Twisted Black Mirror Episode with Inspiration from Severance

“Severance” Season 1 quickly became one of TVLine’s standout TV shows of 2022, and it has only gained more popularity since then. The sci-fi mystery on Apple TV+ is truly groundbreaking, drawing from years of quality television while making its own mark on the genre. It’s clear that “Severance” shares a lot of similarities with “Black Mirror.” The series showcases a sinister office environment where characters have their off-hours identities stripped away, posing a chilling portrayal of an isolated and detached working culture. While “Severance” expands into something even beyond the realms of “Black Mirror,” it’s evident that the inspiration for some of its episodes comes from the more brightly-lit and tech-heavy side of “Black Mirror.”

The creator of “Severance,” Dan Ericksen, openly acknowledges that his show was heavily influenced by “Black Mirror” and particularly mentions the show’s chilling 2014 Christmas special, “White Christmas.” This episode explores the frightening consequences of technology creating digital copies of people, leaving Ericksen haunted by the thought of these copies experiencing endless solitude. Ericksen shared his thoughts in a 2022 interview with The New York Times. In “Severance,” the digital clones and the “innie” characters showcase a striking resemblance to the characters from “White Christmas.” For instance, the character Helly R. and her escape attempt in Season 1 reflect a similar trapped nightmare logic found in “White Christmas.”

Apart from “Black Mirror,” the influences on “Severance” are vast and varied. The show draws inspiration not just from Brooker’s work but also from the legendary series “The Twilight Zone.” In fact, “Severance” directly references an episode from “The Twilight Zone” in Season 2, highlighting the nuanced influences on the show. Additionally, Ericksen mentions works like “Being John Malkovich” and “Brazil,” citing how these movies shaped the aesthetic and themes of “Severance.”

Another significant influence on “Severance” is “Lost,” the sci-fi mystery drama that thrived on plot twists and complex mysteries. Ericksen specifically points out certain aspects of “Lost” that he aims to avoid in “Severance,” emphasizing the need for detailed planning and foresight in crafting the narrative. By setting the rules of the world and understanding the end game, Ericksen and his team can explore funny and peculiar storylines without straying too far from the overarching plot.

“Severance” and “Black Mirror” are both available for streaming on their respective platforms – Apple TV+ and Netflix. So, if you’re a fan of thought-provoking sci-fi dramas, these shows are definitely worth checking out.