# **Severance Season 2, Episode 6: An In-Depth Look at “Attila” and Its Underlying Themes**
Apple TV+’s *Severance* continues to engage viewers with its complex narratives, stimulating concepts, and nuanced details that hold significant weight. This week’s installment, titled **“Attila,”** upholds that tradition. As the most viewed series on Apple TV+, *Severance* demonstrates that every element—regardless of its size—has meaning.
One of the most fascinating elements of this episode is the nickname shared by Burt (Christopher Walken) and his partner Fields (John Noble): **Attila.** While it might come off as merely a clever pun—originating from the affectionate term “hun”—the selection of *Attila the Hun* as a reference appears to be a conscious and symbolic choice made by the creators.
## **Who Was Attila the Hun?**
Attila the Hun was among the most feared commanders in ancient history. Ruling the **Hunnic Empire from 434 to 453 AD**, he led devastating military operations throughout Europe, earning him the title **“Scourge of God.”** His violent invasions and demands for tribute rendered him a nightmare for the Roman Empire.
What makes Attila particularly relevant in the *Severance* discussion is a significant historical incident: **He is thought to have plotted the assassination of his own brother, Bleda, to gain exclusive control over the Hunnic Empire.**
This detail provokes an interesting inquiry for *Severance* enthusiasts: **Could this hint at impending treachery within the narrative?**
## **Parallels Between Attila and *Severance***
The theme of a man removing his brother to eliminate an obstacle resonates disturbingly with *Severance* viewers. The series has regularly examined themes of **authority, manipulation, and treachery**, especially within the enigmatic corporate landscape of Lumon Industries.
Might this allusion to Attila suggest a **critical betrayal or power conflict** manifesting in the storyline? Given the series’ precedent for using historical and literary allusions as indicators, this seems to transcend mere clever wordplay.
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## **Major Developments in Episode 6**
Apart from the metaphorical importance of “Attila,” Episode 6 presents several crucial plot advancements that enhance the complexity of *Severance* Season 2.
### **1. Mark and Helly’s Challenging Connection**
A shocking truth unfolds in this episode when Mark (Adam Scott) reveals to Helly (Britt Lower) that he inadvertently **slept with her outie** during the chaotic ORTBO (Outie Reintegration Testing and Behavioral Observation) events.
Helly is rightfully unsettled by this confession, as it underscores the unsettling outcomes of the severance process—where a person’s innie and outie can have significantly different experiences without mutual agreement. However, after reflecting on the situation, Helly decides resolutely: **she wants to take charge of her bodily autonomy by choosing to be with Mark on her own terms.**
This moment highlights one of the series’ core themes: **the quest for personal control in a reality where identity is fragmented.**
### **2. The Severed Floor’s Chaos**
Despite Milchick’s (Tramell Tillman) earlier warning about “tightening the leash” on the severed personnel, this episode implies otherwise. The severed floor has effectively become a **free-for-all**, with staff pursuing relationships and making personal decisions that, ideally, should be stringently governed by Lumon.
This raises a significant question: **Is Lumon ceding control over its severed workforce?** If this is the case, what implications does it carry for the company’s future strategies?
### **3. Helena’s Enigmatic Meeting with Mark**
One of the most captivating scenes occurs when **Helena (Helly’s outie) unexpectedly seeks out Mark’s outie at a diner.**
This encounter appears anything but coincidental. Considering Helena’s elevated status as the daughter of Lumon’s CEO, it is improbable that she would randomly appear at a small-town diner. Rather, it seems she is intentionally looking for Mark—potentially intrigued by the bond shared between their innies.
This situation further emphasizes that **Helena and Helly are becoming increasingly interconnected**, despite the severance procedure’s goal of keeping their identities distinct.
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## **What Lies Ahead for *Severance*?**
With just a few episodes remaining in Season 2, *Severance* is poised for significant unveilings. The reference to Attila the Hun hints that **betrayal and power dynamics** will be central elements in the storyline.
