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Notes -
Just from this alone, you would probably enjoy what they're doing in S2 far more. Most of S1 is setup, whereas S2 dives into far more of the lingering questions that were set up in previous episodes (and in doing so creates more questions than before). The pacing feels much faster in this one, significantly so, and several things have already happened within the first couple episodes of the season that I only expected to happen in the season finale.
I won't say they never string the audience along with plot points, but there's certainly a lot more moving parts in this season than in the deliberately slow pacing of the previous one.
I liked season 1, but then I've stayed with From like an abused partner. That show is the worst mystery box Lost writer's nightmare I've ever watched. Nothing ever happens.
I'm looking forward to season 2 of Severance though. I watched the first episode and thought they replaced most of the main cast until the end haha.
Is your plan to refrain from watching on the weekly episode release dates and wait for the whole thing to release before consuming it? Because I actually think that might be a good idea (if you're confident about not stumbling upon spoilers). One of my biggest gripes about this show is the way Apple TV has decided to release it - I find Severance hugely benefits from being able to build momentum through a couple of episodes, and watching episodically is a good bit more disjointed than having an experience where one episode dovetails into the next. I watched S1 in one go and prefer that experience, as opposed to S2 which I'm watching as the episodes are being released.
Honestly, I would probably have DNF'd the first season if I had been forced to consume it episodically. This season, in contrast with the previous, seems like it's trying to mess with your head every episode - the weekly instalments feel much more idea-rich and complete narratively, and I still feel slightly frustrated with having to wait through a week-long break every single time.
If I'm honest I'll probably watch haphazardly. I've already saved up a couple of episodes due to other entertainment priorities.
I do feel your pain with showrunners doing BS cliffhangers. Except for a few series that benefit from digestion and watercoolers, I think binging at your own pace is the superior watching strategy.
Not that'll deliberately wait until seasons end for a weekly release I'm hooked on..
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