The following contains spoilers for Severance season 2, episode 9.
Ben Stiller says Severance season 2, episode 9 has wrapped up Burt and Irving’s story “for now.” That story began inside the halls of Lumon, where MDR team-member Irving (John Turturro) first encountered Burt (Christopher Walken), the severed floor’s head of Optics and Design, and developed feelings for the retiring innie. Season 2 then built upon the severed pair’s relationship, their outies sharing an awkward dinner during which Burt hinted at his shady past, and finally parting ways in an emotional Severance season 2, episode 9 moment.
Burt and Irving’s parting possessed a certain ring of finality, and Severance executive producer Stiller indeed confirms that their season 2 story has come to an end, but leaves the door open on the pair sharing the screen again at a later time. He also addresses Burt’s choice to send Irving away from Kier, implying that Burt could be in some danger from Lumon as a result (via Variety):
For now it is [the end]. … Lumon is a very powerful company, and Burt knows that. He makes this choice, and we don’t know what’s going to happen to Burt after that.
Stiller then talked about Burt’s motives, and whether the long-time Lumon employee, whose past remains murky, could still be on the side of the all-powerful company:
I get the feeling that what he’s doing is definitely on his own, and he’s probably putting himself at some risk by doing that.
Burt’s Character Remains In Question, Despite His Trying To Help Irving
Burt and Irving may have said goodbye at the end of Severance season 2, episode 9, but the circumstances under which they parted were far from happy. Irving’s life indeed seems to be in danger after Lumon thug Drummond was seen snooping around in his apartment, trying to determine how much the dismissed severance worker knows about the program. Burt himself is still plugged in to Lumon, so he knows that they’re coming for Irving.
Irving actor Turturro says he knows his character’s backstory, thanks to conversations with Severance creator Dan Erickson.
Burt may have given assurances that he was only a “driver” for Lumon before becoming a severed floor worker, but it seems that for whatever reason, he’s hiding the true nature of what he did for the company. Stiller’s remarks work toward clearing up several things about Burt and Irving. Firstly, they won’t be seen together for the rest of the season. Secondly, Burt could be in danger after helping Irving get out of Kier. Thirdly, it seems Burt is no longer doing work on Lumon’s behalf, but is acting on his own.
Our Take On Burt And Irving’s Parting
Lumon Might Not Let Irving Get Away
Lumon’s reach within the world of Severance appears to be unlimited, so even if Irving heeds Burt’s advice and gets as far away from Kier as possible, he may not be out of danger. If Irving is considered a real threat to the Severance program, Lumon will probably track him down no matter how long it takes.
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Severance season 3 seems to be coming, even though it has not officially been picked up by AppleTV+. This means Irving’s storyline is likely not at an end, even if Burt’s might be. It will be interesting to see if Irving does manage to escape, or is nabbed by Lumon and returned to Kier to face the music. A tragic end could still be in store for Irving, but that end may not come until Severance returns from its upcoming hiatus.
The Severance season 2 finale premieres on AppleTV+ on Thursday, March 20.
Source: Variety