The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott: Season 2, Episode 1 – "Hello Ms. Cobel" (with Tramell Tillman)

Overview

In the premiere episode of Season 2, titled "Hello Ms. Cobel," Ben Stiller and Adam Scott delve into the latest developments of the Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning TV show Severance. This episode offers an in-depth, behind-the-scenes exploration of the new season’s first episode, featuring special insights from Tramell Tillman, who portrays the enigmatic Mr. Milchick. The hosts also introduce exciting new segments and engage with fans through their newly launched hotline.

Season 2 Premiere Breakdown: "Hello Ms. Cobel"

Ben Stiller and Adam Scott kick off the discussion by reflecting on the anticipation surrounding the season's return. Ben shares his thoughts on maintaining energy and raising the stakes after a significant cliffhanger from Season 1:

Ben Stiller [05:09]: "We want to come back with some energy."

Adam echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the collaborative effort in crafting the new episode:

Adam Scott [05:32]: "It was a great collaboration between Jessica Lee Gagne, Jeremy Hindle, and the entire production team."

The hosts dissect key scenes from the episode, particularly the intense hallway sequence where Mark attempts to locate his wife, Audi:

Ben Stiller [06:16]: "Let's tell everybody this is gonna be a little bit more jacked up, a little more energy, a little more. The stakes are a little bit higher."

They discuss the intricate production logistics involved in filming complex scenes, highlighting the challenges and creative solutions the team employed:

Ben Stiller [07:52]: "We shot those 10 different pieces over a period of what would you say, five months?"

Adam adds a humorous take on the episode’s mathematical breakdown of productivity improvements:

Adam Scott [01:04]: "So that would equal out, like, if we're playing with, like, let's just say 100%, 5.2 of those percentage points. Yeah, that's the improvement."

Interview with Tramell Tillman: Portraying Mr. Milchick

A significant portion of the episode features an engaging interview with Tramell Tillman, who discusses his portrayal of Mr. Milchick. Tramell delves into the complexity of his character, exploring the ethical ambiguities and personal motivations that drive Mr. Milchick's actions within Lumen Industries.

Tramell Tillman [36:24]: "For me, finding a way in was really finding depth and connection with the Inners. And as long as I can get some idea of trust with them, if I can get them to play along, I'm winning."

Tramell shares his journey as an actor, transitioning from a shy individual to a dynamic performer, and how his background influenced his role:

Tramell Tillman [38:24]: "I grew up in the church in Landover, Maryland... Something just connected for me. I had one line in one direction. I was supposed to say hi and sit on the couch. And when I did, something just lit in me and I said, this is amazing. This is so much fun."

The discussion touches on the unique challenges Tramell faced while filming intense scenes, including his first day on set:

Tramell Tillman [60:05]: "I had to walk over the wrong ladder, but make it look like I was not walking through the wrong ladder. Of course, it was choreographed in such a way that I had to lead, but stay with John, even though he's behind me."

Tramell also reflects on the depth of his character’s motivations and the subtle nuances that make Mr. Milchick both intimidating and relatable:

Tramell Tillman [44:33]: "And so for me, finding a way in was really finding depth and connection with the Innies... How does Milchick buy into that? There's a doctrine, there's a philosophy, there's a history that he really attaches himself to that empowers him in some way."

Behind-the-Scenes Insights

Ben and Adam provide listeners with a glimpse into the technical aspects of producing Severance. They discuss the use of pre-visualization (previs) in planning complex scenes and the meticulous coordination required among the cinematography, production design, and visual effects teams:

Ben Stiller [09:30]: "It's like, yeah, this sort of, like, bad animation that then you work off of as a template and then figure out how you do the different parts of the shots."

Tramell shares anecdotes about working with seasoned actors like John Turturro and the camaraderie on set that helps navigate the demanding filming schedule:

Tramell Tillman [60:37]: "And Jon got wind of my frazzle, and he said, just relax, just breathe. You got it?"

New Segments and Fan Engagement

The hosts introduce a new segment where Zach Cherry, who plays Dylan, will offer his predictions for upcoming episodes. They also announce a hotline (212-830-3816) where fans can submit questions, some of which may be featured and answered on future podcast episodes.

Adam Scott [03:27]: "We've got a brand new segment for season two. At the end of every episode, Zack Cherry is gonna give us his own predictions for what happens in the following week's episode."

Concluding Thoughts and Teasers

As the episode wraps up, Ben and Adam reflect on the ongoing mysteries of Severance, teasing future discussions with creator Dan Erickson and anticipated plot developments. They maintain a balance of humor and intrigue, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more in-depth analyses and exclusive content.

Ben Stiller [73:19]: "If you like the show, be sure to rate and review this podcast on Apple Podcasts, the Audysee app, or your other podcast platform of choice."

Key Takeaways

• Character Development: Tramell Tillman provides a deep dive into Mr. Milchick’s complex character, highlighting his ethical struggles and personal motivations within Lumen Industries.

• Production Challenges: The hosts discuss the elaborate planning and coordination required to film intricate scenes, emphasizing the collaborative effort of the entire production team.

• Fan Interaction: Introduction of new podcast segments and the hotline fosters a stronger connection with the fanbase, enhancing the overall engagement experience.

• Future Episodes: Teasers about upcoming discussions and predictions keep listeners eagerly anticipating the unfolding of Season 2’s storyline.

Notable Quotes

• Ben Stiller [06:16]: "Let's tell everybody this is gonna be a little bit more jacked up, a little more energy, a little more. The stakes are a little bit higher."

• Adam Scott [05:32]: "It was a great collaboration between Jessica Lee Gagne, Jeremy Hindle, and the entire production team."

• Tramell Tillman [36:24]: "For me, finding a way in was really finding depth and connection with the Inners."

• Ben Stiller [09:30]: "This is like bad animation that then you work off as a template."

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the Season 2 premiere episode of The Severance Podcast, offering insights into the show's progression, character intricacies, and the collaborative spirit of its creators and cast. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the podcast, this overview provides a comprehensive understanding of what to expect in the exciting new season of Severance.