Coming just hours after
The season two finale of the show
Shocked fans at the “Severance” PaleyFest panel made waves as they brought a live marching band performance to life inside the Dolby Theatre, recreating an iconic scene from the show.
Tramell Tillman, portraying Mr. Milchick, directed a marching band through the Dolby Theatre. Before this unexpected performance, Tillman was the sole member from the cast and production crew who hadn’t appeared onstage upon hearing their name announced. As the discussion commenced—and following Stiller’s explanation that the performer sometimes “disappears”—Tillman arrived alongside the band.
The Season 2 conclusion, dropped just one day before the panel discussion, features Mr. Milchick playing the role of a drum major in a complex marching band scene.
Before the panel discussion, attendees watched the season finale episode followed by a conversation with series creator Dan Erickson and executive producer/director Ben Stiller, alongside cast members Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, Britt Lower, Dichen Lachman, Sarah Burns, Zach Cherry, Jen Tullock, Michael Chernus, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, and Gwendoline Christie.
Stiller mentioned during his opening comments prior to the screening, “We didn’t hold a premiere this season, nor did we have one for the initial season, because of global happenings.” He continued, “This marks our first opportunity to come together publicly, screen an episode, and share it with everyone. First off, I wanted to express how thankful we are that you, the dedicated fans, are here to celebrate this moment with us.”
At the panel, several cast members and creators talked about maintaining secrecy around key storylines, with Erickson humorously mentioning how drastically this has impacted his private life.
“I’ve jokingly said that I built my entire persona around keeping secrets and never being able to share with anyone,” Erickson remarked.
Arquette mentioned that she relished keeping things secret. She stated, “It’s enjoyable for me when you all are puzzled and frightened.”
During the discussion about the development of various aspects of the series, such as character arcs, Erickson mentioned that he conceived “Severance” while working in a cramped underground space within a door manufacturing facility. He revealed that originally, Mr. Milchick wasn’t supposed to have an extended presence throughout the show—at this juncture, Tillman acted like he was leaving abruptly.
“It’s wild that he just experienced a marching band moment,” moderator Ben Schwartz commented, eliciting laughter.
Erickson mentioned that Tillman’s portrayal brought significance to the character with lines such as, “You and Petey were one of my favorite office friendships.” Erickson continued, saying that when Tramell delivered this line exceptionally well, it clicked for him instantly; thus, making the character become one of the most crucial ones on the series. He explained further.
The panel also delved into key scenes from the season finale, including a dialogue exchange between Mark’s innie and outtie. Scott talked about how he developed that particular moment where his character’s contrasting sides engage in an intense debate via video recordings.
Scott stated, “We were modifying it until the very end.” He added, “During the process, I was quite apprehensive since… it had the potential to simply fail.”
His strategy involved offering “a range of choices” and allowing flexibility during the editing phase to “explore various directions and methods that could create a conversational vibe.”
Lower, who portrays Helly, discussed the relationship dynamics among Mark, Helly, and Gemma (played by Dichen Lachman), providing fresh insights into their complicated romantic entanglements.
“I suppose from afar, it appears triangular, but as you know, I enjoy discussing various forms,” remarked Lower. “It could actually be a tetrahedron or perhaps even a hexagonal prism, adding layers of intrigue. So, in that final instant, when Helly R. spots Gemma down the hall—it’s instantaneous attraction.”
Tillman discussed fleshing out Mr. Milchick more for Season 2, considering his newfound role overseeing all the innies.
“Tillman mentioned that the person is now in control; it’s his domain. We can observe how he handles this new position of responsibility and the weight it carries. Similar to many individuals working in middle management, he ends up dealing with a lot more problems,” she explained.
The event featured new cast members such as Christie, who plays Lorne, a character known for taking care of goats. Before becoming part of the ensemble, Christie expressed her enthusiasm for the series, stating: “I was incredibly upset at not being in the show initially!”
Christie recounted her experience with Season 1: “I was completely amazed by it. Once my boyfriend left for work, I’d close the curtains and start watching ‘Severance’ at around 11 a.m. on Fridays,” she explained. Adding, “I used to tell the dogs, ‘You have to stay calm.’”
Christie likewise expressed her appreciation for the entire “Severance” crew.
Frankly, it means a great deal to me since a production as innovative and novel as this one, infused with such palpable enthusiasm, wisdom, and genuine emotional richness, is quite uncommon,” Christie stated. “I am truly amazed by all those contributing to the show, and for me, it feels like a fantasy come true.” She concluded with gratitude, adding, “Thank you very much.
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