‘Silo’s Syndrome Illness Is Nowhere to Be Found in the Books

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  • What Is ‘Silo’ About?
  • How The Syndrome Sets up ‘Silo’ Season 2

As a longtime fan of dystopian literature who has lived through more than one apocalypse (okay, maybe not quite that dramatic, but you get the point), I find myself captivated by the intriguing world of Silo on AppleTV+. The addition of The Syndrome to the plotline, a mysterious illness that threatens the survivors in this post-apocalyptic society, has certainly added an unexpected twist to the story.

With the premiere of the second season of AppleTV+’s original sci-fi series “Silo” set for November 15, 2024, everyone is eagerly awaiting the fate of Juliette Nichols (Rebecca Ferguson). In the first season’s dramatic cliffhanger, Juliette briefly held on to hope, only to have it shattered when she discovered that multiple Silos had been built under various planetary craters, implying that there are more human survivors trapped underground.

In the TV series version of Silo, while it borrows certain plot points from Hugh Howey’s novel trilogy, a unique illness called The Syndrome has been introduced for the adaptation. To keep fans engaged as they progress through Season 2 and understand how this disease will intertwine with the narrative, it’s important to explore the biological roots of The Syndrome, its dramatic consequences, and how the enigmatic nature of the illness will influence the events in Season 2.

Read Our Season 2 Review

What Is ‘Silo’ About?

In a futuristic setting, Graham Yost’s creation for Apple TV, Silo, is a gripping dystopian sci-fi television series. It revolves around the aftermath of an Earth-altering catastrophe that decimated the world’s population. This intriguing narrative is adapted from the Silo trilogy by Hugh Howie, which centers on approximately 10,000 humans who have taken refuge in deep underground bunkers (Silos), stretching as much as 144 levels downwards.

In the depths of the Silo resides our main character, Juliette Nichols (Ferguson), who happens to be an engineer specializing in power generation. It’s here where the most unfortunate and struggling individuals make their home. On the higher levels, life is more affluent, but Juliette receives help and guidance from Martha Walker (Harriet Walter), a trusted figure with extensive experience maintaining the Silo’s power generators.

In the critically-acclaimed hard sci-fi TV series, notable figures include Sheriff Holston Becker (David Oyelowo) and his IT specialist wife Allison (Rashida Jones), Allison’s superior Bernard Holland (Tim Robbins), security guard Robert Sims (Common), data analyst Lukas Kyle (Avi Nash), maintenance worker turned smuggler Patrick Kennedy (Rick Gomez), and Deputy Chief Paul Billings (Chinaza Uche). Among these, Paul Billings is the one who contracts The Syndrome in Silo Season 1.

What Is The Syndrome in ‘Silo?’

In contrast to the original novels by Hugh Howey titled “Wool,” “Shift,” and “Dust,” the enigmatic disease referred to as ‘The Syndrome’ was created exclusively for the television series. This may leave fans of the books somewhat perplexed while watching the show. Introduced in Season 1, Episode 3, “Machines,” The Syndrome is a puzzling illness that affects the Mechanical Division of Silo 18’s inhabitants.

In Episode 5 of Season 1, titled “The Janitor’s Boy,” the character Charles Martin, who worked at Level 62, fell ill after being exposed to The Syndrome following Sheriff Sam Marnes’ (Will Patton) demise. It was later discovered by Juliette that Martin’s strange behavior was a result of The Syndrome, clearing him of any suspicion in Marnes’ murder investigation.

In simpler terms, “The Syndrome” initially affects Paul Billings, a former judicial employee now serving as Deputy Sheriff. His shaky symptoms create tension for the main characters, but they also provide insight into the illness, its origin, and prevention measures. The suspenseful conclusion of Season 1 suggests that “The Syndrome” lays the groundwork for the events in Season 2, even though it’s not directly connected to the novels.

How The Syndrome Sets up ‘Silo’ Season 2

Upon detection of The Syndrome within Silo 18, measures are taken to alert survivors on how to avoid this ailment. Notices are affixed to the Silo’s walls, providing detailed instructions about The Syndrome, its indicators, and actions to take if infected. The notice is titled, “Recognize The Symptoms of The Syndrome.

1) Uncontrollable muscle tremors might be the initial symptom, followed by:

For anyone suspected or confirmed as having an infection, all recommended care and treatments are available without charge across all medical tiers. It’s crucial that you disclose your symptoms to get the appropriate treatment.

Don’t be afraid. Be Honest. There is help.

Clean living is the real safeguard

* Besides understanding that The Syndrome leads to severe tremors, the most crucial insight gained is that affected individuals are now eligible for complimentary medical care.

If the Syndrome continues to spread throughout Season 2 and beyond, it could significantly alter the social and economic structure within Silo. It has already affected a lower-ranking engineer and a higher-ranking enforcer, leaving plenty of room for more people to be infected in Season 2. At the very least, The Syndrome adds an element of unpredictability to Wool, Shift, and Dust, ensuring that readers will have an engaging storyline without giving away what’s to come. Introducing this significant plot point that was not present in the original novels means that Silo’s survivors will need to deal with the Syndrome in Season 2, whether it turns out to be beneficial or detrimental. Silo is available for streaming on AppleTV+.

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2024-11-23 07:31