Severance season 1 was pretty good. Many liked it. Now, with season 2 coming, we have to wonder: will it make the same mistakes as other shows like Lost and From?
These shows had interesting mysteries, but did they really pay them off? One writer even said they just made it up as they went along. As the series went on, viewers wanted answers, but they never came. People kept asking, “When will you resolve these mysteries?” And when they finally did, viewers wondered why they should keep watching.
From had a similar problem. It started with a cool world and monsters, but as the seasons went on, the audience dropped off. Critics still loved it, but viewers were left asking, “Is this going anywhere?” I’m not against mysteries in a TV show, but I think they should be revealed and then answered. This is much harder than the standard “mystery box” format we see in shows like From.
Lost had famous questions like, “What’s in the hatch?” and “Who are the Others?” These mysteries built up but never really got answered. That’s my fear for Severance as we move into season 2.
Season 2 seems to complicate things even further. The show’s world has grown, but the characters feel more like archetypes. It’s trying to do too much, and I have to ask: why should I care? The mystery box promises a lot, but often leaves viewers frustrated. Positive reviews mention that the show leaves questions unanswered and drops bombshells that won’t be addressed. Some even call this expert storytelling.
JJ Abrams, who talked about the mystery box, said it represents infinite possibilities. It sparks hope and imagination. But here’s the catch: a real mystery box needs answers! You need to know what the problem is from the start. Mysteries should be clues to a bigger plot, not just random oddities to keep viewers guessing.
Think about jokes. A good joke has a setup and a punchline. But the new “random” humor just leaves people confused. JJ Abrams is right that mysteries can pull viewers in, but only up to a point. If you keep introducing new mysteries without resolving the old ones, it can feel like a cheat.
Viewers project their desires onto a show, which can be exciting. But if that goes on forever, it feels like you’re not really watching a show at all. By not showing the alien or the monster, it can feel scarier. However, if you take this idea too far, the best a show can be is a blank page. Once you write something, it loses some of that magic.
Mystery can be a catalyst for imagination. But it can also be psychologically manipulative. When reviews say that Severance season 2 is frustrating, it’s because of this manipulation. Viewers want answers, but often they don’t come. By the end of a series, many are just angry. I enjoyed the first season of Severance; it was one of the best standalone outings in streaming. But following that is tough.
The first season had a clear vision. Now, it feels like the show is weighed down by its own ideas. After watching the first half of season 2, I’m worried about all the loose threads. The second half needs to tie them together, but often, this doesn’t happen in mystery box shows.
When I watched Lost, every season I hoped for answers. By the last season, they had to force an explanation, and it was clear they didn’t plan for it. The mysteries were never clues; they were just random ideas thrown together. I still keep watching shows like From, even though they frustrate me. I hope for answers, but I know they may never come.
As for Severance, I want it to be as good as the first season. But some reviews say it lost the quirky humor that made it fun. If it’s just bizarre behavior without a plot, it won’t hold up. The first season was slow, and many agree it was best watched at a faster speed.
Season 2 seems to focus on corporate culture more than the mysterious office events. I want to know what’s really happening in the office. What are the strange rooms? What’s underneath? The personal drama of the employees isn’t what I’m interested in. I want the mystery to unfold alongside the characters. Instead, it feels like they think they’re being clever by analyzing corporate life.
For a show to succeed, it needs to expand its environment while also answering questions. Every detail should lead to new mysteries. But this is hard to do. It requires planning and talent, something that many shows lack today. Many writers only think a few steps ahead, hoping to keep viewers hooked. This is a manipulative tactic.
Despite my hopes, I worry Severance will drag on without giving answers. I know I’ll probably keep watching because I need to know what’s in the box. But I also know I’m falling into the trap of the mystery box.
What are your thoughts on Severance season 2? Do you think it will deliver answers, or will it continue to frustrate? Let me know in the comments below!
FAQs
Q. What is Severance about?
A. Severance is a show that explores the idea of separating work and personal life through a mysterious process called “severance.”
Q. Is season 2 of Severance worth watching?
A. Opinions vary. While some reviews are positive, many viewers worry about unresolved mysteries.
Q. What is a mystery box in storytelling?
A. A mystery box is a storytelling technique where mysteries are introduced to engage viewers, but answers may not be provided.
Q. Why do some shows frustrate viewers?
A. Shows can frustrate viewers when they introduce mysteries but fail to resolve them, leading to a sense of manipulation.
Q. What can I expect from the second season?
A. Expect a broader storyline with new mysteries, but be cautious about the resolution of existing questions.