The Parallels Between “Severance” and “The Twilight Zone”: Exploring “The After Hours”
If you tuned into the latest episode of Severance, titled “The After Hours,” and you’re a fan of The Twilight Zone, you might have noticed some intriguing parallels between these two iconic series. Even before its airing, an observant viewer on X highlighted these similarities, urging fans to revisit the Twilight Zone episode of the same name.
This vintage episode encapsulates a sense of existential dread, serving as a compelling companion piece to Severance. The creators of Severance have undoubtedly drawn inspiration from Rod Serling’s work, integrating specific cues from the iconic series. With recent discussions revealing that another Twilight Zone episode influenced Ryan Coogler’s forthcoming horror film Sinners, it’s an opportune moment to keep The Twilight Zone (available for streaming on Paramount+) in your viewing lineup.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for both “The After Hours” (2025) and “The After Hours” (1960).
Scene Breakdown: “The After Hours” in Severance
In Severance‘s “The After Hours,” Ms. Cobel engages in a peculiar conversation with a security guard to grant Devon (and a hidden Mark) access to a compound containing a cabin for Mark’s innie consciousness. The exchange is as follows:
Cobel: “We’re going to cottage five.”
Guard: “I don’t have anyone scheduled.”
Cobel: “She’s one of Jame’s. No one’s to know… Miss Marsha White, ninth floor.”
Guard: “Specialties Department.”
Cobel: “I’m looking for a gold thimble.”
This dialogue piqued viewers’ curiosity, particularly about the cryptic phrase, “she’s one of Jame’s.” However, we’ll focus on the latter portion, which resonates closely with the Twilight Zone episode.
Exploring the Original “After Hours” Episode
Originally airing on June 10, 1960, The Twilight Zone‘s “The After Hours” features Anne Francis as a woman who enters a department store to buy a gold thimble for her mother. The narration sets the stage:
“Express elevator to the ninth floor of a department store, carrying Miss Marsha White on a most prosaic, ordinary, run-of-the-mill errand.”
Interestingly, the elevator only goes up to the eighth floor, yet Marsha finds herself on the mysterious ninth floor, where she encounters a lone saleswoman selling… gold thimbles.
As the narration continues, it hints at a deeper existential mystery:
“Miss Marsha White on the ninth floor, specialties department, looking for a gold thimble. The odds are that she’ll find it—but there are even better odds that she’ll find something else, because this isn’t just a department store. This happens to be The Twilight Zone.”
Upon purchasing the thimble, Marsha discovers it’s damaged and learns that the store has no ninth floor, leading to a series of eerie encounters with mannequins that come to life.
The Twists That Bind Both Episodes
The climactic twist reveals that Marsha herself is a mannequin, briefly experiencing life but ultimately forgetting her true identity. This is echoing themes explored in Severance—the comparison between Lumon’s employees and mannequins becomes apparent. Both are confined to a scripted existence, only “coming alive” under controlled conditions.
Cobel’s strange dialogue in Severance carries a coded language, possibly reflecting their surreal reality. Just as Marsha is reprimanded for forgetting her true self, Lumon employees grapple with their own identities—are they merely “outies”?
The connection between these two iterations of “The After Hours” invites deeper reflection on the nature of reality and identity. Both episodes, though diverse in context, resonate profoundly with each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of “The After Hours” episode in both series?
The episode serves as a thoughtful exploration of identity and existence, linking both Severance and The Twilight Zone through themes of suppressed reality and existential dread.
How do the characters in Severance relate to those in The Twilight Zone?
Characters from both shows confront their realities within controlled ecosystems, challenging ideas about autonomy and identity.
Where can I watch The Twilight Zone and Severance?
The Twilight Zone is available to stream on Paramount+, while Severance can be found on Apple TV+.
Join the Discussion
If diving into these parallels inspires you to explore further, we invite you to share any exciting Easter eggs or references you’ve encountered while watching Severance or The Twilight Zone.
Both shows encourage a curious examination of the human experience—ideal for binge-watching during quiet nights.
Stay tuned for more intriguing insights into your favorite shows and their connections!
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