‘Severance’ is a thriller series that follows the employees of Lumon Industries. The corporate giant subjects its employees to an advanced scientific procedure known as “separation,” which separates their work-related memories from personal memories. As the story progresses, viewers learn more about the separation, the method used to bring it about, and its aftermath.
During the first two episodes, viewers also learn about Lumon’s cut floors and the stairwell that leads to this space. We are sure viewers must be curious to know more about the stairwell, its meaning and significance. In that case, here is our take on the function and true nature of the stairwell! SPOILERS AHEAD!
What is the meaning and importance of the stairwell?
The stairwell is first introduced in the series premiere episode “Severance”. In the episode, Mark Scout leads orientation for new recruit Helly. Lumon hired Helly to replace former employee Petey on the Macro Data Refinement team. Helly is assigned to the crew working on the severed ground. On this floor, all the employees were subject to a dismissal procedure. Therefore, they cannot recall their personal memories at work. However, this spatial differentiation of the brain only lasts when a person is on the severed floor. On the other hand, outside of work, a person cannot recall his memories of work.
The stairwell is the gateway to the cut floors of the company. After answering questions, Mark leads Helly to the stairwell. After she leaves, Helly is tricked into entering the cut ground multiple times. She is left completely perplexed by the whole phenomenon, not knowing what to do with it. As viewers, we wonder what the meaning of the stairwell is.
In the second episode, viewers get a bit more nuance about the stairwell and how it works. After Helly goes through the separation surgery process, Mr. Milchick guides Helly through the process of entering the severed floor. He explains that the stairwell helps a new employee get in and out of separate spaces.
In reality, the separation process divides a person’s consciousness into two parts. One consciousness exists in the separate space while the other exists in the outer world. Therefore, the stairwell can be said to be a tool to help a person switch between the two consciousnesses. After Milchick’s explanation, Helly understands the process. Previously, Helly forgot small details that she should be able to keep despite the breakup, like her name. However, after getting used to the separation, she is able to hold back such facts, as evidenced later in the episode.
The previously mentioned scene ends with Helly ending up in the elevator, suggesting that Helly has mastered the visceral transition between his two consciousnesses. The elevator is another gateway to the cut floor but is only effective if a person has become accustomed to the process. In this respect, the Stairwell course serves as the final step in the separation procedure. The operation only prepares a person for separation, but the stairwell actually separates the memories and forms a new consciousness.
At the start of the show, it is stated that the separation is an ongoing process. However, viewers know that Petey broke up. Therefore, it’s safe to say that the stairwell will play an important role in future episodes of the series.
Read more: Who are the severance payouts, explained
