Secrets Unravel in ‘Severance’ Episode 6: A Dinner to Remember

NEW YORK, NY — The Apple TV+ series ‘Severance‘ returned with an unsettling episode titled ‘Atilla,’ which aired February 21, 2025. In this pivotal sixth installment of Season 2, both the innies and outies face defining moments, particularly during a chilling dinner party laden with secrets and revelations.

The episode kicks off with Irving, played by John Turturro, as he attends a dinner at the home of Burt (Christopher Walken) and Fields (John Noble). What begins as a cordial gathering quickly spirals into an unsettling dynamic, where the contrast between Burt’s friendly demeanor and dark undertones becomes apparent. Tension hangs thick as discussions reveal Burt’s ties to Lumon, and his unsettling religious rationale for undergoing severance.

During the dinner, Burt shares that he chose severance due to a sinful past, citing a church doctrine that innies have their own souls capable of transcending to heaven. This revelation raises questions about the authenticity of his faith and complicates his relationship with Fields. As both men banter over the years of their relationship, an ominous tone casts a shadow over their history that is interwoven with Lumon’s unsettling practices.

Irving, clearly intrigued yet disturbed, finds himself questioning the timeline of Burt and Fields’ connection to Lumon. When Fields mentions past drinks with Burt’s Lumon partner, it becomes clear that Burt’s severance experience is more complex than previously understood. “Didn’t the first severed office open twelve years ago?” Irving queries, further entangling the discussion.

Amidst this dinner dialogue, tensions peak at Lumon, where Mr. Drummond (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson) covertly searches through Irving’s apartment, potentially unveiling more layers to Lumon’s organizational murkiness while Irving is away. This triangulation of narratives hints at a far-reaching conspiracy where trust is quickly eroding.

The episode also contrasts personal connections on the severed floor, where Dylan G. (Zach Cherry) forges a growing bond with his outie’s wife, Gretchen (Merritt Wever). Their relationship transcends the lines of emotional fidelity and skates the edge of burgeoning romance. Their meeting culminates in an intimate moment that challenges the concept of fidelity within the framework of severed realities.

New depths of intimacy arise as Mark S. (Adam Scott) confesses to Helly R. (Britt Lower) about a previous encounter with her outie. This twists their already complicated feelings, prompting a secret rendezvous where they attempt to create their own memory apart from Helena’s manipulation. However, their moment is cut short by unintended consequences, leading to Mark experiencing distressing symptoms signaling the problematic reintegration process.

As the episode winds down, the sides of Lumon’s intriguing web are layered, culminating in a dramatic cliffhanger as Mark collapses after a risky medical procedure leads him into disarray. “How long will this take?” he asks, as the screen cuts to abrupt darkness, keeping viewers on edge.

“You must grow up,” Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman) echoes in self-critique throughout the episode, representing the show’s core motif of internal conflict. Meanwhile, the contrasting tales of longing and revelation echo through the starkness of their corporate environment—with lasting implications for each character’s fate in the unraveling mystery of Lumon.

‘Atilla’ leaves audiences with more questions than answers and only four episodes remain in the season. The threads of betrayal, manipulation, and the complexities of relationships simmer as ‘Severance’ promises a compelling narrative ahead. Viewers can catch up with previous episodes now streaming on Apple TV+.