"Don't want to stop existing": Severance creator reveals the meaning of Season 2 finale

The Severance Season 2 finale leaves viewers with the possibility of having more questions than gaining answers, but at the crux of the finale, lies a strong, human desire—one that creator Dan Erickson breaks down: the characters don’t want to “stop existing.”

The final episode from season 2 of Severance mixes up chaos, loss, and the increasing clashes between identities, but what stays on the most is Mark's central choice to continue retaining his innie self, even in the face of indecision and doubts.

Dan Erickson sheds light on how the finale came to be—and why it’s so important to the show’s central themes.

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Dan Erickson on Mark's final choice: "They don't want to stop existing"

One of the finale’s most fascinating scenes comes when Mark S. connects with his outie via camcorder—a scene Erickson had been picturing ever since the series began. Speaking with Collider, he elaborated on the scene, saying,

“That is a scene that I had been wanting to write since the pilot. I've just always had this question tickling the back of my head, which is what would these two actually say to each other if they had a chance to speak?”

But it’s not just inquisitiveness that drove this exchange between the two of them. According to Erickson, innie Mark’s journey in season 2 of Severance has been about growing a self-controlled identity, free of his outie’s directives.

This version of Mark recognizes his own worth, his friendships, and particularly his bond with Helly.

Erickson explains that, when given the opportunity, innie Mark knows that his outie has continuously seen him as a tool— an added component in Lumon's machine. But Mark’s innie is no longer willing to be treated like a disposable worker.

"All they know is in that moment, they don't want to stop existing, and they don't want to stop being together."

This is what Erickson explains regarding Mark’s choice to stay with Helly even after letting Gemma free. It’s a moving replication of wanting to be autonomous, having connections, and the fragile grip these characters have on their own lives.

The innies’ growing fight for autonomy shapes Severance Season 2’s finale

Through Severance, Mark, Helly, Dylan, and Irving— recognized as the “innies”—have gradually woken up to the reality of their regulated and constrained lives inside Lumon.

No longer satisfied with thoughtlessly following corporate orders, each of them has made choices that echo a want for autonomy and an actual sense of having meaning.

Mark’s final choice in the finale of Severance, of holding onto his innie self’s relations, mainly with Helly, underlines how far they’ve all come. Collectively, their brawl and fight isn’t just about breaking away from Lumon—it’s about regaining autonomy over who they are.

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With Mark’s ultimate choice and Erickson’s views, the Severance Season 2 finale unwraps that the real fight isn’t just about corporate secrets—it's about being and wanting that sense of independence.

With an announcement for a renewal of season 3 of Severance, the desire to keep existing, no matter the expense, will continue to be the driving force in future seasons.