Zach Cherry, known for his role as Dylan in Severance, brings his comedic flair to the conversation. The hosts dive into the art of improvisation, revealing how spontaneity can shape performances. They share amusing casting stories, illustrating the unpredictable world of acting. Zach shares insights on the show's intense scenes, particularly a surgical moment that required meticulous detail. The trio also reminisces about filming during COVID-19 and its impact on character dynamics, blending humor and heartfelt reflection throughout.
The discussion emphasizes the importance of collaboration in casting decisions, particularly how Adam Scott's role as Mark was championed by Ben despite initial doubts.
The podcast highlights the exploration of identity within the Lumen workplace, revealing how character interactions reflect themes of autonomy and work-life balance.
Deep dives
Traveling and Hosting on Airbnb
The hosts discuss the arrangement that allows them to continue their podcast despite living far apart, highlighting the challenges and joys of remote recording. As Adam travels for promotional purposes tied to the upcoming season of Severance, he emphasizes that travel shouldn't lead to an empty home. Instead, he encourages hosting on Airbnb as a way to generate extra income while away. This suggests that homeowners can take advantage of travel opportunities to share their space and earn money.
Breaking Down the Episode Structure
In the podcast, Ben and Adam are joined by Zach Cherry, who plays Dylan, to discuss the narrative structure of season one, episode two of Severance. They express excitement about how the episode allows viewers to gain insight into Helly’s character through a sequence of recording a message for her innie shortly before undergoing the severance procedure. The discussion reveals that the portrayal of surgery was grounded in realism, with actual medical expertise contributing to the accuracy of the depicted procedures. This careful attention to detail adds an unsettling layer to the show, as it blends dark themes with technical authenticity.
Character Dynamics and Cast Choices
The trio explores the casting process for the show, especially the pivotal choice of Adam Scott for the role of Mark. Ben emphasizes that he strongly advocated for Adam despite initial doubts from the production team, reflecting the complex nature of casting decisions in the industry. Adam shares his own hesitations when asked to audition, highlighting how rare it is for established actors to go through the audition process. The conversation underscores the importance of collaboration and belief in the right actor to portray a character authentically, which ultimately shaped the success of the series.
Themes of Identity and Existence
The hosts delve into the significant themes of identity as they discuss interactions among the characters at the Lumen workplace. During a scene involving a team-building exercise with a red ball, the group dynamics reveal how their identities are intertwined and shaped by their work environment. Dylan's enthusiasm for the melon party demonstrates a coping mechanism that shows the absurdity of their situation while Helly begins to assert her will against the constraints of her severed existence. This exploration of character motivations and interpersonal relationships reinforces the show’s deeper questions about autonomy and the work-life divide.
This week, Ben and Adam unpack Season 1 Episode 2 with finger-trap connoisseur and all-around legend Zach Cherry, aka “Dylan.” Digressions include improvising with or without permission, John Turturro's brief but impactful tenure on USA's "Monk," and how fun it is to be on your phone.