Severed: The Ultimate Severance Podcast

Drop a note to Allen S. right here. (Can't respond...sorry.)WELCOME TO MORE WEIRDNESS!!
It's time for "Being John Malkovich"-PT2. If you remember last time, our good buddy and frustrated puppeteer Craig Schwartz started a new job. While in the file room at LesterCorp. he discovered a tiny door. All indications are he's about to go through it...and we're going with him!

This is PART TWO of the "Severed: Origins" breakdown of "Being John Malkovich." It's one of the things cited by Dan Erickson as an inspiration during his creation of "Severance."

Oh, and in case you're wondering...no, we don't finish it this week. There will be a THIRD part to this breakdown!! Hope you're having a great summer, Refiner! Enjoy...Huge thanks to Adam Scott, star of 'Severance' and host of the Severance Podcast for recording a custom intro for "Severed." Make sure to check out 'The Severance Podcast w/Ben Stiller & Adam Scott" wherever you found this one!Support the showAPPLE PODCAST LISTENERS: If you are enjoying "Severed: The Ultimate 'Severance' Podcast" please make sure to leave a 5-star rating (and, if you want, a review telling others to give it a try). Higher rated podcasts get better placement in suggestion lists. It helps more "Severance" fans find the show. Thanks!!!

Season 2 of "Severance" is underway as of 1/17/2025. New episodes are released at 9E/8C on Thursday evening through the end of March. Join the 'Severed' Patreon page for new episode chatroom viewing parties every Thursday night. (www.patreon.com/SeveredPod)

Join the fun on our Facebook page @SeveredPod. Throughout this very exciting Season Two, I'll try to keep you updated on news about the show.

Also, let's talk!! Comments? Theories? Corrections? I LOVE 'EM!! Send to: [email protected]

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SHARE THE PODCAST WITH YOUR FRIENDS WHO ARE 'SEVERANCE' FANS. THE SHOW GROWS THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH!!

Needing your own copies of the Lexington Letter and Orientation Booklet? I've got you covered with downloadable PDFs of both documents:

LETTER: LEXINGTONLETTER-TheLetter.pdf
HANDBOOK: LEXINGTONLETTER-MDROrientationHandbook.pdf

You haven't completely watched 'Severance' until you've listened to 'Se...

Drop a note to Allen S. right here. (Can't respond...sorry.)SORRY TO BOTHER YOU AT HOME, REFINER…
This was just too good to keep. I didn't think I could wait until the next time you were down on the Severed Floor. On June 10th, 2024, Apple held it's annual Worldwide Developer's Conference. As part of the welcome, they debuted a promotional video teasing upcoming series and movies available during the fall season. THERE WERE 12 NEW SECONDS OF 'SEVERANCE' FOOTAGE IN THIS PROMOTION!! 

This is a detailed breakdown of those 12 seconds. There's a lot more there than you might think!! Enjoy, Refiner, and be watching for Part Two of "Being John Malkovich" in the "Severed: Origins" series. 

Huge thanks to Adam Scott, star of 'Severance' and host of the Severance Podcast for recording a custom intro for "Severed." Make sure to check out 'The Severance Podcast w/Ben Stiller & Adam Scott" wherever you found this one!Support the showAPPLE PODCAST LISTENERS: If you are enjoying "Severed: The Ultimate 'Severance' Podcast" please make sure to leave a 5-star rating (and, if you want, a review telling others to give it a try). Higher rated podcasts get better placement in suggestion lists. It helps more "Severance" fans find the show. Thanks!!!

Season 2 of "Severance" is underway as of 1/17/2025. New episodes are released at 9E/8C on Thursday evening through the end of March. Join the 'Severed' Patreon page for new episode chatroom viewing parties every Thursday night. (www.patreon.com/SeveredPod)

Join the fun on our Facebook page @SeveredPod. Throughout this very exciting Season Two, I'll try to keep you updated on news about the show.

Also, let's talk!! Comments? Theories? Corrections? I LOVE 'EM!! Send to: [email protected]

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SHARE THE PODCAST WITH YOUR FRIENDS WHO ARE 'SEVERANCE' FANS. THE SHOW GROWS THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH!!

Needing your own copies of the Lexington Letter and Orientation Booklet? I've got you covered with downloadable PDFs of both documents:

LETTER: LEXINGTONLETTER-TheLetter.pdf
HANDBOOK: LEXINGTONLETTER-MDROrientationHandbook.pdf

You haven't completely watched 'Severance' until you've listened to 'Se...

Drop a note to Allen S. right here. (Can't respond...sorry.)WELCOME BACK, REFINER! TIME FOR MORE "SEVERED: ORIGINS"!
This week, we're beginning a voyage into the mind....of John Malkovich. It's time to break down the notorious and infamous "Being John Malkovich" from 1999. Dan Erickson has mentioned this as one of his inspirations while creating "Severance." It's easy to see the questions about 'self' and who is in control raised by this movie. John Malkovich also has literal 'innies' who inhabit his consciousness...but only for fifteen minutes.

This time, in Part One, we're going to meet a 'happy' couple: Craig and Lotte Schwartz. She works at a pet store, he's a professional puppeteer. Stop snickering! He's devoted to his craft, and he's REALLY good at it...he's just not always the most appropriate. We see Craig get punched in the face thanks to the randy antics of his 12th Century puppets.

Due to the current "wintry economic climate" Craig agrees he should go find a job...and not necessarily as a puppeteer.  Craig finds LesterCorp, a professional file management service. Craig's incredibly strong marionette fingers make him great when it comes to high-speed precision filing. It's while working at LesterCorp that Craig both meets the alluring Maxine and discovers a portal into the head and consciousness of actor John Malkovich.

This time we are going to meet the gang and get hired at LesterCorp. We'll follow things in Part One right up to the point where Craig discovers the portal. So, Refiner, if you're ready, it's time to open the "Severed: Origins" file called "Being John Malkovich."Huge thanks to Adam Scott, star of 'Severance' and host of the Severance Podcast for recording a custom intro for "Severed." Make sure to check out 'The Severance Podcast w/Ben Stiller & Adam Scott" wherever you found this one!Support the showAPPLE PODCAST LISTENERS: If you are enjoying "Severed: The Ultimate 'Severance' Podcast" please make sure to leave a 5-star rating (and, if you want, a review telling others to give it a try). Higher rated podcasts get better placement in suggestion lists. It helps more "Severance" fans find the show. Thanks!!!

Season 2 of "Severance" is underway as of 1/17/2025. New episodes are released at 9E/8C on Thursday evening through the end of March. Join the 'Severed' Patreon page for new episode chatroom viewing parties every Thursday night. (www.patreon.com/SeveredPod)

Join the fun on our Facebook page @SeveredPod. Throughout this very exciting Season Two, I'll try to keep you updated on news about the show.

Also, let's talk!! Comments? Theories? Corrections? I LOVE 'EM!! Send to: [email protected]

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SHARE THE PODCAST WITH YOUR FRIENDS WHO ARE 'SEVERANCE' FANS. THE SHOW GROWS THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH!!

Needing your own copies of the Lexington Letter and Orientation Booklet? I've got you covered with downloadable PDFs of both documents:

LETTER: LEXINGTONLETTER-TheLetter.pdf
HANDBOOK: LEXINGTONLETTER-MDROrientationHandbook.pdf

You haven't completely watched 'Severance' until you've listened to 'Se...

Drop a note to Allen S. right here. (Can't respond...sorry.)WELCOME BACK, REFINER!! 
Ready for more "Black Mirror" weirdness?? It's time to jump right back into the twisted mind of Charlie Brooker and his "Black Mirror" episode called "White Christmas"? Is it a Christmas Special? Is it a dark and twisted look at the future of Social Media? Is it a Crime Drama with a twist? Turns out, it's all three.

This time, in Part Two, we will be FINISHING the "White Christmas" episode. We're going to discover the future of 'Cookies'...turns out they get a whole lot smarter than they are now. We'll also have a lot more fun with Z-eyes and 'blocking.' Grab a snow globe and a slice of slightly underdone toast...it's time to once again open the file called "White Christmas."Huge thanks to Adam Scott, star of 'Severance' and host of the Severance Podcast for recording a custom intro for "Severed." Make sure to check out 'The Severance Podcast w/Ben Stiller & Adam Scott" wherever you found this one!Support the showAPPLE PODCAST LISTENERS: If you are enjoying "Severed: The Ultimate 'Severance' Podcast" please make sure to leave a 5-star rating (and, if you want, a review telling others to give it a try). Higher rated podcasts get better placement in suggestion lists. It helps more "Severance" fans find the show. Thanks!!!

Season 2 of "Severance" is underway as of 1/17/2025. New episodes are released at 9E/8C on Thursday evening through the end of March. Join the 'Severed' Patreon page for new episode chatroom viewing parties every Thursday night. (www.patreon.com/SeveredPod)

Join the fun on our Facebook page @SeveredPod. Throughout this very exciting Season Two, I'll try to keep you updated on news about the show.

Also, let's talk!! Comments? Theories? Corrections? I LOVE 'EM!! Send to: [email protected]

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SHARE THE PODCAST WITH YOUR FRIENDS WHO ARE 'SEVERANCE' FANS. THE SHOW GROWS THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH!!

Needing your own copies of the Lexington Letter and Orientation Booklet? I've got you covered with downloadable PDFs of both documents:

LETTER: LEXINGTONLETTER-TheLetter.pdf
HANDBOOK: LEXINGTONLETTER-MDROrientationHandbook.pdf

You haven't completely watched 'Severance' until you've listened to 'Se...

Drop a note to Allen S. right here. (Can't respond...sorry.)HAPPY HOLIDAYS, REFINERS!! WELCOME BACK TO 'SEVERED'!! Ever wonder what it would be like to spend Christmas in a tiny cabin in a blizzard with John Hamm? Find out in this latest episode of "Severed: Origins." We're breaking down the incredible 'Christmas' Episode of the Black Mirror Anthology Series called "White Christmas." It's freaky all the way around. It's easy to see why it was an inspiration for Dan Erickson during his creation of 'Severance.'

This time out in Part One, we get some background on Charlie Brooker and the amazing British/Netflix series "Black Mirror." We also get into the cabin with Matt and Joe. That Matt's a talkative one! We'll find out his story this week. He's got a harrowing tale to tell about young Harry and a date gone wrong. Huge thanks to Adam Scott, star of 'Severance' and host of the Severance Podcast for recording a custom intro for "Severed." Make sure to check out 'The Severance Podcast w/Ben Stiller & Adam Scott" wherever you found this one!Support the showAPPLE PODCAST LISTENERS: If you are enjoying "Severed: The Ultimate 'Severance' Podcast" please make sure to leave a 5-star rating (and, if you want, a review telling others to give it a try). Higher rated podcasts get better placement in suggestion lists. It helps more "Severance" fans find the show. Thanks!!!

Season 2 of "Severance" is underway as of 1/17/2025. New episodes are released at 9E/8C on Thursday evening through the end of March. Join the 'Severed' Patreon page for new episode chatroom viewing parties every Thursday night. (www.patreon.com/SeveredPod)

Join the fun on our Facebook page @SeveredPod. Throughout this very exciting Season Two, I'll try to keep you updated on news about the show.

Also, let's talk!! Comments? Theories? Corrections? I LOVE 'EM!! Send to: [email protected]

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SHARE THE PODCAST WITH YOUR FRIENDS WHO ARE 'SEVERANCE' FANS. THE SHOW GROWS THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH!!

Needing your own copies of the Lexington Letter and Orientation Booklet? I've got you covered with downloadable PDFs of both documents:

LETTER: LEXINGTONLETTER-TheLetter.pdf
HANDBOOK: LEXINGTONLETTER-MDROrientationHandbook.pdf

You haven't completely watched 'Severance' until you've listened to 'Se...

Drop a note to Allen S. right here. (Can't respond...sorry.)WELCOME BACK, REFINER!! IT'S TIME FOR MORE SEVERED!!
Well, better late than never, right Refiner?? This week, "Severed: Origins" is finally taking some time to break down the weird little document Red Hour released a month after the premier of the show: "The Lexington Letter". It was presented as a whistleblower letter written by a Severed Employee working at the Topeka, KS location of Lumon Industries. It contained a few clues, but it was REALLY another attempt on the part of the producers to explain the Severance Procedure. They were just sure the viewing public was too dumb to figure it out (TV Execs have traditionally believed they are smarter than the average population...this would be why most of TV is SO dumb.)

This piece was rushed. Several folks who read it early on were quick to comment how poorly written it was compared to the series. It's true, and we're going to get into the logic holes, the HUGE continuity errors and the impossible timeline. There are a few details and reveals...but they are buried amidst a LOT of badly constructed narrative.

If you've been with me this far, you know I LOVE "Severance." Don't be shocked, but I DON'T love the "Lexington Letter." I've tried to reign in the snark, but it's upsetting to see such a poorly conceived and badly written creative piece tied to such a cool show.  Verbal slaps about the authors' head and shoulders were unavoidable. -Allen S.

NEEDING THE LEXINGTON LETTER?? Here it is, in two docs...
LEXINGTONLETTER-TheLetter.pdf
LEXINGTONLETTER-MDROrientationHandbook.pdf


Huge thanks to Adam Scott, star of 'Severance' and host of the Severance Podcast for recording a custom intro for "Severed." Make sure to check out 'The Severance Podcast w/Ben Stiller & Adam Scott" wherever you found this one!Support the showAPPLE PODCAST LISTENERS: If you are enjoying "Severed: The Ultimate 'Severance' Podcast" please make sure to leave a 5-star rating (and, if you want, a review telling others to give it a try). Higher rated podcasts get better placement in suggestion lists. It helps more "Severance" fans find the show. Thanks!!!

Season 2 of "Severance" is underway as of 1/17/2025. New episodes are released at 9E/8C on Thursday evening through the end of March. Join the 'Severed' Patreon page for new episode chatroom viewing parties every Thursday night. (www.patreon.com/SeveredPod)

Join the fun on our Facebook page @SeveredPod. Throughout this very exciting Season Two, I'll try to keep you updated on news about the show.

Also, let's talk!! Comments? Theories? Corrections? I LOVE 'EM!! Send to: [email protected]

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SHARE THE PODCAST WITH YOUR FRIENDS WHO ARE 'SEVERANCE' FANS. THE SHOW GROWS THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH!!

Needing your own copies of the Lexington Letter and Orientation Booklet? I've got you covered with downloadable PDFs of both documents:

LETTER: LEXINGTONLETTER-TheLetter.pdf
HANDBOOK: LEXINGTONLETTER-MDROrientationHandbook.pdf

You haven't completely watched 'Severance' until you've listened to 'Se...

Drop a note to Allen S. right here. (Can't respond...sorry.)WELCOME BACK, REFINER!! READY TO JUMP INTO A VOLCANO?
So glad to have you along for the exciting conclusion of "Joe versus The Volcano." Last time we were just about to board the "Tweedle-Dee" and head for the fictional island of Waponi-Woo.

This time, we hit the water for some fishing...and falling in love...and falling overboard. It's a very eventful trip. Joe and Patricia (Angelica's half-sister) do finally make it to the island of Waponi-Woo. Joe is ready to fulfill his obligation, until Patricia decides she wants to marry him. And, of course, this all happens on the lip of an active volcano. It's pretty crazy.

THIS IS PART TWO: Make sure to check out Part One first. It should be available wherever you found this. Also, if you're wanting to watch "Joe vs. The Volcano" spoiler- free DO NOT LISTEN!! HUGE SPOILERS WITHIN!! Come back after viewing. You can either rent or buy digital versions of "Joe vs. The Volcano" on Amazon Video. Huge thanks to Adam Scott, star of 'Severance' and host of the Severance Podcast for recording a custom intro for "Severed." Make sure to check out 'The Severance Podcast w/Ben Stiller & Adam Scott" wherever you found this one!Support the showAPPLE PODCAST LISTENERS: If you are enjoying "Severed: The Ultimate 'Severance' Podcast" please make sure to leave a 5-star rating (and, if you want, a review telling others to give it a try). Higher rated podcasts get better placement in suggestion lists. It helps more "Severance" fans find the show. Thanks!!!

Season 2 of "Severance" is underway as of 1/17/2025. New episodes are released at 9E/8C on Thursday evening through the end of March. Join the 'Severed' Patreon page for new episode chatroom viewing parties every Thursday night. (www.patreon.com/SeveredPod)

Join the fun on our Facebook page @SeveredPod. Throughout this very exciting Season Two, I'll try to keep you updated on news about the show.

Also, let's talk!! Comments? Theories? Corrections? I LOVE 'EM!! Send to: [email protected]

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SHARE THE PODCAST WITH YOUR FRIENDS WHO ARE 'SEVERANCE' FANS. THE SHOW GROWS THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH!!

Needing your own copies of the Lexington Letter and Orientation Booklet? I've got you covered with downloadable PDFs of both documents:

LETTER: LEXINGTONLETTER-TheLetter.pdf
HANDBOOK: LEXINGTONLETTER-MDROrientationHandbook.pdf

You haven't completely watched 'Severance' until you've listened to 'Se...

Drop a note to Allen S. right here. (Can't respond...sorry.)WELCOME BACK TO THE SEVERED FLOOR, REFINERS!
Our look at those things that inspired Dan Erickson as he was creating 'Severance' continues!! This time out, we're breaking down the 1990 fairy-tale Rom-com "Joe vs. The Volcano." It stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in their FIRST movie together! It was also written and directed by Oscar and Pulitzer prize-winning writer, John Patrick Shanley. With a pedigree like that, you'd think it would be a better movie! Then again, maybe it's just misunderstood. We're going to delve deeply into it to find out which.

This is Part ONE. We get about halfway through the movie. Be watching for Part TWO when we will finish it up with a big plunge into a Volcano (and, yes, SPOILERS for 'Joe vs. The Volcano!).

Huge thanks to Adam Scott, star of 'Severance' and host of the Severance Podcast for recording a custom intro for "Severed." Make sure to check out 'The Severance Podcast w/Ben Stiller & Adam Scott" wherever you found this one!Support the showAPPLE PODCAST LISTENERS: If you are enjoying "Severed: The Ultimate 'Severance' Podcast" please make sure to leave a 5-star rating (and, if you want, a review telling others to give it a try). Higher rated podcasts get better placement in suggestion lists. It helps more "Severance" fans find the show. Thanks!!!

Season 2 of "Severance" is underway as of 1/17/2025. New episodes are released at 9E/8C on Thursday evening through the end of March. Join the 'Severed' Patreon page for new episode chatroom viewing parties every Thursday night. (www.patreon.com/SeveredPod)

Join the fun on our Facebook page @SeveredPod. Throughout this very exciting Season Two, I'll try to keep you updated on news about the show.

Also, let's talk!! Comments? Theories? Corrections? I LOVE 'EM!! Send to: [email protected]

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SHARE THE PODCAST WITH YOUR FRIENDS WHO ARE 'SEVERANCE' FANS. THE SHOW GROWS THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH!!

Needing your own copies of the Lexington Letter and Orientation Booklet? I've got you covered with downloadable PDFs of both documents:

LETTER: LEXINGTONLETTER-TheLetter.pdf
HANDBOOK: LEXINGTONLETTER-MDROrientationHandbook.pdf

You haven't completely watched 'Severance' until you've listened to 'Se...

SORRY TO BOTHER YOU AT HOME, REFINERS!!
I wouldn't have initiated the OTC if this were not something important. Make sure to check out the latest information about the Second Season of 'Severance'.

Huge thanks to Adam Scott, star of 'Severance' and host of the Severance Podcast for recording a custom intro for "Severed." Make sure to check out 'The Severance Podcast w/Ben Stiller & Adam Scott" wherever you found this one!

Support the Podcast on Patreon! (Click Here)

APPLE PODCAST LISTENERS: If you are enjoying "Severed: The Ultimate 'Severance' Podcast" please make sure to leave a 5-star rating (and, if you want, a review telling others to give it a try). Higher rated podcasts get better placement in suggestion lists. It helps more "Severance" fans find the show. Thanks!!!

Season 2 of "Severance" is underway as of 1/17/2025. New episodes are released at 9E/8C on Thursday evening through the end of March. Join the 'Severed' Patreon page for new episode chatroom viewing parties every Thursday night. (www.patreon.com/SeveredPod)

Join the fun on our Facebook page @SeveredPod. Throughout this very exciting Season Two, I'll try to keep you updated on news about the show.

Also, let's talk!! Comments? Theories? Corrections? I LOVE 'EM!! Send to: [email protected]

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SHARE THE PODCAST WITH YOUR FRIENDS WHO ARE 'SEVERANCE' FANS. THE SHOW GROWS THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH!!

Needing your own copies of the Lexington Letter and Orientation Booklet? I've got you covered with downloadable PDFs of both documents:

LETTER: LEXINGTONLETTER-TheLetter.pdf
HANDBOOK: LEXINGTONLETTER-MDROrientationHandbook.pdf

You haven't completely watched 'Severance' until you've listened to 'Severed'.

IT'S TIME TO END THIS THING, REFINERS!!
Our three part "Truman Show" Origins Odyssey is about to come to an end. Truman's freakout is in full bloom. He crossed the bridge!! (This may or may not mean he has fixed his inner soul).  There's a nuclear plant meltdown, a forest fire and a fugitive escapee in the woods...and that's all in the first 20 minutes of this final Opus.

Meryl must bid us a fond farewell...but don't worry. Christof has found another young actress willing to sleep with the star of the show. We'll meet her, too! 

Oh, and yes, we'll finally have a chance to really sit down with Christof, the creator of "The Truman Show" and the gang in the Lunar Room.  

Truman may have given up on trying to escape...or, maybe, it's his most stunning plot yet!! There comes a time when problems can't be fixed with a beer...but, until that time, we've got Marlon on stand-by with a sixer of Penn Pavel's.

So, if you're ready, it's time to stroll the lovely streets of Seahaven for the final time. 

Huge thanks to Adam Scott, star of 'Severance' and host of the Severance Podcast for recording a custom intro for "Severed." Make sure to check out 'The Severance Podcast w/Ben Stiller & Adam Scott" wherever you found this one!

Support the Podcast on Patreon! (Click Here)

APPLE PODCAST LISTENERS: If you are enjoying "Severed: The Ultimate 'Severance' Podcast" please make sure to leave a 5-star rating (and, if you want, a review telling others to give it a try). Higher rated podcasts get better placement in suggestion lists. It helps more "Severance" fans find the show. Thanks!!!

Season 2 of "Severance" is underway as of 1/17/2025. New episodes are released at 9E/8C on Thursday evening through the end of March. Join the 'Severed' Patreon page for new episode chatroom viewing parties every Thursday night. (www.patreon.com/SeveredPod)

Join the fun on our Facebook page @SeveredPod. Throughout this very exciting Season Two, I'll try to keep you updated on news about the show.

Also, let's talk!! Comments? Theories? Corrections? I LOVE 'EM!! Send to: [email protected]

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SHARE THE PODCAST WITH YOUR FRIENDS WHO ARE 'SEVERANCE' FANS. THE SHOW GROWS THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH!!

Needing your own copies of the Lexington Letter and Orientation Booklet? I've got you covered with downloadable PDFs of both documents:

LETTER: LEXINGTONLETTER-TheLetter.pdf
HANDBOOK: LEXINGTONLETTER-MDROrientationHandbook.pdf

You haven't completely watched 'Severance' until you've listened to 'Severed'.