Severance Season 2, Episode 5: Unpacking the Intrigue and Mysteries of "Trojan’s Horse"
After the explosive revelations of Severance Season 2, Episode 4, the series continues to delve deeper into the complexities of Lumon Industries and its severed employees in Episode 5, titled “Trojan’s Horse.” The episode picks up in the aftermath of Irving’s (John Turturro) dismissal and the exposure of Outie Helena Eagan’s infiltration of the Severed floor. Mark (Adam Scott), Helly (Britt Lower), and Dylan (Zach Cherry) are grappling with the fallout of their corporate retreat gone horribly wrong, while Milchick (Tramell Tillman) receives a chilling performance review that leaves him unsettled. This week’s episode is a masterclass in suspense, character development, and subtle clues that keep viewers theorizing long after the credits roll.
The episode opens with a mysterious figure whistling a haunting melody—a rendition of Gordon Lightfoot’s “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” This unidentified Lumon employee, pushing a silver cart, becomes the latest enigma in Severance’s already intricate puzzle. His song choice isn’t arbitrary; it could hint at Lumon’s ties to water, perhaps even the Great Lakes, given the shipwreck’s setting. Director Ben Stiller’s admiration for Lightfoot’s work is well-known, but the song’s placement here feels deliberate, leaving fans to wonder if there’s a deeper connection between the lyrics and Lumon’s cryptic plans. Additionally, the man’s high-status black keycard and his destination—the testing floor—raise questions about his role and purpose. Is he monitoring Mark, or is he part of something larger? Theories abound, and like so much of Severance, the answers remain just out of reach.
The episode also delves into the emotional toll on the severed employees. Irving’s funeral serves as a poignant moment for the team to process their grief and betrayal, but it’s clear that healing won’t come easily. Mark and Helly’s strained relationship takes center stage as they struggle to reconnect, their bond fractured by the events of the retreat. Meanwhile, Natalie (Sydney Cole Alexander) and Milchick’s tense dynamic reaches a boiling point. Natalie, tasked with creating an innie-specific version of The You You Are, confronts Milchick about the emotions stirred by the newly reimagined Kier paintings featuring a Black Kier. Their exchange is a nuanced exploration of identity, privilege, and the emotional labor required to navigate Lumon’s oppressive workplace culture. Natalie’s struggle to maintain her composure, coupled with her brief, telling lapse, suggests there’s more to her story—and her loyalty to Lumon—than meets the eye.
One of the most compelling aspects of Severance is its attention to detail, and Episode 5 is no exception. Viewers with a sharp eye will notice Easter eggs in the opening credits, such as the blue mugs with Irving’s face, which first appeared in the updated Season 2 sequence. These mugs, revealed in the episode, serve as a reminder of Irving’s enduring impact on the team. Additionally, the medication and juice shots Mark ingests are now tied to the opening credits, with one bottle featuring a tiny version of Mark himself. These subtle visual cues are a testament to the show’s meticulous craftsmanship and its commitment to rewarding close attention.
The episode also expands on Lumon’s influence beyond the office. Mark’s discovery of Gemma’s ashes in his basement raises chilling questions about Lumon’s reach into the personal lives of its employees. Reghabi’s casual revelation that Lumon has connections at the morgue underscores the company’s pervasive control, leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit of power. This extends to the mysterious Testing Floor, where the whistling man’s activities remain shrouded in mystery. His purpose, much like the tools he so carefully gathers, is still unknown, but his presence adds another layer to the growing intrigue surrounding Lumon’s experiments.
Finally, no discussion of Episode 5 would be complete without mentioning the Gråkappan. In a rare moment of honesty, Milchick recounts the Swedish legend of a king who disguised himself to understand his people’s suffering, comparing it to Helena’s actions. While the story might seem like another one of Milchick’s infamous lies, its parallels to Kier Eagan’s own practices are striking. It’s a fitting metaphor for the episode’s themes of identity, power, and the blurred lines between truth and fiction.
In short, Severance Season 2, Episode 5, is a gripping and thought-provoking chapter in the series. With its blend of emotional depth, cryptic clues, and masterful storytelling, it keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next revelation. Whether you’re dissecting the symbolism of Gordon Lightfoot’s song, theorizing about the whistling man’s identity, or unpacking the complexities of Natalie and Milchick’s dynamic, one thing is clear: Severance is a show that demands—and rewards—your full attention.
