Severance Episode 6: A My Chemical Romance Look

Severance Episode 6: A My Chemical Romance Look

Severance’s penultimate episode, “The We We Are,” isn’t just a masterful piece of television; it’s a meticulously crafted visual and thematic symphony, echoing the raw emotion and theatrical flair of My Chemical Romance’s music. While not explicitly referencing the band, the episode’s aesthetic, narrative choices, and underlying themes resonate powerfully with the band's signature style and lyrical explorations of identity, trauma, and the search for self. This deep dive will dissect how “The We We Are” transcends the typical workplace thriller, transforming into a gothic, emo-tinged masterpiece that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of MCR.

The Visual Language of Despair and Rebellion: A MCR Aesthetic

The episode's visual language immediately establishes its connection to the emo aesthetic prevalent in My Chemical Romance's early work. The stark, almost sterile environments of Lumon contrast sharply with the vibrant, chaotic outbursts of emotion from Mark, Helly, and Irving. This juxtaposition mirrors the tension between societal expectations and individual rebellion – a core theme in MCR's music.

The Bleached Palettes and Shadowy Depths:

The muted, almost bleached color palettes of Lumon recall the washed-out photography and stark visuals often associated with emo and gothic aesthetics. These palettes create a sense of isolation and unease, emphasizing the characters' confinement and the oppressive nature of their environment. The stark contrast with the saturated colors used to depict the "outie" world further accentuates this feeling of disconnect and alienation. This stark visual contrast mirrors the intense emotional contrast found in many MCR songs, where soft verses explode into powerful, aggressive choruses.

Costuming as a Reflection of Inner Turmoil:

The costumes play a vital role in conveying this visual connection. The uniform-like attire of the Lumon employees, while seemingly bland, serves as a visual metaphor for the suppression of individuality and the stifling nature of corporate conformity. This suppression is later subverted when the characters begin to express their “innie” personalities more freely. The rebellion and self-discovery that unfold are expressed in vibrant yet chaotic displays of color and attire, reflecting the explosive nature of MCR's music and lyrics.

Symbolic Imagery: Mirrors and Reflections:

The repeated use of mirrors and reflections throughout the episode underscores the fragmented identities of the characters and their struggle to reconcile their "innie" and "outie" selves. This preoccupation with fractured identities and self-discovery is central to MCR's thematic concerns. The repeated mirroring reinforces the unsettling uncertainty that these characters face, emphasizing the disorientation and confusion of facing two drastically different versions of themselves. This uncertainty closely mirrors the psychological turmoil frequently explored in MCR's music.

Narrative Echoes of MCR's Lyrical Themes

Beyond the visual parallels, “The We We Are” echoes the narrative and lyrical themes present throughout My Chemical Romance's discography. The episode’s exploration of identity, trauma, and rebellion resonates deeply with the band’s focus on these core elements.

The Search for Identity: "Innie" vs. "Outie"

The central conflict in “The We We Are” – the struggle between the "innie" and "outie" selves – directly mirrors MCR's frequent exploration of identity crisis and self-discovery. The characters' attempts to reconcile these fragmented aspects of themselves reflect the internal battles depicted in songs like "Welcome to the Black Parade" and "Teenagers." Both songs deal with the struggles of growing up and finding one's place in a chaotic world. Similarly, the characters in "Severance" struggle with accepting different parts of their lives that the Severance process has split into two distinct identities.

Trauma and its Lingering Effects:

The episode delves into the profound impact of past trauma on the present, a recurring theme in MCR's music. Mark’s buried grief over his wife’s death, Helly’s desperate attempts to escape her corporate prison, and Irving’s repressed desires all stem from deep-seated emotional wounds. MCR's music often explores similar themes of loss, grief, and the lasting effects of trauma on the individual's psyche, creating powerful parallels with the emotional journeys of the characters in "Severance." The underlying trauma in the "Severance" episode is reflected in the raw, unfiltered emotion that the characters display, similar to the emotionally charged songs of MCR.

Rebellion against Conformity:

The act of rebellion against Lumon's oppressive structure mirrors MCR's anthemic call for rebellion against societal norms and expectations. The characters' collective defiance, their individual acts of subversion, and their eventual, violent confrontation of the system directly relate to MCR's lyrical calls for self-expression and rejection of conformity. Just like the band's music encouraged listeners to reject traditional norms, the characters in "Severance" actively fight against a system that tries to control them and their individuality.

The Orchestral Score: A Soundtrack of Emotion

The episode's score further amplifies the My Chemical Romance connection. The use of swelling strings, punctuated by moments of dissonance and dramatic crescendos, creates a soundscape that mirrors the emotional intensity and theatrical flair of MCR's music. The score perfectly complements the visual storytelling, amplifying the emotional weight of each scene and heightening the sense of drama and suspense. The sudden shifts in intensity, from quiet moments of reflection to explosive outbursts of emotion, mirror the dynamic shifts that are prevalent throughout MCR's music.

Beyond the Surface: A Deeper Examination of Themes

While the surface-level comparisons between "The We We Are" and My Chemical Romance are striking, the deeper thematic resonances are equally compelling. Both explore the complexities of human experience: the struggle for self-acceptance, the impact of trauma, the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world, and the power of collective action in the face of oppression. The shared exploration of these deeply personal and universal themes further strengthens the connection between the episode and the band's work. This connection goes beyond just superficial aesthetics and delves into deeper philosophical and psychological concepts.

Conclusion: An Unintentional Masterpiece

The parallels between Severance’s “The We We Are” and My Chemical Romance’s musical aesthetic and thematic explorations are striking, creating a truly compelling viewing experience. Whether intentional or not, the episode’s creators have crafted a narrative that resonates powerfully with the band's stylistic and thematic hallmarks, resulting in a visually stunning and emotionally resonant piece of television that transcends the typical genre conventions. The episode’s success lies not just in its shocking twists and turns, but in its ability to tap into the raw emotions and experiences that resonate deeply with viewers, mirroring the powerful connection MCR has cultivated with its fanbase over the years. The show’s ability to evoke such strong emotional responses makes it a truly memorable and significant contribution to the television landscape, and the parallels with MCR's powerful and emotional music significantly amplify its impact. The episode creates a powerful emotional core that is likely to remain with viewers long after the credits roll, a testament to the show's impactful storytelling.