Review: Silo season 2 makes full use of its strong ensemble cast in “Order”

Review: Silo season 2 makes full use of its strong ensemble cast in "Order"

As a sci-fi enthusiast with a keen eye for detail and a penchant for intricate storytelling, I must admit that “Order” left me utterly captivated. The episode felt like a well-crafted symphony, weaving together various plot threads into a cohesive and engaging narrative.

In the second episode of Silo Season 2, available on Apple TV+, we delve deeper into the lives of the other characters as the focus shifts from Rebecca Ferguson’s Juliette Nichols. Previously, “Order” was about the inhabitants of the original Silo, grappling with the reality that Juliette has left. They are unsure of her fate, last spotted walking over a hill outside the Silo and seemingly disappearing into the distance. However, what they do know is that her departure significantly alters their perspective on life, as they have always believed it’s impossible for people to survive beyond the hill long enough to climb it.

As a cinephile diving headfirst into the latest installment, let’s jump straight into the thick of things. Beware, the following analysis may contain spoilers for those yet to watch “Order.

Review: Silo season 2 makes full use of its strong ensemble cast in "Order"

Silo Episode 202 review: “Order”

In much the same vein, the first installment, titled “Order”, starts off powerfully. The narrative unfolds with Bernard Holland (Tim Robbins), who is not only the mayor and IT chief within the Silo but also the brains behind maintaining obedience among the citizens. Early on, we learn that there was a camera in Juliette’s suit’s helmet. As the episode progresses, we see Bernard, filled with dread, as he witnesses Juliette venturing into the Silo she found in “The Engineer,” treading over countless deceased bodies en route through its outer hatch.

The show ‘Order’ masterfully handles the aftermath of Juliette’s journey, with an impressive balance given its numerous characters. Bernard and Judge Meadows, portrayed by Tanya Moodie, truly shine when they appear on screen. Both deliver compelling performances, and their interactions are particularly captivating.

In this episode, Robert Sims (Common) is seen taking on Bernard’s tasks, aiming to quell the growing turmoil as people question how Juliette managed to live. At the same time, he attempts to curry favor with Bernard. This episode provides insights into his intentions; he yearns to be Bernard’s protege or apprentice. Although Sims appears to be the perfect candidate, the viewers learn that Meadows had previously held this position but resigned. Bernard is unaware of why Meadows left all those years ago, and it’s a mystery that has always troubled him since she was the only one he truly respected. In this episode, Bernard’s actions mainly revolve around trying to persuade Meadows to return and help the Silo navigate the crisis.

In the initial run of “Silo,” meadows didn’t garner much attention, but I’m thrilled they’re giving her more now. For the past 25 years, she’s been an alcoholic, grappling with the weight of secrets about the Silo that haunt her. In this particular episode, upon learning that Juliette managed to escape the Silo and cross over the hill, meadows abruptly stops drinking. She eventually consents to aid Bernard, on the condition he sets aside some premium supplies for her, so she can venture outside herself once the crisis passes and have a working suit.

Review: Silo season 2 makes full use of its strong ensemble cast in "Order"

The tape is a lie

In this episode, we delve considerably into the lives of the residents from the lower levels of the Silo, commonly known as Down Deep. Similar to the minor conflicts with Bernard, Meadows, and Sims, the characters from Down Deep are not uniform in their views; they have conflicting interests that add depth to the narrative. Key figures among them include Shirley (Remmie Milner), a friend of Juliette’s from childhood who wishes to expose IT for manufacturing faulty suits that led to numerous deaths over the years; Knox (Shane McRae), the leader of Mechanical, who also seeks answers but wants to prevent any uprisings until they can find solutions; and Martha Walker (Harriet Walter) and Carla McLain (Clare Perkins), the senior engineer and head of Supply respectively. It was Walker and McLain who arranged for Juliette to receive better tape for her environment suit, enabling her survival outside.

The episode hints at potential repercussions for McLain and Walker’s trickery, but instead, they are briefly imprisoned to allow Bernard an opportunity for a strategic move. He gathers everyone from the Silo, and rather than attempt excuses for Juliette’s survival, he admits that IT was responsible for creating a unique type of tape that improved her suit’s seal, enabling her to live long enough for exploration outside. This plot twist is cleverly executed, with Robbins delivering an outstanding performance in this scene. I appreciated the inclusion of dissenters in the crowd who criticized Juliette, allowing Bernard to defend her and gain favor among the people. His sincerity when speaking about respecting Juliette seemed genuine. Later on, Meadows steps in to provide unexpected backing for Bernard, causing some worry among the audience that she may be vying for his position. The scene is impressive overall.

One thing that amuses me is the mention of the tape throughout this episode. For clarification purposes, IT was using malfunctioning heating tape in their environment suits to cause people’s deaths when they ventured outside. In the initial season of Silo, Juliette managed to acquire a good roll of tape despite repeated refusals from Supply, which Engineering had been requesting. After Bernard convinced Juliette to step outside (she hadn’t explicitly asked to do so), Walker and McLain took extra care in replacing the faulty heat tape on her suit with the good one.

In Silo, as in life, tape fixes all problems. It’s an intriguing sci-fi touch that adds flavor, but it was amusing to hear Tim Robbins passionately discussing tape with a crowd.

In summary, the latest episode of “Silo” titled “Order” was exceptionally well-done. Although I found myself yearning for a bit more Rebecca Ferguson, the rest of the talented cast compensated for her absence as there was much ground to cover within the Silo. The upcoming episodes might strive for a more balanced portrayal of both storylines, but for now, it’s delightful to reconnect with the show’s captivating ensemble. It’s important to note that the sets, costumes, and overall design on this series continue to be nothing short of exceptional, as they convincingly bring another world to life. If I haven’t given them enough attention in my review, it’s because their execution is so impressive that “Silo” feels like a genuine alternate reality. It’s wonderful to return to this universe, even as tensions within it grow and threaten to ignite.

Silo Bullet Points

We got a very brief scene near the start of this episode with Dr. Pete Nichols, Juliette’s father played by Game of Thrones star Iain Glen. It’s understandable he wasn’t in the episode more, but it’s nice to get a reminder he’s in the show.
This whole time, Bernard has been following a rule book left behind by the Founders on how to keep the people of the Silo in order. But there are no provisions for what to do if someone successfully leaves. He’s in uncharted territory; it’s exciting to see him legitimately frightened because the situation could easily get out of control.
Graffiti is appearing all over the Silo: “JL” for “Juliette Lives.” Bernard told everyone she had likely died, and it seems most people, including Walker, agree. After all, regardless of what good tape she had, her suit only had so much oxygen in it. But Shirley isn’t giving up hope. Whenever Juliette makes it back, it’s going to be a big moment.
Walker and McLain talk about the tape in their holding cell, wondering how Bernard and IT figured out they were behind it. We then get a brief shot of a camera in a vent. Remember, there are cameras everywhere in the Silo, and few people outside of IT, Juliette, and her father know about them.
Huge shoutout to Shirley’s Spartacus moment, where a guard asks her name while trying to arrest her for calling out Bernard’s lies and she claps back with “Juliette Nichols.” I’m really excited to see more of her this season.

Verdict

In simpler terms, the episode “Order” on Silo is quite different from its season premiere, which was more focused on Juliette’s unsettling exploration of a neighboring Silo. While the premiere mainly concentrated on setting a mood and Juliette’s personal journey, “Order” aimed to demonstrate that Silo could effectively combine multiple storylines into something engaging and understandable. It managed this exceptionally well, leaving me intrigued and eagerly anticipating next week’s episode.

Episode grade: A-

2024-11-22 16:41