What Is The Syndrome in Silo?

On May 5, 2023, Apple TV+ released Silo, an American science fiction dystopian drama television series starring Rebecca Ferguson. Besides the Dune 2 actress, the series also featured Rashida Jones, David Oyelowo, Common, Tim Robbins, Harriet Walter, Avi Nash, Rick Gomez, and Chinaza Uche.

The series was created by Graham Yost and was based on author Hugh Howey's novels in the Silo series, Wool, Shift, and Dust. Although the show was primarily focused on the plot explored in the books, the makers did make certain deviations.

For instance, the entire storyline about The Syndrome that was explored in Silo was not present in the books. It was something the makers decided to take creative liberties with.

For those unaware, The Syndrome was an umbrella term used in the show to refer to a disease whose origins were not established. In the sixth episode of the show's first season, it is revealed that Deputy Billings is suffering from The Syndrome. It is also revealed that the disease is neither hereditary nor contagious.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers. Please read at your discretion.

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About The Syndrome in Silo

Although the root cause of The Syndrome is unclear, based on the conversations between the characters in Silo, the disease could either be the result of a bacterial infection or a mental health condition. Despite the lack of knowledge about its origins, its common symptoms are known. In the sixth episode of the series Titled The Syndrome Do you know the signs?, the signboard describes those with The Syndrome are known to show these specific signs:

"Involuntary twitching is the first sign, leading quickly to shaking of the extremities, flashes of pain and muscle spasms are next. Balance and movement is severely impaired. If untreated infection will attack the brain, resulting in reduced cognitive function and finally, A shut-down of the entire nervous system."

Besides the symptoms, the show also mentions the repercussions people suffering from The Syndrome will face. This includes removal from all public posts held by those affected. Once someone is affected with the disease they have to report it to the authorities without fail. Not adhering to the guidelines set forth would lead to severe consequences.

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The Syndrome plot is likely to continue in season 2 of the show

Season 2 of Silo was announced back in June 2023. Shortly after the announcement, filming began in Hoddesdon Studios in Hertfordshire, however, it was interrupted by the ongoing WGA and SAG AFTRA strikes. Filming was renewed after the strikes were over however the delay resulted in the pushing of the expected release date of the show's second season.

Having said that, fans can expect The Syndrome to be an important part of discussion in the show's second season, as had been the case in its first. The first season of the show witnessed one of its primary characters, Paul Billings, suffer from the disease.

In season 2, there will likely be more characters who will suffer from the disease. Since suffering from the disease comes with some socio-political implications, the audiences can also expect to see a lot of unrest in the upcoming season.

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About the show

Silo follows the story of the last few people on Earth who need to protect themselves from the outside world by containing themselves in an enclosure that will keep them safe. The show's official logline reads:

".. is the story of the last ten thousand people on earth, their mile-deep home protecting them from the toxic and deadly world outside. However, no one knows when or why the silo was built and any who try to find out face fatal consequences."

It continues:

"Rebecca Ferguson stars as Juliette, an engineer, who seeks answers about a loved one's murder and tumbles onto a mystery that goes far deeper than she could have ever imagined, leading her to discover that if the lies don't kill you, the truth will."

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Silo season 2 can be expected to be released sometime in 2025.