The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott
Episode: S2E5: Trojan's Horse (with Michael Chernus)
Release Date: February 14, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Severance Podcast, hosts Ben Stiller and Adam Scott delve deep into Season 2, Episode 5 titled "Trojan's Horse." Joined by special guest Michael Chernus, who portrays the multifaceted character Rickon, the trio unpacks the intricate narratives, character developments, and thematic elements that continue to make Severance a standout series.

Guest Introduction: Michael Chernus as Rickon

Michael Chernus brings a nuanced portrayal of Rickon, blending humor with profound emotional depth. He discusses the balancing act required to maintain Rickon's eccentricity while grounding him in the show's more serious undertones.

Michael Chernus (07:11): "I think he's a representation of one subsect of the population... I'm interested to see who the anti Rickon is in this world."

Character Analysis: Rickon

Rickon serves as both a comedic relief and a window into the "Outie" world of Severance. Michael explores Rickon's role as a self-help guru whose writings, though genre-specific, contain genuine nuggets of truth. The conversation highlights Rickon's complexities, including his desire to be liked—a trait mirrored by Michael himself as an actor.

Michael Chernus (14:39): "I'm giving as much dimensionality to him as possible. I'm not considering him a joke, even if somebody else does."

Episode Plot Breakdown: "Trojan's Horse"

The episode centers around Rickon's moral dilemma involving his self-help book potentially being used as a tool for corporate propaganda by Lumen. This internal conflict is juxtaposed with the fallout from previous episodes, including the return of Helena and the bereavement ceremony for Irving.

Ben Stiller (24:32): "Lumen hurts people. You know that. And if you want to water down your work so they can use it for their fucking propaganda, then you're hurting people too."

Key Scenes and Filmmaking Insights

Ben and Adam discuss pivotal scenes, such as the belated bereavement ceremony and the emotionally charged conversation between Rickon and Devin. Michael shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes, including the challenges of portraying Rickon's thorny relationships and the meticulous effort in filming scenes that seamlessly toggle between the "Innie" and "Outie" personas.

Michael Chernus (12:08): "The scene was such a dance between us... trying to keep it together and not be found out."

Character Relationships and Dynamics

The podcast delves into the evolving relationships between characters, notably the strained trust between Mark and Helly after revelations in earlier episodes. The hosts analyze how these dynamics influence the broader narrative, emphasizing themes of trust, betrayal, and reintegration.

Adam Scott (44:45): "She's like, what the fuck? I'm just like, no one... everybody's sort of off in their own world."

Themes and Moral Conundrums

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the moral implications of Rickon's choices and the overarching corporate manipulations by Lumen. The hosts and Michael dissect the philosophical questions posed by the episode, pondering the ethical boundaries of self-help in a controlled corporate environment.

Michael Chernus (24:26): "It's completely a moral decision... that wrestling with himself, I think is really interesting."

Predictions and Fan Engagement

Wrapping up the episode, Zach Cherry makes a humorous prediction about Rickon's future endeavors, suggesting he might enter a music competition. This segment not only entertains but also engages fans, encouraging them to participate by submitting their own predictions.

Zach Cherry (66:07): "Dylan's going to start taking voice lessons and will sound a little something like this. La la la la la."

Conclusion

Ben and Adam conclude the episode by reiterating the emotional depth and storytelling prowess of Severance. They reflect on the importance of grounding surreal narratives in genuine human emotions, ensuring the audience remains invested in Mark's journey amidst the show's intricate plot twists.

Adam Scott (63:05): "That was the most impactful part of that whole sequence was the fact that, oh, wait, this is gonna take an emotional toll on Mark."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben Stiller (01:04): "In fact, with Confluence, teams can see a 5.2% average boost in productivity in one year."
• Michael Chernus (07:37): "Jen is extraordinary. She's so smart, she's very funny, and yet everything comes off so grounded."
• Adam Scott (14:11): "And maybe that's a good thing, that people are kind of put off by him at first."

Final Thoughts

This episode offers listeners an in-depth exploration of Severance's latest developments, enriched by Michael Chernus's insights and the hosts' engaging analysis. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the series, this podcast episode provides valuable perspectives that enhance your understanding and appreciation of the show's complex narrative tapestry.

Stay tuned for the next episode of The Severance Podcast, where Ben and Adam continue their journey through Season 2, Episode 6. Don't forget to rate and review the podcast on your favorite platform!