Silo Season 2 episode 2 - Order
Warning! Spoilers ahead! I have not read the book series this show is based on, so this is a highly speculative review and summary.
Last week's episode was at a slower pace by necessity as it illustrates Jules trek into the unknown and being alone again. This week's episode picks up the pace and shows the aftermath of Jules shocking trek over the hill from the perspective of Silo 18. A few more things are revealed as the Silo reacts to her not only rejecting the idea of cleaning the lens, but the image of her going over the hill and into the distance.
As the image of Jules walking off into the sunset ignites and stirs everyone's imaginations and fears, the down deep gets more and more restless, as Jules's childhood friend, Shirley seems to be the leader of a brewing rebellion. Bernard explains what everyone sees and paints it as a grand plan of the IT all along with the ultimate goal of eventually leaving the Silo. The tape is explained as an invention of IT's rather than something that already existed. Those close to Jules know better though and this manifests in secret meetings that parallels the scenes in Episode 1. Martha Walker and Carla are taken into custody this episode, presumably so that they can be watched by the hidden cameras to verify that the heat tape was the reason behind Jules's survival.
Judge Meadows goes to bat for Bernard and improves morale by offering 5 credits to every citizen. The episode ends with Judge Meadows asking to go outside.
Analysis
- Judge Meadows makes her way back into the storyline as it is revealed that she is Bernard's shadow, a role highly coveted by Robert Sims. She was seemingly a throwaway character that served to illustrate the far reach of IT and Bernard. However this episode provides a plot twist and gives her more power than believed. Bernard needs her to deal with the stresses of running the Silo and to help keep order.
- The "Order" seems to be an instruction manual on how to run the Silo. It appears each Silo has a copy of this that is kept behind lock and key.
- The heat tape is revealed to be the reason why Jules can walk over the hill, but Bernard and IT quickly take credit for it as Bernard further perpetuates a story that he and Jules were in cahoots about using it.
- The hecklers illustrate the manipulative nature of IT and Bernard and sets him up to push his narrative.
- The feel of the Silo is that there is an unease and things will soon come crashing down. The "JL" graffiti, currently at a count of 4 in the silo, will likely multiple as the season goes on.
- You sort of wonder if rebellion and everyone going outside seems to be the natural progression of all the Silos.
Characters of interest
Jules Nichols - was not in this episode, but remains the central piece of the storyline. She is currently in the other Silo and this episode focsued on the events ongoing in Silo 18.
Bernard Holland - Carried the show this episode. Tim Robbins shows off his acting skills. He shows a man on the verge of panic but able to play the politics he needs to redirect and calm the uneasy populace, for now. He is head of IT and has been acting Mayor since the suspicious death of the former Mayor Jahns.
Judge Meadows - Alcoholic, revealed this episode to be the previous shadow of Bernard Holland. Views herself as a powerless "wizard of oz" who wants out of her situation.
Robert Sims - Has power, is the right hand man of Bernard but is not viewed competent enough to be the Shadow for Bernard, a role he clearly covets.
Martha "Walk" Walker - seems to know more than everyone else at the moment in the Silo, and is fine with not stirring up trouble. She is the mother figure for Jules and responsible for the heat tape switch that allowed Jules to survive. She is taken into custody this episode, then released.
Carla, who works in supply - Martha's previous (lover?) friend who helps Jules survive by sending the heat tape from engineering. Is temporarily taken into custody this episode then released.
Dr. Pete Nichols - Jules's father continues to be the caring father figure type as a physician caring for the newborn. He is being watched by IT just in case...
Sheriff Paul Billings - a person with "the syndrome" is another figurehead, similar to Judge Meadows. He knows the Pact forwards and backwards and is keenly aware of everything not adding up. Especially as his powers have been stripped from him as the Deputies answer to IT now.
Answered Questions and resolved mysteries
Unanswered Questions
- Who is the wheelchair guy that can make weapons and what is the second request?
- The display showing the illusionary perfect world died as Jules walked a certain distance but Bernard was still able to see what she saw. How come? The assumption was the wifi signal was too weak.
- Who is part of the ring of people that hacks the Silo's security network?
- Who is helping Jules escape by turning off the cameras at key opportune moments?
- What is the syndrome?
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