Warning: Spoilers for Severance season 2, episode 5!Mark is a major jerk toward Helly in Severance season 2, episode 4, and Mark discovered that Lumon may not only be messing with his Outie's life regarding Gemma, but the company also used Helena to manipulate the MDR team.

Severance season 2 confirmed the theory that Helly was really Helena until her true identity was uncovered by Irving in "Woe's Hollow." Lumon was using the Glasgow Block to allow the real Helena into the Severed Floor, pretending to be Helly since the MDR team reunited. Irving was ultimately fired, and the Glasgow Block was removed, allowing Helly to re the MDR team, not Helena. Rather than a warm welcome from colleagues, Mark, in particular, is an a**hole towards Helly in "Trojan's Horse," but the attitude is more a result of Lumon's betrayal and his own shame.

Mark Is Embarrassed & Ashamed That He Fell For Helena & Couldn't Tell She Wasn't Helly

Mark Shuts Out Helly Even Though She's Not To Blame

Mark's attitude toward Helly isn't necessarily aimed at her, specifically, but instead, it's a result of his shame for how he was completely fooled by Helena. Despite how well they got to know each other as Innies, Mark never suspects that Helly is actually Helena in Severance season 2. Aside from feeling ashamed, Mark is understandably embarrassed when the real Helly returns to the Severed Floor since he doesn't want to face the fact that he can't tell the two apart. There's also the fact that he shared secrets about his Outie and Gemma, thinking he was conspiring with Helly, not Helena.

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The shame and embarrassment shown through Mark's interactions with Helly in "Trojan's Horse" also stems from Mark's interaction with Helena in Severance's "Woe's Hollow" episode. During the ORTBO, Mark and "Helly" end up sleeping together shortly before the MDR team learns about the Helena Eagan twist the next morning. Once learning that he's been fooled since returning to Lumon, there's obvious regret involved, so it makes sense why Mark doesn't want to be caring and friendly to Helly after being burned by her Outie.

Mark Is Afraid To Trust Helly After Being Lied To By Helena

Is Helly Really Back This Time?

Helly talking to Mark in the bathroom in Severance season 2 episode 5

It might be difficult for Mark to open back up to Helly after everything that happened. In truth, Mark is likely still worried that the Helly on the Severed Floor is still Helena continuing Lumon's ruse. No matter how much Helly tries to convince him and Dylan otherwise, her team will remain suspicious. Only Irving was able to tell Helly and Helena apart, but now that he's gone, Mark can't rely on his own perception again. Therefore, Mark's fear of trusting Helly will linger through the rest of season 2, further complicating Severance's love triangle with Mark, Helly, and Helena.

Aside from brushing Helly off and not wanting to interact like they used to, Mark's demeanor greatly bothers Dylan in Severance's "Trojan's Horse" episode.

Ironically, Dylan is mad enough at Mark in "Trojan's Horse" that he pulls up the divider between their workspaces. Mark, on the other hand, builds a metaphorical wall between him and Helly, but in both cases, it's Mark's jerky attitude causing the divisive nature. Aside from brushing Helly off and not wanting to interact like they used to, Mark's demeanor greatly bothers Dylan in Severance's "Trojan's Horse" episode. With Irving's firing, the distrust surrounding Helly, Dylan's anger, and Mark's self-interest focus, things aren't looking good for the future of the MDR team.

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Severance
Release Date
February 18, 2022
Showrunner
Dan Erickson, Mark Friedman

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