What the Data General Dasher D2 in Severance Says About Vintage Tech—And How It All Connects Back to Bellingham

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If you’ve watched Apple TV’s mind-bending series Severance, you already know how deeply it leans into a retro-futuristic aesthetic. One detail that caught the attention of vintage tech fans? The use of the Data General Dasher D2, a real-world terminal from the late 1970s. It’s not just set dressing—it’s a nod to a fascinating era of computing history, and it plays a key role in the unsettling tone of Lumon Industries.

The Data General Dasher D2: A Real Vintage Icon

Released by Data General, the Dasher D2 was designed as a "dumb terminal"—a device that connected to larger systems to send and receive data without doing any processing itself. These machines were once standard in labs, universities, and corporate environments, and their look is unmistakably retro.

In Severance, the Dasher D2 helps build the eerie, timeless environment inside Lumon’s severed floor. Its boxy design, green monochrome display, and tactile keyboard perfectly match the series’ themes of isolation and controlled environments. Using authentic vintage computers instead of modern replicas adds to the show's credibility and creates a visual world that feels oddly familiar and deeply unsettling.

Severance and Its Bellingham Roots

While the tech in Severance might take you back decades, the story itself has a very modern—and local—origin. The creator and writer of Severance, Dan Erickson, is a graduate of Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA.

That means one of the most acclaimed sci-fi series of the decade has roots right here in our backyard. Erickson’s time in Bellingham no doubt shaped his unique storytelling style, blending grounded character work with surreal, high-concept ideas. It’s a point of pride for our city—and a reminder that creativity and innovation often come from unexpected places.

1PC: Preserving Vintage Tech in Bellingham

At 1PC, we’re passionate about preserving the kinds of devices that shows like Severance bring back into the spotlight. As an electronics recycling and refurbishment company based in Bellingham, we regularly handle everything from classic terminals like the Dasher D2 to early PCs, Macs, and industrial hardware.

Some of these machines are responsibly dismantled and recycled; others are refurbished and given a second life—whether that's in a collector's office, an educational display, or even on a production set. Our goal is simple: keep electronics out of landfills and help keep tech history alive.

Why This Matters

Vintage computers are more than obsolete tech—they're cultural artifacts. Their design tells a story about where we’ve been, and their continued relevance in shows like Severance proves they still have something to say.

If you’re in Bellingham and have old electronics to recycle, or if you're curious about retro hardware, come visit us at 1PC. We’re always happy to talk shop, share a story, or help your devices find new purpose.

Come visit us at 3550 Meridian St Suite 2, Bellingham, WA 98225 Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm.

Have any questions? Give us a call at (360) 912-9884!