SILO Season One Review: Another Winner For Apple TV+

Introduction

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG AFTRA) are both on strike at the same time for the first time since 1960. As a result, the Hollywood “machine” has come grinding to a halt. Subsequently, viewers can expect hotly anticipated films (Dune: Part Two, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two) and series (Severance, The Old Man) to be delayed, perhaps by many, many months. The search is now on to dig through the various streaming platforms to find films and shows to hold us over until the strike finally ends.

One such series that fits this bill and will tide you over to the tune of a ten-episode season is the fantastic dystopian science-fiction drama, Silo, starring Rebecca Ferguson, Rashida Jones, and Tim Robbins. Currently streaming on the Apple TV+ platform, Silo is yet another winner – in a long line of winners – for Apple. Launched in 2019, Apple TV+ is rivaling Netflix for producing the best original content in the marketplace today. Silo joins an impressive list of prestige series that includes Severance, Black Bird, Ted Lasso, Shrinking, and Mythic Quest. 

Synopsis

Without giving away too many spoilers, the dystopian premise of Silo introduces the viewer to a massive underground bunker that’s drab, dirty, and absolutely stunning-looking. The structure clocking in at one hundred and forty-four levels has housed over ten thousand people for more than two centuries. Although no one is really sure just how long they’ve actually been there.

That’s because (in an Orwellian twist) history before life in the Silo has been virtually eradicated by its occupants (read: enforcers). Also, you can’t go outside, or you’ll die from toxic air. Or will you? The residents of the Silo can see through a giant window the barren wasteland that they are protected from. Or can they?

We’re introduced to Sheriff Becker (David Oyelowo) in season one’s first episode. Along with Mayor Ruth (Geraldine James), they are put in charge of dispensing law and order to the silo’s residents. Thus, the heavy burden of maintaining stability and peace for these ‘quarantined’ citizens falls upon these two weary public servants.

Sheriff Becker’s wife, Allison (Rashida Jones), soon announces her desire to go outside and “clean.” A certain death sentence and one that cannot be taken back as per the laws of the Silo. These laws were passed down to the residents of the silo by “The Founders” and enforced by the ruthless “Judicial Department.” 

Silo quickly switches gears after the fantastic first episode as we switch focus to Juliette (Rebecca Ferguson), a master engineer. Working in the lower levels or “Deep Down” she has the critical job of keeping the silo’s massive furnace running. Lest the entire silo loses power and its inhabitants fall into chaos and madness.

Juliette has her own issues with authority and she soon becomes embroiled in the murder of George (Ferdinand Kingsley), an IT whiz claiming to have the answers to all of the silo’s mysteries. Much to the chagrin of Bernard (Tim Robbins), the head of the silo’s IT department, Mayor Ruth appoints Juliette as the new Sheriff. Soon the murders start to pile up and the mysteries deepen.

Analysis

Silo is easily one of the best science-fiction series of the last decade. The world-building is top notch and Rebecca Ferguson shows, once again, why she is well on her way to becoming an A-list superstar. While the supporting cast is tremendous, Ferguson carries the series on her shoulders and does so with ease.

Tim Robbins, now on the back nine of his incredible career has settled into playing creepy and ominous supporting characters. In Silo, he’s effective as you know that he’s up to something sinister. What that is, you’ll have to watch and find out. Rapper/actor Common is great as the leather-clad leader of The Judicial. Early on in the series, Will Patton as Deputy Marnes and Geraldine James as Mayor Ruth have some very touching and heartfelt scenes together.

Series creator and showrunner Graham Yost (Speed and Broken Arrow) has created a compelling and mystery-filled whodunnit series set against a dystopian backdrop. As with all good television show mysteries, every episode ends on a cliffhanger and leaves you wanting more. Key bits of information are withheld from the viewer and Yost and his talented writers and directors reel the viewer in like a helpless and flailing fish.

The first three episodes are helmed by Oscar nominee Morten Tyldum (The Imitation Game). Episodes four and five, by the Emmy-nominated David Semel (Heroes). Episodes six and seven are directed by BAFTA winners Bert & Bertie (Troop Zero). The final three episodes of the first season are directed by yet another Emmy nominee, Adam Bernstein (Fargo).

Conclusion

What’s great about Silo – and many other Apple shows – is that it doesn’t insult the viewer. There is no mandatory and banal exposition that bluntly spells out everything. The viewer is often confused and unsure as to whether things are really unfolding as they appear to be. Pair that with cool sets, maze-like mysteries, and top-rate acting, and you have Prestige TV at its finest. Its only drawback may be that there’s TOO much going on and some outlying plots, and characters, get brushed off to the side.

Silo delivers quite a scathing social commentary throughout its first season. Relevant themes such as what history should, or should not, be taught, and a woman’s right to choose, are front and center throughout the first ten episodes. This adds an extra layer to what is already a rich and intriguing debut season. In addition, Apple quickly announced back in June that Silo had been renewed for a second season, with Matt Cherniss, its head of programming stating:

“It has been enormously fulfilling to see the engrossing, atmospheric, and beautifully crafted sci-fi epic ‘Silo’ quickly become Apple’s number one drama series…As audiences around the world have become gripped by the mysteries and conspiracies buried within this fascinating subterranean world, viewership only continues to climb, and we are so excited for more secrets of the silo to be revealed in season two”

Silo premiered on Apple TV+ on May 5, 2023, running through June 30, 2023. The release date for season two is unknown due to the ongoing WGA and SAG AFTRA strikes.

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