SEVERANCE SEASON 2 EPISODE 9: A TURNING POINT FOR MISS HUANG
Miss Huang is sent away from her job at Lumon, but her departure marks the beginning of troubling times based on the company's disconcerting history.
Sarah Bock's character, Miss Huang, introduced as the new deputy manager on the Severed Floor, continues to unravel as viewers learn more about her unsettling role within the controversial workplace. Her participation is part of the Wintertide Fellowship, which the show reveals to be associated with child internships. The recent episode, season 2, episode 9, not only ends with Miss Huang's Wintertide Fellowship but also raises serious concerns about the implications of her premature termination from the program.
Mr. Milchick, played by Tramell Tillman, announces the conclusion of her fellowship with alarming finality. He presents her with a bust of Jame Eagan's head, recognizing her completion of the program with the somewhat macabre gesture of smashing her ring toss game as her "material sacrifice."
She is then informed by Milchick, "Your bed will be moved from your parents' home to the Gunnel Eagan Empathy Center in Svalbard, where you will work to steward global reforms." This abrupt announcement leaves Miss Huang visibly shocked, as she believed her fellowship would last through the quarter.
To make matters worse, Milchick tells her she will catch the shuttle at Lumon later the same night, effectively cutting her off from her family and forcing her to depart without the chance to say goodbye. It's mentioned, too, how he will move her bed, indicating complete separation from her childhood home. Sarah Bock, portraying Miss Huang, conveys the character's confusion and terror, describing her as "a scared and helpless kid who doesn’t know what is coming."
Harmony Cobel's fate acts as dark foreshadowing for Miss Huang's future. Cobel had also gone through the Wintertide Fellowship, rising through Lumon's ranks to become the manager of the Severed Floor, yet her history is riddled with exploitation. Evidence indicating Lumon's engagement with child labor highlights the disturbing trends the series unveils.
While Miss Huang retains some power as deputy manager, it is evident her connection to the company has sinister elements, mirroring Cobel's unsettling rise within the organization.
Throughout the episode, Miss Huang's companionship with her peers, particularly Dylan, adds another layer of intricacy to these unsettling dynamics. Dylan, who experiences his struggles and romantic heartache amid workplace tensions, faces significant decisions about his future. His proposed marriage to Gretchen complicates matters when she reveals her kiss with another version of him out of this reality. This leads to Dylan filing his resignation request, conveying the emotional weight of their interactions.
Miss Huang sheepishly admits to Dylan, "I should've facilitatedbetter," highlighting her awareness of the stakes involved. Her recognition of her own shortcomings casts additional light on her character dynamic within Lumon.
Meanwhile, Jame Eagan's authoritative stance looms large over the episode. The episode opens with his peculiar breakfast interaction with his daughter Helena, where he says, "I wish you take them raw," during her meal. The oddity of such dialogue serves to fortify the narrative's unsettling tone, foreshadowing the disturbing actions expected from him.
Jame's sudden appearance on the severed floor emphasizes the unpredictability of his character. Spotting Helly, he makes the cryptic statement, "You tricked me. My Helly," eliciting concern and suspicion about his motives and capabilities. Such actions prompt the audience to question the dynamics of power within the Lumon ecosystem.
This disconcerting atmosphere leads the audience through various character arcs, particularly highlighting each of their leaps of faith as they prepare to navigate the unknowns of their futures. Episode 9, titled "The After Hours", features characters desperately trying to concoct plans to escape or save loved ones from the company.
Irving's plight continues to intertwine with Miss Huang's; he grapples with his decision to stay or leave after confronting Burt about his sinister past at Lumon. Their encounter escalates when Burt indicates the dangers of remaining at Lumon and hands Irving a one-way ticket, adding depth to this emotional farewell.
With this background, Season 2 of Severance digs deep as it merges revelations, complex character developments, and the chilling narrative surrounding Lumon. The series delves boldly and thoughtfully through themes of childhood exploitation and hierarchy, asking the audience whether these innocent characters can find their way free from the clutches of Lumon's distorted realities.
Episode 9 hints at many unresolved fates, with character hardships and conclusions bound to grow ripe with tension as the season draws to its gripping finish. The finale awaits on March 21, 2025.