'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
PUBLISHED FEB 25, 2022
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

A missing heir, a witch’s legend, and a town full of secrets collide in Crave’s eerie new drama starring Hudson Williams
7 minutes ago
Milo Ventimiglia's cop drama 'American Blue' marks his first TV project after last starring in ABC's canceled show 'The Company You Keep.'
1 hour ago
The singing competition series has some epic theme nights and electric performances with exciting themes in store this season.
2 hours ago
The Robert's Rebellion episode of 'Game of Thrones: The Mad King' will be adapted for the stage after the success of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' and 'House of the Dragon.'
2 hours ago
Sela Ward's surprise debut role on ‘The Rookie' will force 'Chenford' to confront family baggage and new tensions.
6 hours ago
A blazing new image of Rhaenyra drops as HBO confirms the long-awaited summer return of the Targaryen war
10 hours ago
Amber Morrison faces accusations of lying about her age, and fans can't stop questioning her motives
13 hours ago
Apple TV's latest crime thriller, 'Imperfect Women,' sees Kate Mara, Elisabeth Moss, and Kerry Washington find their bond shattered after Mara's death.
22 hours ago
Season 2 of ‘Deadloch’ heads to Australia’s dangerous Top End as detectives probe grisly murders, missing backpackers, and a chilling mystery
1 day ago
Sony Pictures Television has released the pictures for 'S.W.A.T. Exiles' ahead of the London TV Screenings, scheduled for next week.
1 day ago