Severance creator Dan Erikson has explained how season 1’s huge success changed the plan for season 2, especially thanks to one key element. The end of Severance season 1 left off on a massive cliffhanger, with Mark (Adam Scott), Helly (Britt Lower), and Irving (John Turturro) turning back into their outies at crucial moments in the story. Irving is banging on Burt’s (Christopher Walken) door, Helly reveals the truth of how miserable innies actually are, and Mark discovers his wife, who is actually Ms. Casey (Dichen Lachman) is still alive.

Speaking with SFX Magazine (via GamesRadar), Erikson explained how, while Severance season 2 will explore the fallout of season 1, the show’s success also changed some elements of the upcoming episodes. The showrunner revealed how positive responses to the characters influenced how season 2 was shaped, with a focus on both the larger story, alongside smaller moments between everyone. While the end of season 1 has determined where the story will go from here, little conversations and ideas will still be at the forefront. Check out what Erikson had to say below:

After season 1, we had to take a step back and ask ourselves, ‘What exactly was it that made that work the way that it did?’ It was the smaller things, more so than the big things. I think we all have an impulse to know what it is Lumon does; what are the goats, and all of that. But at the end of the day, I think what makes the show so special is Mark, Helly, Irving, and Dylan. And also Milchick, and Cobel, and Devon and Ricken… It’s the heart, it’s the beating human heart at the center of this cold world. Of course, the innies sort of blew up the status quo at the end of season 1, so we had to respect that and we had to let that propel us into a new situation but we knew we didn’t want to lose the small conflicts, like arguing over pencil erasers or finger traps.

What Erikson’s Statement Means For Severance Season 2’s Focus

Small Character Moments Won’t Be Jeopardized By The Bigger Picture

It appears Severance season 2 is going to hit the ground running with its story, as the workers seemingly remember everything that happened to them when they managed to break into the real world. While the large-scale consequences of their actions remain unclear, the series is promising to adhere to Erikson’s words, with small moments that could happen as the team goes back to work. Story elements like Mark learning his wife is alive and Dylan (Zach Cherry) still not seeing his outie’s life can influence big decisions, but smaller character moments can still permeate the growing story.

Since the four core workers’ friendships were built up throughout season 1, it makes sense for season 2 to continue focusing on their smaller moments together. Given the inevitable fallout from the innies getting out, their outies may also find themselves connected to one another, something that could lead to more clues about Lumon’s real intentions. Since the cast of Severance season 2 is also expanding with a variety of new guest appearances, these could also lead to some of the smaller moments Erikson said influenced the direction of the upcoming installment.

Our Take On How Severance Season 1 Will Shape Season 2

Character Moments Offer A Continued Connection As Bigger Events Unfold

With new storylines setting the stage for a larger world as Lumon’s mysteries are explored, Erikson’s statement is reassurance that the small character elements that made the show so engaging won’t go away. Instead, it sounds like they’ll be woven into the larger narrative, giving the series a continually engaging story that’s bolstered thanks to character interactions. This means everything that makes Severance so engaging, from its characters to its mysteries, will still play a core role in the story as season 2 begins.

Severance season 2 will consist of 10 episodes, with the season premiere arriving January 17, and the season finale arriving March 21.