Silo Season 2 Episode 5: A Pivotal Midseason Chapter (Review)

The fifth episode of Silo season two represents a significant turning point in Apple TV+’s groundbreaking sci-fi dystopian series. As we reach the halfway mark of the season, the show continues to mirror its characters’ uncertainties: we still don’t know where loyalties lie or whether Silo 18 can ultimately be saved… SPOILERS AHEAD!

All images courtesy of Apple TV+

Tensions in Mechanical: Familiar Beats with a Few Twists

The episode begins by picking up the threads left dangling in Episode 4, as Nox, Shirley, Walker, and Carla desperately try to return to Mechanical while grappling with the bounty on their heads for the murder of Judge Meadows. While their predicament is undeniably tense, the plot relies heavily on a well-worn trope: a trusted ally betrays them. The predictability of the porter’s double-cross diminishes the impact of the sequence. There are only so many times the same cliche in this show can be used for it to remain impactful.

Despite this, the dynamic is reinvigorated by Camille Sims, who unexpectedly aids Nox and Shirley in evading the Judicial’s grasp. Camille Sims has always fascinated me and is a dark horse in the game of power and control within the Silo. We know from season 1 she half-helped Juliette but also loves her husband and son. Her actions in this episode only prompt more questions which is a niche Silo has always delivered perfectly. Why doesn’t she trust her husband with her plans? What are her real motives? What does she know? Sims (who is newly ‘promoted’ to Judge this episode) is becoming increasingly agitated with Bernard’s decisions. If only Camille trusted him enough to communicate her truths, perhaps they would be an unstoppable duo that could shape the future of the Silo…

Juliette’s Struggles in Silo 17

Meanwhile, back in Silo 17, not much happens that furthers the plot. The lighting is too dark and Juliette is suffering from her arm injury that is evidently infected meaning we are only hearing Ferguson painfully grunt and wince whilst trying to locate a helmet for her suit to get home.

It also probably didn’t come as a shock to audiences when it was revealed that Solo (Steve Zahn) was not all he seemed to be. Solo opened up to Juliette in this episode, explaining the reasoning behind his name but from her digging, Juliette quickly realised this was not his story to tell and he was not the real Solo. Zahn’s character then flips; Solo’s aggression and dishonesty quickly remind us that he is not to be trusted. While Juliette uncovers the truth behind Solo’s fabricated backstory, her dwindling strength leaves her in a precarious position. By the episode’s end, she has found the helmet, but her collapse raises urgent questions about whether she can survive long enough to return to Silo 18.

Bernard and Pete Nichols: A Battle of Convictions

Even Bernard’s usual chilling persona doesn’t have much effect on this episode. He attempts to recruit and reinforce Pete Nichols’ loyalty by allowing him to have his daughter’s belongings, but Iain Glen’s once subservient character has had his morals restored thanks to Juliette. He reminds Bernard that the Silo has taken everything from him: his son, his wife, and now his daughter; it’s taken his integrity and his work’s purpose so there is nothing more Bernard, or the Silo, can do to hurt him. I wanted to go through the screen and hug the grieving father and pat him on the back for standing up to Bernard!

It’s not just Pete Nichols’ loyalty that Silo lost. Sheriff Billings has been piecing bits of the Silo puzzle together and is on the verge of making a connection that should click everything into place. He’s already down deep, and with Nox, Shirley, and Walker managing to make it back to mechanical by the end of the episode, if they were all to join forces and minds they could be unstoppable.

A Midseason Episode with Mixed Momentum

While it excels in creating compelling character-driven mysteries—especially with Camille Sims and Pete Nichols— Episode 5 falters in pacing, with some storylines feeling repetitive or drawn out.

With the episodes coming out weekly it does feel a bit dragged out, especially with the two Silo storylines not yet interlinking. I imagine if you were waiting to binge-watch the entire season it wouldn’t feel so slow because each episode feeds into one another perfectly.

I’m desperate to see the tipping point of this rebellion and whether Juliette can make it home in time.

‘Silo’ continues to air every Friday on Apple TV+.