Silo season two
If there was ever a compelling reason to delve into Apple TV+’s streaming service, it would be for post-apocalyptic drama Silo. Based on the book series of the same name by Hugh Howey, the show follows a group of survivors living underground in city-sized silos, sealed away from the deadly conditions on the surface. When some denizens discover that they’ve been lied to by those in charge, their search for answers leads to even bigger questions. The second series (based on the series’ second book) picks up in the aftermath of the bombshell revelation that ended the first season. Although the opening episodes don’t answer any of the show’s lingering questions, they do lay the groundwork for another captivating season.
Without going into too much detail about spoilers, the first episode opens with Juliette (Rebecca Ferguson) venturing into the world outside the silo before eventually running into a new character played by Steve Zahn. Meanwhile, those back in the silo are dealing with the fallout of Juliette’s departure, with high tensions threatening to start a violent uprising at any moment. From watching Ferguson slowly explore a new environment to following the activities of silo workers, the action moves at a glacial pace. However, what this episode lacks in urgency, it more than makes up for in worldbuilding by slotting viewers back into the setting and gradually expanding upon it in unexpected ways.
The opening episodes are at their best whenever the focus is on Ferguson. This is where the bulk of the plot lies, with the new location she finds herself in adding more flavour to events. Even before she runs into the new character at the end of the episode, the detailed environmental storytelling establishes the beginning of an enthralling new mystery before the opening credits roll.
While the stretches in the silo are comparatively less interesting than what’s happening elsewhere, the slow-burn pacing does a fantastic job of escalating the already taut atmosphere. Moreover, the superb performances from the entire cast ensure that, even in the slower sections, there’s never a dull moment to be found.
With many huge questions still to be answered, the standout performances and carefully crafted pacing of the opening episodes suggest that the second season of Silo will be just as engrossing as the last.
Andrew Murray
Silo season two is released on Apple TV+ on 15th November 2024.
Watch the trailer for Silo season two here:
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