Severance: What is the meaning of Milchick's paintings? Details explored

In Severance Season 2 Episode 3, Milchick receives a gift from Lumon to make him more comfortable with the company's history. Upon unwraping, he realizes it is the portraits of Lumon's founder, Kier Eagan, who has been altered as a Black Man.

This promotion gift led to an awkward stare between Milchick and Natalie, who handed him the present. This raised many questions about Lumon's policies - why it would give Milchick, a hardworking employee, a questionable gift.

Milchick has been doing his best after his promotion to the severed floor head in Severance Season 2 Episode 1. He is now responsible for maintaining order for the MRD employees. However, he feels left out from the first moments when he finds that Lumon forgot to replace the name on his office computer. When the company finally sent him a gift to make him feel better, it felt like they were quite ignorant of their employees.

The scene happened at Cobel's old office, where Natalie welcomed Milchick and presented him with a gift from the Board. With the instructions sent to Natalie through an earpiece, she said that the Board wanted Milchick to feel connected to Lumon's history. She continued that the 'inclusively re-canonicalized paintings of Lumon's founder Kier' were to help him feel included.

Severance Season 2 Episode 3 also featured Mark's reintegration of his Innie and Outie at Lumon and Irving B.'s venture to the Optics and Design department to find Lumon's accessibility to other floors and departments. Meanwhile, we see Mark S. and Helly search for Cassey, leading them to Lumon's hidden department called Mammalians Nurturable, where they meet Lorne (Gwendoline Christie). We also witness Dylan's emotional reunion with his wife, Gretchen.

How did Milchick and Natalie react to Lumon's gift in Severance?

Milchick is visibly shocked when he unwrapped his gift. His initial reaction was 'Oh my..." which shows his discomfort while Natalie uncomfortably began to justify the gift. Though the Lumon paintings were a promotional gift for Milchick, it was quite insulting and inappropriate.

He said, "It's meaningful to see myself reflected in..." when Natalie nodded and said, "Congratulations Seth". Milchick was too shocked to react and remained silent. However, his silence states that there might be a growing resentment that could have consequences on Lumon's leadership.

On the other hand, Natalie, who delivered the gift to Milchick, also felt uneasy after seeing the Kier Eagan painting. She offered a forced smile and congratulated him awkwardly. Her behavior proves that she is uncomfortable with the present but has to comply with Lumon's expectations.

What did Tramell Tillman say about the paintings gifted to Milchick?

Tramell Tillman, who plays Milchick in Severance, recently shared his views on the unsettling gift that his character Milchick received in Season 2 Episode 3. The paintings meant as a token of appreciation, created an uncomfortable moment for Milchick.

According to Tillman in an interview with TV Line video, Milchick's immediate reaction was confusion. The paintings that depicted Lumon's founder, Kier Eagan, as a Black Man were presented to honor his identity. However, the gesture feels like a forced acknowledgment of his race. Tillman says,

"There is a desecration of Kier. And there also is this blackface that is supposed to be a celebration or acknowledgment of Milchick's difference. So there's a lot happening,"

Tillman also talks about the awkward glances that Natalie and Milchick shared after opening the gift. He said,

"We also see Milchick looking to Natalie for guidance in this moment, and she just gives this pain-stricken smile."

This exchange portrays the underlying tension in Lumon as the employees suppress their true feelings to maintain their positions in the office.

We then see Milchick quietly place the paintings in a high-shelf closet. Tillman explains,

"I think that's an indication of what we as humans do when we're in uncomfortable situations.....We have to decide,' Are we going to address this right now, or are we going to put it away for safety?"