving (John Turturro) displaying brain-washing-like symptoms. Patricia Arquette's Ms Cobel has a chilling presence which is always enjoyable in this office thriller that will hold your unwavering attention. Mark too is noticing discrepancies at Lumon and we look forward to him slowly uncovering the building mystery. The enigma that is Lumon industries, mystifies continually. 

Patricia Arquette as Harmony Cobel in 'Severance' (Apple TV+)

Episode 3 does an excellent job portraying the hellish workplace that seemingly has no escape. The antagonists who are trying to maintain control paired with the slow-burn unraveling grimness is a pairing that just works beautifully. With each episode better than the next, we look forward to more of the show that has us hooked with its gripping plot and originality.

'Severance' returns with a new episode each Friday on Apple TV+.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The ‘All’s Fair’ cast return for a second season of divorce cases and personal drama. Here’s when new episodes arrive, where to watch and what to know about before the finale.
2026-11-04T16:46:27.000Z
'Batman: Knightfall Part 2' unveils a first-look clip as Azrael takes up the cowl after Bruce Wayne is left paralyzed by Bane.
2026-11-04T16:27:06.000Z
Owen Wilson returns to the green in ‘Stick’ Season 2. Here’s your guide to Apple TV’s weekly episode rollout, streaming details and finale date.
2026-11-04T15:48:30.000Z
'Trinity,' starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Richard Madden, follows a naval officer who suspects the US Secretary of Defense is at center of a conspiracy.
2026-11-04T15:21:56.000Z
An upcoming ‘Chicago Fire’ episode welcomes a familiar face from ‘Chicago Med,’ marking a One Chicago milestone.
2026-11-04T14:59:11.000Z
Milo Ventimiglia and Justin Hartley could reunite on 'Tracker,' with the show’s producers also discussing bringing 'This Is Us' stars together.
2026-11-04T13:58:31.000Z
After tracking down F.R.I.D.A.Y., Ultron presents himself as an ally
2026-11-04T08:47:31.000Z
'VisionQuest' reveals the Client's real identity, and it is deeply connected to Ultron
2026-11-04T07:14:07.000Z
'VisionQuest' features Paul Bettany playing three characters in Episode 7 titled 'Immolation'
2026-11-04T05:39:20.000Z
‘Phony’ episode 4 deepens the mystery surrounding Ellen’s identity as Sonny investigates rumors of a dead body buried in the woods
2026-11-04T03:54:30.000Z