Silo Season 2 Episode 4: Suspense, Betrayal, and a Game-Changing Twist! (Review)

The fourth episode of Silo, titled “The Harmonium,” raises the stakes and tests the characters like never before! This gripping installment continues to build momentum, making it clear that the season is only getting better and better! SPOILERS AHEAD!

All images courtesy of Apple TV+

A Tense Confrontation and a Chilling Setup

The episode’s tension is ignited when four of our beloved characters from Mechanical venture up the silo to confront Judge Meadows, seeking answers and demanding the truth. This audacious move generates a sense of foreboding that stretches throughout the runtime, ending in a devastating twist: the group were being set up by Bernard and Sims. For what? The murder of Judge Meadows herself.

A Sinister Plan Unfolds

Viewers know the truth: During a tense and eerie dinner, Bernard poisons Meadows, seizing on her death as a strategic opportunity to unite the silo by blaming the Mechanical. By pinning the murder on Mechanical, Bernard seeks to exploit the fragile dynamics of power, leveraging the Pact’s stipulations to justify his actions. Whilst he truly did seem apprehensive and regretful of his actions, any remorse audiences felt would have dissipated when his plan to blame his own killing on Juliette’s friends was revealed.

The truth of her death adds to the list of secrets and lies that makes up Silo 17’s existence and shows just how easily those in power can manipulate events. This trap has left Nox and Shirley framed and targeted and all of Mechanical in a precarious position. The whole silo knows that Mechanical have the ability to shut down the silo but whether this is something Nox is willing to do long-term is the pertinent question and one I imagine will be the focus for the next episode.

Where is Sims loyalty?

However, whilst Sims was the one to push the knife into Meadows’ chest, you can’t help but get the impression he is getting agitated with the half-truths Bernard is feeding him. It will be interesting to see what his character’s fate is and where his loyalties end up lying by the end of this season.

Lack-lustre Re-Introduction

Truthfully, the re-introduction of Lukas was lack-lustre and not relevant to the plot (yet) at all. I had honestly forgotten he was sentenced to the mines and his conversations about stars with Meadows seemed irrelevant. There is not much to say other than that… To be fair, I am left intrigued as to how he will be involved in the latter episodes.

Juliette’s Way Home

Meanwhile, Juliette is desperately trying to find and create a suit to enable her to get back home. With Steve Zahn’s ‘Solo’ now out from the comfort of his vault, the pair adventure through the demised Silo 18 into a classroom. Whilst Jules is determined and eager, Solo is easily distracted by not only the memories of his home but his own mind and intrusive thoughts. His child-like but also somewhat twisted and untrustworthy personality adds to the depth of Juliette’s new silo and brings it to life despite the lack of life within it. Ferguson and Zahn acting opposite each other is what elevates this storyline from good to great.

In addition to the slow but growing relationship between Solo and Juliette, Ferguson’s character is forced to face her worst fear: water. I was genuinely fearful for her life watching her nearly accidentally drown herself and Ferguson deserves to be praised (again) for her ability to truly embrace the stunts this scene required of her. This episode only exemplifies further the desire Juliette has to get back home for the sake of her home’s safety.

Final Thoughts

“The Harmonium” delivers a masterful balance of suspense, betrayal, and moral complexity. By exposing the depths of Bernard’s machinations and the vulnerabilities of Mechanical, the episode not only heightens the stakes but also underscores the fragile balance of power within the silo.

The pacing was better than it’s predecessor despite feeling like Juliette was underwater for hours… I’m hopeful, heading into episode 5, that the spilt-storyline is near its end and we will see an action packed last few episodes. The show is lacking the same tension as season 1 however it’s still ‘Silo’ through and through!

Silo continues to be a must watch show weekly and it’s never too late to catch up on Apple TV!