The Bunker
The Staff of Nightmares – How Severance nails our life/work imbalance
Mar 21, 2025
Join Marie le Conte and Jonn Elledge as they delve into the mind-bending world of the Apple TV series Severance. Marie is a savvy cultural commentator, while Jonn is an astute observer of work culture. They explore whether the mind-wiped 'innies' are more authentic than their 'outies' and discuss the show’s surreal take on workplace identity. The conversation reveals how 'Severance' mirrors our own struggles with work-life balance and critiques the absurdities of modern corporate culture. Get ready for a thought-provoking, satirical Waffle Party!
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast discusses how the severance procedure critiques modern work culture by illustrating the stark alienation and disconnection from personal identity experienced by employees.
- It highlights the unexpected emotional connections between characters, emphasizing that genuine relationships can develop even in isolating environments, challenging societal norms around identity.
Deep dives
The Concept of Severance
The premise of the show revolves around a radical procedure called severance, which disconnects employees' work selves from their personal lives. With this brain surgery, individuals enter the workplace as their 'innie,' devoid of any memories from their 'outie' life, leading to a complete separation of identity. This concept reflects the theme of alienation in work, as characters clock in and out without understanding their purpose or the meaning behind their tasks. It critiques modern work culture by showcasing how easily people can become disconnected from their realities, provoking thought around the implications of such disassociation.
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