About this episode
WELCOME, REFINERS, TO A SPECIAL "ORIGINS" EDITION OF "SEVERED"! As the WGA strike grinds on, I decided to look into some of the things that have been cited by Dan Erickson as inspiration for "Severance." I'm calling this the Severance 'Origins' series. Look for it in the regular 'Severed' Podcast feed. Philip K. Dick's work is often referenced as heavily influential to 'Severance'...some even think the relief statue in the Lumon Atrium is an homage to PKD. I don't know if I would go that far, but I'm certainly in awe of Mr. Dick's ideas and have been a fan ever since "Bladerunner." Today we're going to have a look at a story called "Paycheck" by Philip K. Dick. Dan Erickson has mentioned it several times in interviews as being an inspiration for "Severance." It was originally written in 1952. It was then adapted and made into a big-budget Hollywood blockbuster in 2003. It didn't bust any blocks...but it did hang onto some of the more important ideas found in Dick's original story. Fire up your workstations, Refiners, and let's take a look at the file called "Paycheck." [WARNING: SPOILERS!! This podcast will spoil KEY PLOT POINTS from the 2003 movie "Paycheck", the 1952 novella "Paycheck" and another movie inspired by a PKD story: 1990's "Total Recall." You have been warned...] Huge thanks to Adam Scott, star of 'Severance' and host of the Severance Podcast for recording a custom intro for "Severed." Make sure to check out 'The Severance Podcast w/Ben Stiller & Adam Scott" wherever you found this one! Support the show on Patreon (Click Here) APPLE PODCAST LISTENERS: If you are enjoying "Severed: The Ultimate 'Severance' Podcast" please make sure to leave a 5-star rating (and, if you want, a review telling others to give it a try). Higher rated podcasts get better placement in suggestion lists. It helps more "Severance" fans find the show. Thanks!!! Season 2 of "Severance" is underway as of 1/17/2025. New episodes are released at 9E/8C on Thursday evening through the end of March. Join the 'Severed' Patreon page for new episode chatroom viewing parties every Thursday night. (www.patreon.com/SeveredPod) Join the fun on our Facebook page @SeveredPod. Throughout this very exciting Season Two, I'll try to keep you updated on news about the show. Also, let's talk!! Comments? Theories? Corrections? I LOVE 'EM!! Send to: SeveredPod@gmail.com PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SHARE THE PODCAST WITH YOUR FRIENDS WHO ARE 'SEVERANCE' FANS. THE SHOW GROWS THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH!! Needing your own copies of the Lexington Letter and Orientation Booklet? I've got you covered with downloadable PDFs of both documents: LETTER: LEXINGTONLETTER-TheLetter.pdf HANDBOOK: LEXINGTONLETTER-MDROrientationHandbook.pdf You haven't completely watched 'Severance' until you've listened to 'Severed.'