Milchick’s Journey in Severance Leaves Audiences Questioning Loyalty and Humanity

LOS ANGELES, CA — The season two finale of the Apple TV+ series Severance left viewers on the edge of their seats, particularly regarding the character of Seth Milchick, played by Tramell Tillman. Milchick’s story arc this season has been a gripping tale of ambition, fear, and potential transformation.

Initially portrayed as a middle manager executing directives from Lumon, Milchick rises to run the Severed Floor, earning a gift from the shadowy board — reimagined paintings depicting the company’s founder, Kier Eagan, as a Black man. This symbolic recognition troubles Milchick, leading him to question his place in a company that seems to only pay lip service to inclusivity. “The paintings made Milchick uncomfortable and he hides them away,” Tillman stated in a recent interview.

The plot thickens when an off-site excursion nearly ends in tragedy. Following the incident, Mr. Drummond, a towering figure at Lumon, confronts Milchick during a performance review, berating him for his vocabulary and perceived incompetence. In a moment of defiance, Milchick retorts to Drummond, suggesting he “devour feculence.” This incident is a pivotal moment that highlights Milchick’s internal struggle—the realization that his loyalty to the company he has dedicated his life to may never be reciprocated.

Through the course of the season, Tillman has taken readers and viewers along on Milchick’s journey of survival during chaos, noting, “He has to keep order; this is absolute chaos. It’s one of those things like when you see a child hurting—you immediately go to their side and protect them as much as you can.” This protective instinct further complicates his character, making him sympathetic despite his role as an authority figure.

As the season progresses, viewers watch Milchick grapple with his ambition and the reality of representing Lumon. Tillman expressed that Milchick is constantly in “survival mode,” revealing a nuanced character who is far from the villain his position suggests. “He’s doing damage control. We see him sweat during the performance review thinking he’s going to lose his job,” Tillman said.

The culmination of Milchick’s journey comes during a remarkable scene featuring choreography and exuberance, which Tillman described as an “epic” performance. Initially hesitant to dance, he became convinced to take the stage, bringing to life a moment that underscores Milchick’s struggle between the need to conform to Lumon’s strictures and his own personal identity.

“You don’t expect to see that level of energy on the Severed Floor,” Tillman said of the marching band that accompanies Milchick’s performance. “For Milchick, it felt like asserting his identity in this space.” This kind of cultural expression is significant, particularly for a character navigating a corporate world that consistently marginalizes him.

Hints throughout the season suggest a potential rebellion within Milchick. His character oscillates between being the enforcer of corporate policies and someone who begins to see the facets of his existence in corporate America questioning his “blind faith” in the system. Tillman hopes for his character’s vindication, wishing to uncover more of Milchick’s humanity as the story unfolds.

“I love that we’re starting to see his humanity seep through because it’s compelling storytelling,” said Tillman, indicating his excitement for where Milchick’s narrative may lead. The ending leaves viewers questioning whether Milchick will align himself with the rebelling team at MDR or continue his vida loyal to Lumon.

With the finale leaving such uncertainty, the audience is left contemplating not just the future of the characters, but what true loyalty and identity mean in oppressive systems like Lumon.