Was It Helena or Helly in the Severance Finale & Why Did Mark Choose Her Over Gemma?

The second season of Severance has concluded. The finale answered some of the questions viewers have been asking for nine episodes and raised new ones.

In the final episode of the season, Mark's innie and outie personalities work together. He manages to find his wife Gemma and get her out of the testing floor. Mark S. decides to stay in Lumon with Helly.

Britt Lower Answers if It Was Helly of Helena in the Season 2 Finale

Helly's actions, however, raised suspicions among some viewers – why, knowing the tragic history of Mark and his wife, did she not tell him to return to Gemma? Maybe it was Helena?

In this case we do not have to speculate and guess – the actress who plays Helly/Helena, Britt Lower, dispelled all doubts.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Britt discussed the Season 2 finale and confirmed that Helena did not replace Helly:

“That's Helly R. in the final episode. [...] For all they know, if he crosses that barrier, they're going to take down Lumon entirely and all of these innies are going to get wiped away. I think it's just gut instinct that she runs.”

So all Helly and Mark fans can breathe a sigh of relief – Helena didn't ruin a special moment for them (again).

Helly's Actions Are Easy to Explain if You Pay Attention to the Main Topic of Season 2

Although some viewers were confused by Helly's actions, her motivation is actually quite clear. As Britt herself said, Mark's decision is vital to all the innies – if he had left Lumon with Gemma, the company might have been destroyed, but what would certainly have happened is the end of all the innies.

The entire second season was built on the dichotomy of innies and outies, proving that Burt was right – innies are separate individuals.

Dylan's wife "cheats" on him with his innie, Burt hopes to get to heaven with the help of severance, and Mark S. realizes himself as a person with his own life, destiny, and feelings.

Mark S. Completed a Mission for His Outie, but in the End He Chose Himself

Mark's choice also raises no questions, although many viewers criticize him for his selfish decision. Mark S. fulfilled his mission – he saved Gemma, and now it's time to choose himself.

Although Mark probably remembered what could await the innies if he left Lumon, his actions seem to have had a more emotional nature.

Yes, Gemma is the love of Mark outie's life, and even if his innie felt some feelings for her seeping through the chip barrier, his own beloved woman stood right before him, turning his gray everyday life on a shared floor upside down.

So he chose Helly and a day, an hour or even a few minutes of freedom with her before Lumon's management takes action.

The ending is similar to the ending of the movie The Graduate – in both scenes, the triumph on the faces of the main characters is replaced by the horror caused by the uncertainty of their future together.