The TV Series “Severance” (2022): An Essay on the Visual Mechanisms of Oblivion and Canceling within the Contemporary Pop-Cultural Paradigm

Abstract

In this essay, the TV series “Severance” (2022) serves as a lens through which we explore the role and function of memory and oblivion in molding social relations and influencing the human psyche. While the narrative of the series touches on many pertinent issues, the realm of social memory remains insufficiently plumbed by researchers, paving the way for further inquiry and interpretations. An examination of the narrative motifs in “Severance” unveils concerns related to both individual and collective memory. Furthermore, “Severance” stands as a salient example of the visual mechanisms used to depict oblivion and “cancellation” and their subsequent role in sculpting collective memory and social dynamics. Philosophers, sociologists, cultural analysts, and those passionate about the intricacies of memory and oblivion in modern social relations will likely find the conclusions of this essay enlightening.