The Apple TV+ workplace drama deepens the lore, explores the Innie-Outie conundrum, and fully establishes itself as the series to beat right now.

After a three year sabbatical, the severed workers of Lumon Industries are returning for Season 2. Directed by Ben Stiller, the dystopian thriller premieres with two new episodes this Friday, Jan. 17 on Apple TV+.

Fortunately, “Severance” returns to Apple TV+ on Friday, and its makers seem to have used every second of the absence productively. The season takes new turns while remaining the most ambitious, batty and all-out pleasurable show on TV, an M.C. Escher maze whose plot convolutions never get in the way of its voice, heart and sense of humor.

The acclaimed Apple TV+ series is making its long-awaited return. A second season was filmed over three years.

True to its surreal inclinations, Season 2 often sprints off into what-the-hell-just-happened places — always keeping us off-balance and wondering where it will wind up. Rest assured, we’re good in hands.