Tag: Graham Yost

  • Silo Nine and Ten – An Excellent Season Two End!

    Silo Nine and Ten – An Excellent Season Two End!

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    Welcome back Silo Science Fiction Lovers,

    Silo new poster portrait
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Season two episodes nine “The Safeguard” and episode ten “Into The Fire” exceeded our expectations. We give the series a straight “A” for season two. The rebellion in Silo Eighteen become manifest while events in Silo Seventeen reveal important details dovetailing the season two finale setting up excitement for season three!

    Showrunner and series creator Graham Yost in recent interviews shared where his superb science fiction series adaptation of the novels is going in Silo season three: “There are a lot of mysteries about Silo 17. The chief one being that all those people went outside, they had an hour to get outside. They didn’t all die in three minutes. What the fuck happened out there? That’s gonna be part of Season 3. You’ll get the answers to all of that. And then there are other things you don’t find out until Season 4”

    Viewers will recall that in a July 2013 interview with SFFWorld author Hugh Howey discussed on the meaning behind the title of his first book “Wool”. Howey also shared where we might be going in season four in another interview with SFFWorld conducted in September 2013 that discusses the final book in the series “Dust”: “There are quite a few meanings behind the title of the series. There’s the old phrase ‘Pull the wool over my eyes’ which is the question raised by the (Silo) wallscreens” (screen that viewers witness in the television series on Apple TV.

    Silo book one Wool
    Image courtesy Amazon

    “What is really out there? Who is being deceived? Or are they? There’s also the allusion to sheep, those metaphorical blind followers who just do what they’re told, go where they’re told to go, never question. A third meaning has to do with humans being compared to sheep when we are taken advantage of or ‘fleeced’.”

    All of these interviews have contemporary parallels. Readers with the print editions might notice a hidden clue here and there. The cover of the first “Wool” is meant to highlight the multiple meanings. “I’ve only pointed this out to a few people (I prefer to let readers discover these things on their own), but if you look at the center of the cover, the two ‘O’s look like eyes staring out at the beautiful world beyond. Is the wool pulled down over what we see? Or do we see through it? I really hope the answer to this question bounces back and forth for the reader as they progress through the story.”

    In the final two episodes viewers were provided answers to many of the questions posed in the novels including what is in “The Vault” of each Silo as well as a surprise ending in the season finale.

    The Safeguard:

    Silo S2x09 Miscreant Mayor Holland is worried
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    As we proceed to analyze the final two episodes of season two, it is Important to remember that other than Miscreant Mayor Holland (Tim Robbins) The Head of IT and their shadows Lukas Kyle (Avi Nash), and Judge Meadows (Tanya Moodie), people who live in their respective Silo’s have no clue regarding the other network Silo bunkers that we learn number fifty-one in total.

    Silo S2x09 Lukas is caught down deep
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Each Silo resident believes that they are the last remnants of humanity protected from an external polluted environment where no human being can survive. The extra Silo is likely where whoever or whatever controls the Artificial Intelligence (AI), is a central control hub monitoring the happenings in each Silo. We learn that the AI is referred to as “The Algorithm” takes lethal precautions (The Safeguard) in the event of Silo rebellions or other emergency events. Who or what is inside the fifty-first Silo is not revealed. is it a computer controlled AI or are there other human survivors controlling everything?

    Silo S2x10 Rick Amundsen, Paul Billings, Martha Walker, Carla McLain, Shirley Campbell and Knox team up
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Written by Jessica Blaire and directed by Amber Templemore, episode nine sets the pivot point to the season two finale as Sheriff Paul Billings (Chinaza Uche), Hank (Billy Postlethwaite), and Juliette’s (Rebecca Ferguson) father Dr. Pete Nichols (Iain Glen) begin to have serious doubts about Mayor Holland. Billings and his wife Kathleen (Caitlin Zoz) decide to join the rebellion group of Martha Walker (Harriet Walter) who is being blackmailed monitored by Holland to save her lover Carla McLain (Clare Perkins). This factor is unknown to the rest of the main rebellion members Knox (Shane McRae), and Shirley Campbell (Remmie Milner).

    Silo S2x09 Lukas heads down deep
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Meanwhile Lukas Kyle, who has broken the code of Salvador Quinn and “The Pact”, heads deep into Silo Eighteen where he learns about “The Safeguard”. As he ventures further into a tunnel, he find that it ends in a circular vault door. Unexpectedly, the AI voice demands answers from Lukas. “Lukas Kyle, why are you here?” The AI tells him that only three people have ever made it that far: Salvador Quinn (who we do not meet), Mary Meadows who was murdered by Holland, and George Wilkins (Ferdinand Kingsley) who was Juliette’s lover who was also murdered for knowing too much.

    Silo S2x09 Solo is stunned
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Back in Silo Seventeen, Juliette uncovers the truth about Solo’s past. Viewers learn about three characters teens that attacked Solo (Steve Zahn) and Juliette. The three are named Audrey (Georgina Sadler), Rick (Orlando Norman), and Hope (Sara Hazemi) nicknamed Eater who is treated like a slave. Each are children of the Silo Seventeen survivors of the initial rebellion who never went outside to perish as a result of “The Safeguard”. Audrey and Rick grew up in Silo Seventeen literally looking for scraps of food that keep them alive. They have two children together, one of whom is a baby. Their parents were killed by Solo which is why they seek retribution for their parents murder. In the previous episode. Audrey and Rick kidnapped Solo who is the only person who knows The Vault code where Solo has food.

    Silo S2x09 Young Jimmy
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    A major reveal in “The Safeguard” is that Juliette learns that Solo’s father was killed when he was a teenager just like Audrey and Rick who were the only other survivors of Silo Seventeen. As such Solo was actually the victim in all the Silo Seventeen events including the fact that his father was murdered by the Silo Seventeen Sheriff forcing Solo to hide inside The Vault at a young age. We learn that Solo’s fathers real name as the head of Information Technology of Silo Seventeen, was Russell Conroy (Nick Haverson). After locking himself in the vault, Solo, on his dad’s instructions to protect his own life does so. Since he grew up in isolation, this explains Solo’s immature behavior that we have observed.

    Silo S2x09 Camille and Robert Sims
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    As the episode winds down we witness Lukas exploring the tunnels in Silo Eighteen just as Juliette had when she went to the bottom of Silo Seventeen. Exactly what is “The Safeguard” and what or who is the overbearing AI who enforces the rules of the Silos? Will Lukas reveal what he has learned in the season finale to Robert Sims (Common) who warned Lucas he is being used by Mayor Holland and his wife Camille (Alexandria Riley)? And will Juliette succeed to head back to Silo Eighteen before the rebellion erupts there?

    Into The Fire:

    Silo S2x01 Entrance to 2nd Silo
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Written by Aric Avelino and directed by Amber Templemore wherein viewers will learn that Juliette and Lukas discovered the same thing when the ominous AI warns it will initiate “The Safeguard” (a release of poison gas) to be activated killing everyone in a given Silo in the process. This is precisely what was perpetrated in Silo Seventeen when the rebellion erupted there. The victims didn’t die from going outside, the all perished from the poison gas!

    Silo S2x10 Miscreant Mayor Holland
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    The episode focus is on the growing rebellion in Silo Eighteen of which Miscreant Mayor Holland has become aware. This apparently includes destroying the Silo Eighteen generator system at the lowest Mechanical level. Holland overhears this because he has a camera in Martha Walker’s room to blackmail her. Mayor Holland believes the rebellion meeting completely, sending his entire force to the generator level to disarm the explosives and arrest all the perpetrators.

    Silo S2x10 Juliettes Dad Dr Nichols
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    What Mayor Holland does not know is that Martha Walker used sign language to communicate and warn Dr. Nichols. The good doctor moves to a level above the generator and detonates a suicide vest to destroy the stair case. The result is that all of Holland’s police force are trapped in the lower levels allowing the rebellion to take place.

    Next we are in a meeting between Lukas and Miscreant Mayor Holland. Although we do not hear what is being said, we assume that it about “The Safeguard”. When Holland finds out his forces are trapped, he gets his own hazmat suit to escape the Silo before he can be captured by the rebellious residents.

    Silo S2x10 Solo thinks about the future
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    However, before Holland can step outside through the airlock, Juliette enters Silo Eighteen after her journey from Silo Seventeen where she saved Solo after linking up with him again, promising him that she will return to Silo Seventeen if at all possible. Juliette shares with Holland that that they can still save their underground home if they work together, telling Holland about how “The Safeguard” can be stopped without revealing the details.

    Silo S2x10 Solo and Juliette back together
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Unfortunately, before Holland and Juliette can finally work it out, they find themselves trapped inside Silo Eighteen’s airlock. The airlock’s decontamination flames automatically activate as Holland screams get down!

    Silo S2x09 Juliette is safe
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    As Bernard and Juliette drop to the floor to save themselves, the scene does not reveal their ultimate fate. Nevertheless, since Juliette is the main character of the series, she will no doubt survive in season three and beyond.

    We cannot say the same for the hated Miscreant Mayor Holland. Based on the books where the Holland character is burned to death.

    Silo S2x10 Judge Sims takes aim
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    We will have to wait and see if season three features the Mayor Holland character or not. Why? Because in a sequence prior to this, Judge Robert Sims heads to the Silo Eighteens Vault with his wife Camille and son after Lukas tells them to do so.

    To his surprise, the AI voice in the Vault orders Robert and his son to leave, informing Camille that only she may stay. This suggests that the AI has been keeping a close eye on all the events that Camille has been exercising to enhance her political power. The question for viewers to ponder once again is “The Algorithm” AI voice a person or a super intelligent computer monitoring everything from Silo fifty-one? This question is not addressed, but it becomes obvious that Camille has been selected as the new mayor of Silo Eighteen IT to replace Holland. Is this Holland’s final episode in the series? Perhaps.

    Silo S1x03 Mayor Holland prepares for trouble
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    As we move to conclude this superb season, viewers must recall that earlier in season two, Mayor Holland revealed the Silos were built 352 years earlier. This suggests that it has been over three centuries since the apocalyptic event forced many human survivors to find shelter in the Silo underground structures. Based on the last known rebellion approximately 140 years earlier this and that it had been over 185 years prior to that since the beginning of the Silo’s, viewers can assume the final scenes in the season happened at least three hundred fifty-two years before the “current” events.

    Silo S2x10 Washington DC 352 years earlier
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    What is revealed in the final minutes is a scene that occurs well before the Silo’s future timeline in Washington DC. We meet a journalist named Helen (Jessica Henwick), who works for The Washington Post. Helen is meeting with an unnamed Congressman from Georgia’s fifteenth Congressional district. Helen is seeking to learn more about why the United States was victim of a radiological “dirty bomb” attack by Iran.

    This is evidenced by the use of radiation detectors just prior to her meeting with the Congressman. Named in the book as Congressman Donald Keene, but not revealed in the episode, the Congressman incorrectly assumes that he is on a date with Helen. However, Helen asks him about the Iran “dirty bomb” attack.

    Silo S2x10 Congressman in Washington DC restauramt 352 years earlier
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    This meeting with the Congressman can only be a reference for the government plan for dealing with a world war that predates humanities seeking protection in the Silo’s.

    We do not learn more at this time since the Congressman keeps quiet and leaves the restaurant. The body language of the Congressman indicates that he obviously knows something Helen does not yet know.

    is it about the history of the Silo’s? Likely this is the case based on what happens next.

    Silo S2x10 The Pez dispenser
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    In a cryptic sequence, the Congressman gives Helen a Pez dispenser. Viewers must then recall that In Silo season one, George Wilkins gifted the exact Pez dispenser to Juliette with a message describing what he had found in Silo Eighteens lower level tunnels. This is the information that ultimately cost him his life and motivated Juliette to seek answers.

    Does this mean that Helen was one of George Wilkins’ ancestors in Silo Eighteen? Is the Pez dispenser a symbol of rebellion against the fifty-first Silo AI also known as “The Algorithm”? Is Helen the ancestor in Silo Eighteen who began the process of inquiring about the world humans currently exist in Silo? This exciting sequence of events will have to be explored in season three and perhaps into season four. Will these details about Helen be featured as the season three opener? TeamWHR believes the answer is yes, but all must tune in to Apple TV to find out!

    Click to visit and follow WormholeRiders News Agency on X!We look forward to Silo season three in the future and hopefully at San Diego Comic-Con in July later this year. In the meantime, please feel free to share this article with your friends, co-workers and or your family!

    We look forward to you visiting our dedicated review and analysis web site here in the future! Or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit TeamWHR on X, or visit me on Twitter by clicking the text links or images avatars in this news story. I and TeamWHR look forward to Seeing You on The Other Side!

    Thank you. Click to visit and follow WormholeRiders (Kenn) on X!

    Best Regards,

    Kenn of #TeamWHR

  • Silo Seven and Eight – Let’s Hope It’s Not Too Late!

    Silo Seven and Eight – Let’s Hope It’s Not Too Late!

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    Welcome back Silo Science Fiction Lovers,

    Silo new poster portrait
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Silo season two has brought science fiction excitement to viewers again thanks Apple TV to the talented AMC Executive Production Team of Graham Yost (series creator), Remi Aubuchon, Fred Golan, Nina Jack, Morten Tyldum, Ingrid Escajeda, Michael Dinner, Rebecca Ferguson, each have brought the work of Hugh Howey’s to life on our screens the past two seasons

    Outperforming the expectations of TeamWHR, we are pleased that the series has been renewed for a third and fourth seasons to dovetail the trilogy of novels (Wool, Shift, and Dust) by Howey. What is especially nice about Apple TV has ensured that an appropriate ending is mapped out well in advance for each series. This is especially true when compared to the decades of science fiction series on United States broadcast television that sometimes treated viewers like trash, often cancelling series mid stream or without providing an ending worthy of the devotion to their viewers. While some series we covered did receive an appropriate ending seasons, far too often, superb series such as Terra Nova, Alcatraz, Primeval New World, The Event, V Series, and more, did not. Recently the same channel that broadcast Day of the Dead and The Ark left viewers hanging with no satisfactory resolution for either program. Even top rated series such as Stargate Universe and The Expanse (later picked up by Amazon MGM Studios) were cancelled without explanation. Backlash from viewers have sent a message to broadcast networks who have now followed science fiction series to streamers such as Apple TV.

    Silo S1x10 Outside
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    In season one, the Silo creators familiarized viewers with life in a dystopian post apocalyptic world fleshing out the hierarchy where TPTB (The Powers That Be) of Information Technology (IT) live in absolute luxury at the top of the Silo Eighteen levels. Next in terms of relative power are the Judicial and Law Enforcement divisions designed to keep the worker class of Mechnical and Agriculture kept in virtual slavery. Anyone suspected of bucking the situation or arguing with TPTB is falsely promoted to become a viewing portal “Cleaner”, is sent outside in defective hazmat suit, and die.

    Silo S2x09 Juliette is safe
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    The hero of the series, Juliette Nichols (Rebecca Ferguson) is driven to investigate the mysterious death of her lover. Her investigation reveals a conspiracy that ends up with her being promoted to “Sheriff” that ultimate leads to Juliette being sent outside. Juliette escapes her death when allies provide her with proper hazmat suit sealing tape that allows Juliette to find that other Silo’s exist as she explored Silo Seventeen.

    Silo S2x07 Solo and Juliette
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    As season two began after Juliette went “Outside”, we learn that the Silo Eighteen inhabitants have been lied to for decades leading to a brewing rebellion. Based on the book series, there are fifty Silo’s one for each of the United States, formed by a Unites States Government directive in 2049.

    Conversely, when Juliette witnesses an expanse of Silo’s like her own and that Silo Seventeen did rebel before meeting a survivor, viewers know there is much more to learn. Escaping outside, Silo Seventeen inhabitants. all unprotected were killed by the toxic atmosphere. As they superb story proceeds, we will also learn that some residents suspect that rebellion has occurred in the past in Silo Eighteen and are about to burst upon their reality.

    The Dive:

    Silo S2x07 Carla McLain interrogated by Miscreant Mayor Holland
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    The seventh episode directed by Michael Dinner and written by Katherine DiSavino provides focus is on several story arc details. First, we are with Miscreant Mayor Holland (Tim Robbins) who is in a state of panic over the rising level of tension in Silo Eighteen. Having recruited Lukas Kyle (Avi Nash) as his “Shadow” or protector, Lukas is sent on a mission to decipher the code left by a person known as Salvador Quinn with books stored in a secret vault known as “The Legacy”. Here Lukas finds enough clues related to a numeric code based upon page numbers to begin the decryption process which will be revealed in the next episode.

    Silo S2x07 Knox gets ready for action
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Second, Knox (Shane McRae) and Shirley Campbell (Remmie Milner) continue on their mission to turn more people against Holland after he locked up Carla McLain (Clare Perkins) unjustly.

    Recently promoted to Judge, from Sheriff, Robert Sims (Common) also has growing serious doubts about the trustworthiness of Mayor Holland despite Sims many years of loyalty to Holland..

    Silo S2x05 Sheriff Billings does not like what is happening
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Third, Sheriff Billings (Chinaza Uche) pursues his investigation into the odd occurrences that include blocking entire sections “down below” from being able to visit the upper levels subsequent to food sent to the lower levels being poisoned. The investigation reveals that someone from the upper level of the hierarchy were directly involved.

    Silo S2x07 Juliette dives to drain Solo's Silo
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Lastly, per the name of the episode “The Dive”, Juliette agrees to help Silo Seventeen’s enigmatic character Solo (Steve Zahn) fix a pump to drain his from flooding which threatens his life. To do so Juliette must undertake a dangerous dive to repair the malfunctioning pump.

    Nearly drowning in the process, Juliette suffers further from returning to the surface too quickly. Once she recovers from “The Bends” or decompression sickness, Juliette discovers that Solo is missing with traces of blood where he was standing when she performed “The Dive” to fix the pump system.

    The Book Of Quinn:

    Silo S2x08 Martha is worried
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Written by Remi Aubuchon and directed by Amber Templemore, this episode reveals that Solo is not alone in Silo Seventeen and that Miscreant Mayor Holland resorts to subterfuge to turn off a mechanical pump to meet with Martha Walker (Harriet Walter). Using threats and blackmail Holland forces Walker to spy for him to put down the pending rebellion or Holland will harm her lover Carla.

    Silo S2x07 Judge Sims doesn't like Miscreant Mayor Holland
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Meanwhile Judge Robert Sims has learned about Mayor Holland’s secret mission concerning Salvador Quinn’s code that Lukas Kyle has figured out. Using his wife Camille (Alexandria Riley), Judge Sims convinces Rick Amundsen (Christian Ochoa Lavernia) to reveal why the Mayor is obsessed Salvador Quinn’s life Sims embarks on war with Holland attempting to lure Lukas to his side by revealing that as soon as Holland gets what he wants, Lukas will be sent back to serve out his life in hard labor within the mines of Silo Eighteen. Lukas takes the message to heart while continuing to learn the significance of Salvador Quinn’s code.

    Silo S2x04 Judge Mary Meadows meets the Mechanical team
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    This leads Lukas to  a man named Terrance Penbrook (Stuart Milligan), who remembers Quinn was a former head of IT who burned all evidence 100 years ago of rebellions that occurred 140 years ago. This factor maintained peace in Silo Eighteen until the recent uprisings.

    Penbrook reluctantly reveals that a long time ago, Judge Meadows (Tanya Moodie) sought them out also looking for Quinn’s books. This ties to Meadows being murdered earlier in the season by Holland after she obtained Salvador Quinn’s copy of “The Pact”.

    Silo S2x07 Martha seeks answers about The Pact
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Lukas finds the book containing several underlined sections that Martha also knows about from her association with Judge Meadows. The code that has been decrypted reads, “If you’ve gotten this far, you already know the game is rigged.” The decrypted message can be seen as a warning. The “game” can refer to only the corrupt administration of the Silo Eighteen, which is rigged by the personal priorities of its rulers that include murder and drugging the population to maintain a rebellion free environment.

    Silo S2x08 Juliette armed and ready
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    The episode winds down when Juliette, upon returning to the surface, learns that her Silo Seventeen friend Solo has disappeared. That is when she finds out that there are more people now inside in Silo Seventeen! She asks an individual about Solo, who tells her that Solo is dead. Juliette must find Solo since he has her hazmat suit needed to return to Silo Eighteen to save it’s 10,000 inhabitants from a useless rebellion. When pressing the mysterious person for answers, he shoots Juliette with an arrow despite defending herself. Suddenly two more people show up. Juliette surmises that they came from another Silo looking for supplies?

    Silo S2x09 Young Jimmy
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    At this juncture, what is not revealed is the motive of these three new characters. Even if they are searching for resources, it is troubling that they are so hostile.

    Juliette decides they may useful if she can convince them that she is not their enemy, only seeking to return to her own friends and family setting up the final two episodes of season two, episode none “The Safeguard” and episode ten “Into The Fire” when we will learn more about Solo and his past that created his fate!

    Questions to consider:
    Will Lukas join Judge Sims now that he has uncovered the truth?
    Will Juliette find Solo and her hazmat suit or was he really killed?
    Who are the three new characters and where did they come from?
    Can the growing rebellion in Silo Eighteen be stopped or is it inevitable?

    Click to visit and follow WormholeRiders News Agency on X!We will be back soon to complete our analysis of Silo season two in the future. In the meantime, please feel free to share this article with your friends, co-workers and or your family!

    We look forward to you visiting our dedicated review and analysis web site here in the future! Or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit TeamWHR on X, or visit me on Twitter by clicking the text links or images avatars in this news story. I and TeamWHR look forward to Seeing You on The Other Side!

    Thank you. Click to visit and follow WormholeRiders (Kenn) on X!

    Best Regards,

    Kenn of #TeamWHR

  • Silo Four, Five, Six – Who Decides The Future Fate of the Silo’s?

    Silo Four, Five, Six – Who Decides The Future Fate of the Silo’s?

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    Hello, Silo fans!

    Silo new poster portrait
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Season two of the Apple TV series has become volatile in these last few episodes. I am happy to hear that this series has been renewed for a third and fourth season.

    I am also happy Apple TV and other streaming services have taken up the torch from Netflix  with a large quantity of quality television shows that give fans an intelligent choice of science fiction series as we previously reported.

    Since a favorite of mine, Fringe (2008 to 2013) ended, and now that The Ark has not been renewed, science fiction shows are no longer being broadcast on network television for the time being in the United States.

    Nevertheless, I have enjoyed Silo as well as several streaming science fiction series that I have covered for TeamWHR. I have enjoyed watching these three episodes of Silo and was able to follow the story arc along nicely thanks to the awesome AMC Executive Production Team of Graham Yost (series creator), Remi Aubuchon, Fred Golan, Nina Jack, Morten Tyldum, Ingrid Escajeda, Michael Dinner, Rebecca Ferguson, and of course, Hugh Howey, the author of the fantastic book series.

    Silo main cast
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    The cast itself is terrific, led by Rebecca Ferguson, who I have been a fan of for a while and who can hold her own against heavy hitters, as demonstrated in the current Mission: Impossible franchise.

    Tim Robbins, Common, Steve Zahn, and Harriet Walter round out the other actors in the series. Seeing an Academy Award winning actor like Tim Robbins venture into science fiction television is nice, especially considering that he is primarily a movie actor.

    Silo main and ensemble cast
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Silo features an excellent supporting cast including Shane McRae as Knox, David Oyelowo as Sheriff Holsten, Billy Postlethwaite as Hank, Iain Glen as Dr. Pete Nichols, Chinaza Uche as Paul Billings, Avi Nash as Lucas Kyle, Remmie Milner as Shirley Campbell, Christian Ochoa Lavernia as Amundsen, Olatunji Ayofe as Teddy, Caitlin Zoz as Kathleen Billings, Tanya Moodie as Judge Mary Meadows, Chipo Chung as Sandy, Angela Yeoh as Deputy Molly Karins, Matt Gomez Hidaka as Cooper, Will Patton as Deputy Marnes, Akie Kotabe as Diego, a return of Amelie Child Villiers as young Juliette, and a superb supporting cast and crews.

    Silo S2 Rebellion
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    This analysis will be a bit different from my normal routine television reviews. I will review the fourth, fifth, and sixth Silo episodes with a short synopsis of the top aspects of the story arc in each episode.

    It will not be an in-depth scene by scene analysis as I usually do, but I will share with you my opinions and observations for the exciting episodes four, five, and six that follows our analysis of season two episodes one, two and three and hope you enjoy my Silo series analysis as much as I do writing it!

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    The Harmonium:

    Silo S2x04 Juliette gets ready
    I,mage courtesy Apple TV

    While Juliette (Ferguson) is trying to figure out how to fix her hazmat suit, Solo (Zahn) is tagging along in a way and trying to distract her from her task at hand.

    I find Zahn’s character on the spectrum, giving her random facts about elephants and talking about 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne. I am not sure if all of that is his intention because he is the only one in that silo or if what he is doing is intentional.

    Silo S2x04 Solo and Juliette
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    With the episode directed by Aric Avelino and written for the screen by Sal Calleros, both move the story forward to inform the next episodes.

    With Holland (Robbins) and Sims (Common) discussing their plan to impeach Judge Meadows (Tanya Moodie) with the hopes of bringing the Silo to a united front, there may be the opposite effect, and chaos may happen.

    Silo S2x04 Harriet Walter as Martha and Claire Perkins as Carla ready to rebel
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Miscreant Mayor Holland has a plan of his own and has a corrupt plan to take even more control over the citizens of the Silo who are on the verge of rebellion. I had read that the character of Holland in the books is the opposite of the actor portraying him. Tim Robbins is a great actor, but another actor closer to Holland’s characteristics should have been cast. Considering his insecurity in life, it would make more sense to me and make what Holland is doing much more sinister.

    Silo S2x04 Judge Mary Meadows meets the Mechanical team
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Holland’s intentions toward Judge Meadows are nefarious as he “invites” her to his place to try on her new suit. His intentions are not what they seem. Unfortunately, Meadows finds out the hard way that Holland tricks her, and the dinner she ate, which he provided, had poisonous mushrooms. As she lay dying, he tells her that her death will unite the Silo.

    Juliette tells Solo about the outside and how she is scared and lonely. No doubt Solo feels he has been alone for some time and can relate. Solo reminds me of a person who wants some company, and when he finds that company, he takes it upon himself to talk and talk about random things that do not make sense.

    Silo S2x04 Mayor Holland with Remmie Milner as Shirley and Shane McRae as Knox
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Knox (Shane McRae), Shirley (Remmie Milner), and Walker (Walter) go to see Judge Meadows, but only Knox and Shirley enter the room and find Sims there. Once they discover the judge is dead, a knife sticks out of her chest, “The people of the Silo have to take care of themselves,” Holland says to them in the room. Knox and Shirley exit calmly and tell the others to do the same, not to arouse suspicion that something is wrong. Sims lies to the crowd gathered outside Judicial and tells them that Mechanical killed Meadows, hoping to cause a rebellion uprising or riot—justice for his benefit.

    Silo S1x10 Inside the Silo
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    The visuals of the Silo in general are wonderfully done. In specific, the spiral staircase that depicts various levels from down below to “up top” where the ruling IT group with the evil Miscreant Mayor Holland and his cronies work and live are very well done.

    However, much of the series is very darkly lit. I assume that is intentional to show the bleak nature of the situation in the Silo, but it can be a bit difficult, in fact rather harsh at times. This often makes it hard to see what is happening in some of the scenes.

    Descent:

    2024-12-13 Silo S2x05 Judge Sims with his wife Camille
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    With the mob incited in the previous episode by Sims, the mob is looking for Mechanical. Holland goes to visit Sims at his family home. He tells him that he will no longer be his shadow and that because he forced Holland’s hand, which led to the judge’s demise, Sims will now oversee the Judicial and become the new judge. There is a bounty for Knox and Shirley, one thousand credits each. That is enough incentive for the people of the silo to act. With Sims now judge, his priorities shift, although he has no idea that his wife Camille (Alexandria Riley) has a hand in helping Knox and Shirley hide. It is unclear if Camille would turn Knox and Shirley over or if she had other ulterior motives in mind. The director, Amber Templemore, and writer, Jenny DeArmitt, help move the story further into the chaos we see in the rest of the episode.

    Silo S2x05 Holland recuits Lukas as his shadow
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Holland is unhappy when hearing that Camille was spotted with the fugitives, but he has other plans. He recruits Lukas Kyle (Avi Nash) to help decipher the hard drive Juliette and Lukas had worked on together. Although Juliette never revealed to Lukas what she saw on the hard drive, Lukas is tasked with trying to piece together what was left of it. Lukas helping Holland is the catalyst for Kyle getting some time from his sentence in the mine. What Kyle discovers is love letters from Salvador Quinn to his wife. Holland’s reaction to hearing that made me wonder if he knew who Quinn was. It was also discovered that there are tunnels in their silo, but do not know where they lead. Holland keeps Lukas on to help figure out what those tunnels are for and where they might lead.

    Silo S2x05 Sheriff Billings does not like what is happening
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Sheriff Billings (Chinaza Uche) is suspicious of all the chaos and the sudden change in Sim’s role.

    With Hank (Billy Postlethwaite), Billings discovers that Kennedy (Rick Gomez) is still alive and hiding in Mechanical. Kennedy convinces Billings that he knows all the “dirty secrets” of the silo and more and will tell him everything if he can get him some help for the bullet lodged in his shoulder.

    Silo S2x05 Juliette repairs her hazmat suit
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    While searching through the remains of an old silo to repair her hazmat suit, Juliette comes across some evidence that Solo may not be who he says he is. She finds a picture of Solo and Tiny, but the picture looks nothing like who she thinks Solo is.

    When Juliette confronts Solo about what she sees, he berserk and tells her he is the IT shadow. With Solo leaving Juliette alone, she continues to find a helmet to help fix her suit. She eventually finds one, but with her injured arm now in a full-blown infection, she collapses.

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    Barricades:

    Silo S2x06 Miscreant Mayor Holland to move against Knox Shirley and Shirley
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    This is the shortest of the three episodes I reviewed, just forty-five minutes. Holland knows more about what is happening than he lets on. Everything is “going as planned,” from the contaminated food to the barricade’s chaos. He wants Kyle to determine what that cryptic message is on Juliette’s hard drive. What does the code mean? And what does that mean for the Silo?

    Silo S2x06 Paul Billings and Hank get orders
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    With Amundsen (Christian Ochoa Lavernia) not doing his job correctly, the barricade gets pushed to 120, allowing Mechanical to get the needed food. This may pose a problem for Holland, but it is only temporary. Diego (Akie Kotabe) meets with Sims and tells him that Mechanical has a saw that can cut through concrete. I assume that this fact is or will be significant in the upcoming episodes. Undoubtedly, that info will throw the proverbial monkey wrench in Holland’s plans. The director Michael Dinner and writer Jeffery Wang, worked together to keep the tension taut in this episode.

    Silo S2x06 Judge Sims and Camille Sims
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Sims is out of the loop and shares his concern with his wife Camille. They decide to cooperate, at least for the time being. Judge Sims then goes to warn Holland about what Mechanical is planning on doing.

    Next, when Judge Sims sees Lukas Kyle in Holland’s office, he knows something is wrong because Lukas Kyle was sentenced to harsh punishment. Lukas should be in the mines serving his sentence, not helping Miscreant Mayor Holland.

    Silo S2x06 Lukas gets ready after decoding
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Instead Lukas therefore continues to decipher the code embedded in the hard drive but cannot quite get all of it and needs more information.

    Upon hearing this, Mayor Holland immediately makes Lukas Kyle his shadow with privileges including access to “The Vault”. I am sure that since Solo was in “The Vault” in his own Silo that more of this will be explained in later episodes.

    Silo S2x06 Martha is concerned
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Patrick Kennedy explained to Billings that when Juliette Nichols was on the run, the computer went down, and it was not a system reboot like he thought it was, but something else he could not explain.

    Again, I assume this will come into play in later episodes. With that information, Billings finds Martha, Knox and Shirley and asks them what happened to Meadows. Upon learning the truth, he attempts to confront Holland about what he discovered, but Holland cuts off all communications. He tells Hank, “I do not stand with Judge, the mayor, or you. I stand with the law.”

    Silo S2x06 Solo saves Juliette
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    In the final minutes of this episode, we finally see Juliette as she wakes up in bed. With Solo’s help, as he tends to her wound, she does not waste any time and wants to return with the helmet she found to repair her suit. However, Solo has other plans in mind. Juliette knows that she must help Solo stop the water from rising or it will eventually kill him. We will have to wait and see exactly what Juliette decides to do in the next episode titled “The Dive”.

    Silo S2x07 Juliette dives to drain Solo's Silo
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Will Juliette help Solo in exchange for getting an undamaged hazmat suit, or will something else happen? I hope that what happens in the next few episodes helps fans piece together what the powers that be have in store for the Silo and what Juliette’s fate will be. I am sure those who read the books know where the series is going, but the writers may take a few liberties and change a bit of the story. I guess we will have to wait and see as we look forward to seeing the creators and cast at San Diego Comic-Con in 2025.

    Click to visit and follow WormholeRiders News Agency on Twitter!Thanks to Kenn for video and image embedding for my feature article and many thanks to you for visiting WormholeRiders News Agency. Kenn will be back in the near future for Team WHR with more on Silo analysis. Join us as we prepare for the excitement in the new year when I visit the Turner Classic Movie Film Festival 2025 in April and in July when Kenn and I visit San Diego Comic-Con 2025!

    Please feel free to leave a comment here or If you prefer, you may also click the social media icons below to share this news article or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit me on Twitter by clicking the links or images avatars in this news story.

    See You on The Other Side! Click to visit and follow Noz4a2 (Lori) on X!

    Until next time,

    Regards,

    Lori

  • Silo Second Season Superb in Episodes One, Two and Solo Makes Three!!

    Silo Second Season Superb in Episodes One, Two and Solo Makes Three!!

    Silo banner 640

    Welcome back Silo Science Fiction Lovers,

    Silo new poster portrait
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Silo began its second season on November 15, 2024 after a well received season one that we reviewed previously. The drama is gripping and realistic centering on a future world where humankind has destroyed and polluted the surface with the remnants of our species seeking shelter in what viewers were led to believe was a single mostly underground Silo.

    Subsequent to watching season one, TeamWHR decided to review and analyze Silo. This as a result of having been greatly impressed by the depth of the story arc from Hugh Howey’s successful novels that were created for television by Graham Yost. Silo as a science fiction series features fabulous character acting, creative costumes, superb set design, and vibrant visual effects that bring this delightful dystopian adventure to life on our screens each week!

    The series stars Rebecca Ferguson as Juliette Nichols, Tim Robbins as Mayor Bernard Holland, Harriet Walter as Martha Walker, Common as Robert Sims, Shane McRae as Knox, David Oyelowo as Sheriff Holsten, Billy Postlethwaite as Hank, Iain Glen as Dr. Pete Nichols, Chinaza Uche as Paul Billings, Avi Nash as Lucas Kyle, Remmie Milner as Shirley Campbell, Christian Ochoa Lavernia as Amundsen, Olatunji Ayofe as Teddy, Caitlin Zoz as Kathleen Billings, Tanya Moodie as Judge Mary Meadows, Chipo Chung as Sandy, Angela Yeoh as Deputy Molly Karins, Matt Gomez Hidaka as Cooper, Will Patton as Deputy Marnes, a return of Amelie Child Villiers as young Juliette, and a stellar supporting cast and crews.

    Silo S1x10 Outside
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    We were delighted to  learn at the end of the season one episode ten “Outside” that Juliette discovers there are multiple Silos. A large city pictured in the distance represents opportunities for continuing the saga in future episodes and years up ahead.

    When Juliette escapes her own Silo that had become a virtual prison for anyone who doesn’t follow the rigid protocol of Miscreant Mayor Holland and his henchmen, she sets out on an adventure to discover what has happened to humanity. Not all of what Juliette finds is pretty!

     

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    The Engineer:

    Silo S2x01 Residents for rebellion in Silo 17
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    In the first episode of season two, we begin with scenes of a rebellion in what we learn is Silo number 17. At first viewers are led to believe it may be Juliette’s Silo number 18. However that proves to not be the case… yet!

    Subsequent to masses of people charging the authorities, several people are shot dead. Nevertheless, the rebellion in Silo 17 proves to be an apparent success as the people crowd up the spiral staircase crowding together to get to the hatch in order to get outside.

    Silo S2x01 Rebellion victory in the Silo 17
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    The first few minutes finds us the Silo 17 rebels carrying a flag with a young person in front running up the staircase. This will prove to be his, and their final fatal mistake.

    All of the Silo 17 inhabitant’s (except one we learn about later) break out on to the surface outside the structure. Unfortunately, none are wearing hazmat suits. This indicates that life inside Silo 17 is not the same as Silo 18 where rebels are given defective hazmat suits to go outside to “clean” the viewing portals. This is how rebels are murdered by Miscreant Mayor Holland and his administration. Everyone who escaped Silo 17 are killed within minutes by the toxic atmosphere on the surface that seeps into the defective hazmat suits.

    Silo S2x01 Entrance to 2nd Silo
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    In the process, Juliette, learns that her Silo number is 18. “Outside” she approaches the hatch structure of Silo 17, we observe a horrific scene, thousands of dead bodies that have decayed in the toxic environment.

    Juliette seeks refuge in what she believes is an abandoned silo. After the catastrophic Silo 17 rebellion evidenced by the huge numbers of long since dead human beings littering the ground, this is a logical conclusion, albeit an incorrect one for Juliette to make.

    Silo S2x01 Amelie Child Villiers as young Juliette
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Believing herself to be the sole individual inside, viewers will find out later that Silo 17 has a single survivor.

    Juliette makes unsettling discoveries as a result of the rebellion that challenge her sanity in solitude.

    Juliette flashes back to when she was a young adolescent girl when they were being brainwashed by authoritarian establishment that even when she was young, she did not believe the propaganda that were being fed to the Silo 18 inhabitants.

    Silo S2x01 Juliette explores the destroyed Silo
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    As our hero explores the devastation in Silo 17, Juliette uses her engineering skills from when she was in the Mechanical Department before becoming a Sheriff in Silo 18, fabricating a bridge across a chasm to a place known as the vault.

    However, in the process of her explorations, her hazmat suit is damaged beyond repair.

    Suddenly Juliette hears music that she immediately seeks out.

    Silo S2x01 Solo looking out the vault window portal
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Here we learn that there is a survivor in Silo 17 locked behind an armored door known as the vault who refuses to come out. Juliette makes unsuccessful attempts to open the vault door.

    The person is heard threatening to kill Juliette if she tries to open the door.  The slow burn episode draws to a close with the person peering out at Juliette. We will learn later in episode three that this person is named Solo.

     

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    Order:

    Silo S2x02 Shane McRae as Knox and Remmie Milner as Shirley
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Episode two takes us back to Silo 18 where we learn that a rebellion similar to that which occurred in Silo 17 is taking shape when people realize that Juliette survived outside suspecting that they have been lied to for years.

    As we discovered last season, Judge Meadows is not really the omnipotent political person that Silo 18 people believe her to be.

    Silo S2x02 Robert Sims goes to talk with Judge Meadows
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    This episode provides viewers with an insight into Judge Meadows motivations and character. We learn that she does trust Miscreant Mayor Bernard Holland who has been lying to everyone for decades.

    Mayor Holland knows that trouble is brewing because Juliette escaped alive. He visits Judge Meadows in her apartment begging for her help. Holland has a plan and he wants her to join him while he addresses the people of the Silo 18.

    Silo S2x02 Common as Robert Sims
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    In the meantime, Martha Walker and her accomplice are arrested by Robert Sims who knows that they were likely involved in Juliette’s escape.

    Both of these characters suspect they will be executed since they had worked together to provide the effective hazmat suit tape to Juliette which ultimately facilitated her successful escape from Silo 18.

    Mayor Holland says “Nobody knows me better than you” making it evident that at one point both shared a common bond that has diminished over time. We learn that this bond dates back to twenty-five years in the past when Judge Meadows was his protector, known as a “shadow” in the series.

    Silo S2x02 Bernard thinks about the complications
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Viewers are not told what caused their relationship to break apart, but we do learn that it caused Judge Meadows to start drinking heavily. Holland says “I’ll never fucking understand you.” Our only other clue is Judge Meadows makes a request to go outside to find Juliette. Mayor Holland agrees since he wants to know the mystery of what Juliette is doing outside Silo 18’s enclosure.

    Initially, Judge Meadows refuses to cooperate. When Mayor Holland begins his speech to the entire Silo, he tells a lie that they have invented a new hazmat suit sealing tape that is what allowed Juliette to survive. Surprisingly, Judge Meadows joins Mayor Holland at the podium. She even speaks after he lies to the Silo residents about inventing a new kind of protective hazmat suit tape. What’s up with that?

     

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    Silo S2x02 Tim Robbins as Miscreant Mayor Holland
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Robert Sims knows that Mayor Holland did not invent the new hazmat sealing tape, but the cover story was told to the entire Silo 18 residents that allows him to release Martha. Viewers suspect Sims will monitor them for any evidence of a rebellion.

    Little does Sims know that Judge Meadows will seek out people in the Mechanical Division who are indeed planning a rebellion of their own as the “Juliette Lives” graffiti is observed all over Silo 18 that caused Mayor Holland to panic in the first place. Two things become obvious. Mayor Holland is a blatant liar. Judge Holland no longer trusts him. All this editor can says is that Judge Holland better maker certain she doesn’t use the defective hazmat sealing tape when she makes her journey to find Juliette!

     

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    Solo:

    Silo S2x03 Juliette talks to Solo
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    We return to Juliette Nichols in Silo 17 in an episode aptly named for our new character, the self named man known as “Solo”. We do not know exactly how long Solo has been alone, but it has been decades at least. Solo looks not only crazy and lonely, he is apparently suffering from severe stress due to prolonged periods of time without interacting with any other human beings.

    Unfortunately Juliette is trapped without a hazmat suit in an otherwise abandoned Silo 18. We return to her chatting with Solo through the vault door. Solo welcomes the conversation with Juliette. We learn that Solo is alive only because he was told by his protector to lock himself inside the vault. In the past, while the rebellion was set loose, outside of the vault, everyone perished one way or another.

    Silo S1x03 Juliette looks for answers
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    In a poignant confession Solo says “My name is Solo. Just Solo, because I’m in here all by myself” “So I’m Solo. And no one forced the people out. They chose to leave. And when they did, it was a nice day. Everybody was smiling. And then that dust started to blow again. And I think the poison went away for a bit, but it came back and a lot of it. And that’s when they all died.”

    Solo continues to reveal to Juliette a story about a person named Ron Tucker, a man who wanted to go outside but refused to clean, instead Ron was witnessed writing “Lies” on the camera lens before disappearing round the corner.

    Silo S2x03 Julia is ready
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    “Two days later they painted on the screen Lies, right over what he had written! And that’s when the fighting started (inside Silo 17). “So Russell put me in here. Russell was the head of Information Technology (IT) and I was his shadow. And Russell told me don’t, no matter what, NEVER let anyone in the vault. Ever!”

    Despite sounding crazy, Solo’s story is believable. Viewers have already witnessed Juliette seeing the bodies outside Silo 18. We know other than Solo, Silo 18 is not only a shambles from the rebellion, it is now abandoned.

    Silo S2x01 Solo looking out the vault window portal
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Solo, is still hiding in the vault, is telling Juliette about people rebelling and then going outside, only to die, makes sense. Solo being associated with Silo 18’s IT department rings true. Therefore it is logical that only IT staff would be allowed access to the vault. However, there are several gaps in Solo’s story. When Juliette asks Solo about the bodies just outside the vault stating “they aren’t as old as the other ones” Solo declines to respond to this as well as several other probing questions. When Solo relates the details of the day that everyone went outside to their death, his eyes look away from Juliette just before he says; “It was a nice day.” It is obvious that there are things Solo is not relating to Juliette in full. Additionally, there are undoubtedly questions of those bodies Juliette found outside the vault door.

    Silo S2x01 Juliette explores Silo 17
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Near the end of the episode Juliette see recalls seeing other graffiti but now sees the words “We will get in sooner or later” emblazoned across the doorway that faces Solo’s viewing portal. The implication is that people have tried to get inside the vault before, but failed. Yet whomever they were, they wanted to send Solo a message he could not avoid seeing.

    As the episode winds down to a conclusion, Juliette returns after searching for an undamaged hazmat suit that Solo told her about. On her return, another surprise, Juliette finds food waiting for her outside the vault door. This means clearly that Solo had to place it there. Juliette asks why? Solo says “I wanted you to eat the food”.

    Additional questions to consider:
    Why didn’t Solo want to help the people who wrote that threatening note?
    Did Solo know them during his time working in the Silo 17 IT department?
    Where they people that did not want to participate in the rebellion?
    Did they die as the toxic atmosphere began to permeate Silo 17?
    Did they threaten Solo who poisoned the food he gave them?

    Silo S2x03 Steve Zahn as Solo in Silo 17
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    If Solo is telling Juliette the truth about what happened in Silo 17, why does he behave so oddly to some of Juliette’s questions? It becomes obvious that there is more going than meets the eye.

    As they continue to chat Juliette realizes that Solo is very lonely and has been for a long time. Telling Solo that she is leaving, we can detect that the pitch of his voice becomes elevated.

    Silo S2x03 Solo and Juliette
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Realizing that he will be all alone once again, Solo panics, and opens the vault door. Now allies, the two sit down to get to know each other better as the screen fades to black.

    We will be back with more analysis and reviews as this delightful dystopian adventure unfolds delivering superb science fiction excitement! Since there is so much more story to tell, TeamWHR, like all Silo lovers will be waiting in eager anticipation each week to learn what is coming over the remaining seven scheduled episodes in season two.

    Click to visit and follow WormholeRiders News Agency on X!We will be back to continue our analysis of Silo in the future during season two. In the meantime, please feel free to share this article with your friends, co-workers and or your family!

    We look forward to you visiting our dedicated review and analysis web site here in the future! Or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit TeamWHR on X, or visit me on Twitter by clicking the text links or images avatars in this news story. I and TeamWHR look forward to Seeing You on The Other Side!

    Thank you. Click to visit and follow WormholeRiders (Kenn) on X!

    Best Regards,

    Kenn of #TeamWHR

  • Silo Superb Science Fiction Dystopian Drama Set for Season Two!

    Silo Superb Science Fiction Dystopian Drama Set for Season Two!

    Silo banner 640

    Welcome Silo Science Fiction Lovers,

    Silo new poster portrait
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Apple TV has become one of the few places where good science fiction drama series can not only be created, but thrive since the recent dearth of such programs on United States broadcast television. With the final episode of recently completed season two of The Ark, no science fiction programming is available until Alien Earth premieres in 2025 on Hulu and hopefully FX Networks.

    Thankfully streaming services such as Apple TV have filled the broadcast television science fiction void with series like Silo, based on the successful novels by Hugh Howey. Following their success of For All Mankind created by Ronald D. Moore and the fabulous Foundation series based on the famous Isaac Asimov novels Both series have been renewed for a fifth and third seasons respectively.

    Now comes Silo, created by  Graham Yost who is well known in the science fiction community for his time as an executive producer for the great Falling Skies series that encompassed five fabulous seasons from 2011 to 2015.

    Silo main cast
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Silo begins it’s second a season on Friday November 15, 2024 after a well received season one. The series stars Rebecca Ferguson (Mission Impossible series) as Juliette Nichols, Tim Robbins (The Shawshank Redemption) as Bernard Holland, Harriet Walter (Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens) as Martha Walker, Common (Rapper) as Robert Sims, David Oyelowo (Star Wars: Febels) as Sheriff Holsten, Billy Postlethwaite (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny), Angela Yeoh (The Batman) as Deputy Molly Karins, and Will Patton (Outer Range) as Deputy Marnes.

    Silo main and ensemble cast
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    This superb science fiction series features a large ensemble cast that makes the dystopian drama of life underground both frightening and exciting in a place where mining minerals is mandatory.

    How do we know? As seen in season one, children are observed drawing with colored chalk that is made from mined gypsum. Everything the survivors deal with to survive including food production that must occur inside the Silo.

     

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    Season One – Going Outside:

    S1x10 Inside the Silo
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Subsequent to a past apocalypse on the surface that has apparently poisoned the planet, sets the tone for Silo making it a very believable science fiction story.

    Mining is only part of what these survivors of humanity have to do to survive where the inhabitants deal with extreme stress of living in a confined space that causes some to go crazy and seek escape to go outside “Outside” even if the only job available is to clean the view plate portal.

    Silo S1x03 Juliette looks for answers
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    In the first season, to establish the observed results of going “Outside”, several characters are killed off before Juliette is somewhat accidentally involved to investigate the phenomena. As viewers learn, going “Outside” results in deaths of all who want to do so. This is due to the deficiencies of the “heat tape” used to seal the hazmat suits that apparently the secret mayor Bernard Holland and his team know about. When people want to go Outside, they are always granted permission to “clean” the view plate windows people on the inside often look through.

    Silo S1x03 Mayor Holland prepares for trouble
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Of interest is that living underground ensures one thing, that some will want to escape the tyranny of Mayor Holland, forcing him to ensure they never return to upset the balance of life in the Silo. Mayor Holland’s struggle is his obsession to stay in control of everyone the Silo. This drama declines in season one when the slowness of these details falters as he must decide who will be eliminated by sending them “Outside” to certain death.

    As thrilling as season one was for humanity living in such an underground sanctuary, season one story arc was a bit slow as viewers internalized the characters and their lives. None survive the ordeal of going “Outside” until Juliette uses non defective “heat tape” she found that properly seals her hazmat suit.

    Silo S2x01 Looking out the clean window portal
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    This is how we are ultimately introduced to the main character of the series, Juliette Nichols, a technical expert and computer hacker who successfully escapes the tyranny inside and and doesn’t perish “Outside” in the process of seeking freedom.

    The tagline “Julliette Lives” is the set up for a superb season season two of Silo that begins in only ten days on Apple TV!

     

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    What We Expect in Silo Season Two:

    Silo S1x10 Bernard orders Juliette to head outside
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    One thing is certain in season two, just like season one; Silo inhabitants are convinced that they must avoid going outside. The exception is Juliette Nichols, the hacker who beat the odds by having non defective “heat tape” to protect her from the poisonous atmosphere when Mayor Bernard Holland orders her “Outside”.

    “Julliette Lives” is where things start in Silo season two. Based on the latest chapter adapted from Hugh Howey’s popular book series, the action picks up right after the season one cliffhanger. Season two introduces Steve Zahn (War For the Planet of the Apes) as a survivor named Solo from another Silo when Julliette sees there are more than one Silo and take refuge in one.

    Silo S1x10 Outside
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    If everything in season one was about the few souls who are searching for the truth, while Mayor Holland and his gang are about hiding the truth from the inhabitants, in season two viewers learn what happens when political power changes hands.

    As for the supporting cast, other than who we see in the season two trailers, it is not known if we will see all of the season one ensemble cast who were at the point of rebellion when Julliette escapes the Silo. IMDb shows only that the Juliette character is scheduled for nineteen episodes. Season one hinged on Juliette’s plowing forward to find out what lies beyond. Based on the five minutes sneak peek released by Apple TV, where a rebellion has indeed broken out, Juliette will likely devote her efforts to learning about building communication with the other Silo’s survivors.

     

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    Silo S2x01 Panicked boy with torch
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    The first few minutes of the sneak peek finds us with a torch carrying young person running past signs that are reminiscent of the Fallout series that took the world by storm. It is also similar to the dystopian Snowpiercer series that completed a fourth season thanks only to AMC which brought the third season Warner Discovery (TNT) cancelled series to viewers for closure.

    In the extended five minute trailer, the rebellion in the past at other Silo leads to the death of everyone who went to the surface. Juliette finds their skeletons on the surface as she heads to another Silo to meet the new character.

    Silo S2x01 Bernard thinks about the complications
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    In Juliette’s mission to learn what else of humanity has survived outside her own Silo, she meets the new character named Solo, portrayed by Steve Zahn. Zahn realistic acting takes the science fiction dystopian drama in a new direction by being someone who appears to be nice guy from an abandoned Silo raising the question; are there any other active Silo’s? Or is Juliette’s that only one that is still fully functioning?

    Silo S2x01 Rebellion victory in the other Silo
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    While Juliette will apparently invest much of her time in the first episode investigating the rebellion that occurred in the other Silo, she will also literally be building a relationship with Solo after leaving Mayor Holland behind to deal with a potential rebellion, Zahn’s arrival will undoubtedly provide a refreshing perspective juxtaposed against Juliette’s world where the people she knew that escaped only wish in their dreary lives to only get outside to clean a Silo portal window.

    Since becoming interested in Silo as a series, I can offer that Apple TV science fiction series have proven to be desirable dystopian worlds to explore and invest time in since it is unique from other worlds such as Snowpiercer and Fallout.

    Silo S2x01 Juliette sees the skeleton and tattered flag from a rebellion
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    The adventure is about what people seeking to escape their own lives in real life reality. What is fascinating is that Juliette Nichols and her new pal Solo, who promises to provide additional perspective, will also perhaps some much needed comic relief. No doubt they will explore the other Silo in detail to reveal where the series is going.

    Since the other Silo rebellion is from that appears to be a failed experiment, it should reveal what the Silo’s are really all about. This factor is similar to Fallout where the world fell apart with only a small percentage of the world’s population surviving to enjoy the spoils of their protected shelters.

    The season two questions that arise are;

    Will the new rebellion end up the same way as the skeletons found near a tattered flag on the surface?
    How many of the season one characters will join the rebellion or will they perish as in the past?
    Will Robert Sims question what Bernard Holland has been brainwashing everyone with?
    And critically, will Juliette be able to help her former friends to avoid the horrible fate of the other Silo(s) as she learns about the truths of the outside world?

    Silo S2x01 Juliette explaores the wasteland
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    As we prepare for Silo season two, Graham Yost, in his genius at story telling, will provide viewers many other avenues of discovery that are just up ahead for all the survivor’s (if any) in all the Silo’s.

    Clearly as the dystopian adventure unfolds, viewers will be impatient biding their time for other doors of knowledge to be discovered that have yet to be opened to learn the chapters of the past history regarding the Silo’s. This factor will deliver excitement since there is so much more story to tell. No doubt viewers will be waiting in eager anticipation to learn what is coming in each new episode!

    Click to visit and follow WormholeRiders News Agency on X!We will be back to continue our analysis of Silo in the future during season two. In the meantime, please feel free to share this article with your friends, co-workers and or your family!

    We look forward to you visiting our dedicated review and analysis web site here in the future! Or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit TeamWHR on X, or visit me on Twitter by clicking the text links or images avatars in this news story. I and TeamWHR look forward to Seeing You on The Other Side!

    Thank you. Click to visit and follow WormholeRiders (Kenn) on X!

    Best Regards,

    Kenn of #TeamWHR

  • What Does It All Mean? – Netflix – Apple TV – AMC – Peacock Streaming Bundles and What Happened to Network TV Original Science Fiction Content Like Stargate?

    What Does It All Mean? – Netflix – Apple TV – AMC – Peacock Streaming Bundles and What Happened to Network TV Original Science Fiction Content Like Stargate?

    Netflix Logo 2001

    Fellow Science Fiction Television Series Enthusiasts,

    Apple TV Logo
    Images courtesy Netflix and Apple TV

    Have you ever pondered the fate of science fiction TV shows on regular television networks? Streaming has now become the preferred mode of consumption. In the past, we enjoyed shows like Star Trek, the original Battlestar Galactica, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Lost in Space, and Land of the Lost, all broadcast on network television. While it was delightful to tune in on a specific day of the week to catch our favorite science fiction stories, this is apparently nearly no more as TeamWHR reported recently.

    Streaming giants like Apple TV+, Peacock, and Netflix are now leading the way in offering science fiction shows to fans. It is a fact that the number of science fiction shows pales in comparison to the abundance of cop, doctor, and reality shows that have long dominated streaming apps. These shows have always been the norm for network television, making it a tough environment for new scripted science fiction shows to break through. Even when we do get a new science fiction show, it often struggles to gain the same popularity as the more generic, cookie-cutter shows. In this article we will discuss our favorite streaming series with a fond look back at the good old days of science fiction on network television in the United States.

    Click to read our feature articles about Fringe
    Image courtesy Warner Brothers Television

    Shows like Fringe, Farscape, and Firefly were captivating science fiction series that garnered devoted followers but faced challenges due to their ratings. Despite their compelling storylines and high production values, these shows struggled to capture a broader audience. Audiences were primarily familiar with the iconic franchises of Star Trek on television and Star Wars in film. As a result, other science fiction shows found it challenging to resonate with viewers beyond the established realms of these two celebrated series.

    Farscape Banner
    Image courtesy SYFY

    The rise of streaming services has brought about significant changes for science fiction scripted shows. Once exclusive to regular television networks, these shows now have a new home on popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Apple TV. This shift has led to increased budgets and more compelling story lines for us, that science fiction series enthusiasts enjoy. With tech giants entering the arena, the genre is experiencing a revival. Despite the occasional unsuccessful endeavor, the future of SciFi on streaming platforms looks promising, and we can look forward to more innovative and captivating shows in the years to come:

    Netflix:

    Stranger Things poster
    Image courtesy Netflix

    This streaming service had been late to the game to produce original science fiction series. This was a result of focusing on movies and licensing content from other entertainment studios. Additionally, Netflix mistakes were often caused by poor choices in producing questionable political propaganda programs that turned off viewers.

    Netflix wisely changed their offerings beginning in 2016 to produce Stranger Things that has particularly captivated audiences and is set to enter its fifth and final season in 2025.

    Stranger Things stars Millie Bobby Brown, Winona Ryder, Paul Reiser, Finn Wolfhard with a strong supporting ensemble cast including Sean Astin. Stranger Things is one of the lucky series that have survived the dreaded wave of cancellations recently affecting many science fiction genre shows on network television.

     

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    Fringe Banner
    Image courtesy Warner Brothers Television

    Original high quality science fiction series have been rare, with many current shows adaptations of existing source material. A standout in the genre was Fringe, which brought a fresh and original concept to the screen. While it explored familiar science fiction themes, it added a darker twist and more profound meaning, setting it apart from its counterparts. Despite facing challenges in its final seasons, dedicated fans rallied to secure a short final season, highlighting the immense impact of fans on the success of the scripted science fiction series. This rarity of original content makes us appreciate the unique and innovative nature of science fiction television shows.

    The Expanse on Prime Large Poster 2019 - Crop
    Image courtesy Amazon MGM Studios

    Scripted science fiction series often face a challenge in presenting original story lines, making it a rare occurrence. While many fans gravitate towards common themes in these shows, deviating from the norm can lead to uncertainty among the general television audience. When a science fiction show gets canceled by a network, it usually spells the end of the series. However, the rise of streaming platforms and vocal fan bases has changed this narrative.

    Shows like The Expanse have been able to find a new lease on life, with the opportunity to be revived and complete their final seasons. This was evident when The Expanse, initially canceled by the SYFY network, was later revived by Amazon MGM Studios on Prime Video highlighting the power of dedicated fans and streaming services. This empowerment of the audience is a significant shift in the fate of scripted science fiction shows.

    AMC:

    Snowpiercer Season 4 poster
    Image courtesy AMC TV

    Snowpiercer stars Daveed Diggs, Alison Wright, Iddo Goldberg and Jennifer Connelly originally airing on TNT, will be revived on AMC and AMC+ a streaming service. After being canceled for financial reasons, it has been saved and given a second chance at AMC.

    The show will begin its fourth season soon, which is exciting news for existing fans and potential new ones. It is noteworthy that Snowpiercer is based on a movie from 2013 with the same name starring Chris Evans, Jamie Bell, Tilda Swinton and Ed Harris.

     

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    Orphan Black Echoes:

    Orphan Black Echoes poster
    Image courtesy AMC Studios

    Produced by AMC TV Studios, this series is seen on AMC and AMC+ in the United States. Created by Anna Fishko with episodes directed by John Fawcett, Orphan Black Echoes is a spin off of the original Orphan Black (2013-2017) that Fawcett also directed. This superb new series featured on AMC, Orphan Black Echoes, follows a cloned woman and the women she encounters as they weave their way into each other’s lives and embark on a thrilling journey to determine the mystery of their identities. Starring Krysten Ritter, Keeley Hawes, Amanda Fix, Avan Jogia and featuring a stellar supporting cast, based in part on the hit series Orphan Black starring Tatiana Maslany who is featured in a photograph during the pilot episode of Orphan Black Echoes.

     

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    Stargate Origins poster
    Image courtesy Amazon MGM Studios

    There is a beloved series that fans have been eagerly hoping to see revived – Stargate SG-1. With a massive fan base and a history of rumors about its return to television, the time seems ripe for Stargate’s comeback. With the proliferation of streaming platforms, there is a real opportunity for Stargate to make a triumphant return.

    Given its well-established fan base spanning decades, there’s little doubt that Stargate would face challenges in its revival in 2018 with a streaming series named Stargate Origins. It seems like we are in a waiting game now, anticipating the moment when Stargate will finally make its comeback. This potential for revival with an announcement expected soon, hopefully at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 giving us hope for the future of science fiction shows on streaming service networks.

     

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    Peacock:

    Peacock logo
    Image courtesy XFinity NBC Comcast

    Xfinity (owned by NBC Comcast) has created an exciting new streaming bundle called “Xfinity Streamsaver” that includes entertainment content from Apple TV, Netflix, Peacock and hopefully other streamers such as Paramount Plus and AMC+.

    This means that fans of each platform have a fantastic opportunity to explore various series across the streaming world if they have an Xfinity account.

    The new streaming bundle allows viewer users to discover new shows they may not have encountered before or have not had the chance to watch.

    Apple TV:

    Monarch Legacy of Monsters
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    A noteworthy streaming service provider is Apple TV who has created several original scripted science fiction series. One such series is Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, developed by Matt Fraction and Chris Black. The series features talented actors such as Anna Sawai, Ren Watabe, Kurt Russell, and Wyatt Russell. Following the massive success of Godzilla Minus One, “Monarch is set after the battle between Godzilla and the Titans. It reveals that monsters are real and follows one family’s journey to uncover its buried secrets and a legacy linking them to Monarch.” The first season is worth watching, mainly if you are a Godzilla fan. The success of this series raises hope for the possibility of more Monsterverse original content.

     

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    Dark Matter cast poster
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    A recent hit, Dark Matter, not to be confused with Dark Matter (2015-2017) on SYFY, has taken the science fiction world by storm. The captivating SciFi series Dark Matter can be found on Apple TV and was brought to life by creator Blake Crouch, adapted from his novel. The show stars an incredible cast, including Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Connelly, Alice Braga, and Jimmi Simpson.

    The story line follows a “physicist in Chicago who finds himself thrust into a parallel version of his own life. He faces the daunting task of fighting to regain his original life and prevent an alternate version of himself from taking over his family.” Since Dark Matter is a standalone story, Apple TV has not announced whether the series will continue. This may be an opportunity to explore the narrative further with an original concept.

     

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    Silo:

    Silo poster
    Image courtesy Apple TV

    Another hit streaming series on Apple TV is Silo created by Graham Yost. Silo is based on the novel “Wool” by Hugh Howey that is set in a bleak dystopian future where humanity clings to survival deep underground within the confines of a colossal silo.

    Starring Rebecca Ferguson as Juliette Nichols, Common as Robert Sims, Tim Robbins as Bernard Holland and Harriet Walter as Martha Walker. In the story arc of season one viewers find Juliette, an engineer tasked with unraveling the mystery behind the death of a colleague uncovering startling secrets that threaten the very fabric of their enclosed world which if larger than it seems!

     

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    Tubi logo
    Image courtesy Tubi

    Regardless of what happens with any of the current scripted science fiction series we have discussed available on streaming services, there is no doubt that the science fiction genre will continue to thrive including on the streaming service Tubi venturing into original content with ads. Let us hope platforms like Tubi will be at the forefront of new and original content.

    I hope that as streaming platforms bundle together, we will see an increase in original content. I am hopeful that the mega studios, with their combined power, will recognize the value of original content. As fans, we deserve it. While we enjoy spinoffs and video game adaptations, original content is always the best source of entertainment. I hope the studios allow proven writers to shine again with original stories.

    Well, science fiction series fans keep watching those fantastic shows, and someday we will get the new Stargate series that everyone has been longing for!

    Click to visit and follow WormholeRiders News Agency on Twitter!Thanks to Kenn for video and image embedding for my Turner Classic Movies Film Festival feature article and many thanks to you for visiting WormholeRiders News Agency. I will be back in the near future with new analysis as Team WHR prepares for San Diego Comic-Con 2024!

    Please feel free to leave a comment here or If you prefer, you may also click the social media icons below to share this news article or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit me on Twitter by clicking the links or images avatars in this news story.

    See You on The Other Side! Click to visit and follow Noz4a2 (Lori) on Twitter!

    Until next time,

    Regards,

    Lori

  • Falling Skies: San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive Cast Interviews Moon Bloodgood, Drew Roy, Colin Cunningham, Connor Jessup and Jessy Schram!

    Falling Skies: San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive Cast Interviews Moon Bloodgood, Drew Roy, Colin Cunningham, Connor Jessup and Jessy Schram!

    Falling Skies Banner 2012 - Click to visit and learn more at the official TNT web site!

    Hi there Falling Skies fans!Comic-Con banner logo blue - Click to learn more at the official web site!

    On Friday July 23, 2012, during the festivities at Comic-Con San Diego, and with courtesy of Turner Network Television and Dreamworks Studios, we had the privilege of attending the Falling Skies Press Room where the excitement was beyond a fever pitch since the announcement of a third season renewal a few days earlier!

    Based upon world-wide distribution, Falling Skies is without a doubt the world’s number one science fiction series since production began two years ago, and it glowed during the Falling Skies Press Room!

    SDCC Falling Skies Press - Cast celebratesExcitement, in fact outright glee flowed freely among both the cast, the creators and the media. All were quite pleasantly edified by the huge media draw versus Comic-Con 2011 before the series had swept across the world to widespread fan acceptance.

    The “buzz” in the press room was palpable. While waiting for the special guests to arrive, the conversation among press contemporaries was lively as we too celebrated a science fiction series, once doubted by some of the critics, that had deservedly “made it”, a success in the highly competitive television programming industry!

    SDCC 2012 Falling Skies Press - Cast membersSDCC 2012 Falling Skies Press - Colin Cunningham, Jessy Schram and Moon Bloodgood

    When the cast members arrived, there was an audible cheer that erupted across the room as they lined up for a group cast photo opportunities!

    In fact, this press observer and everyone in attendance were delighted with Falling Skies accomplishment of maintaining high ratings, not an easy task in today’s entertainment market for a full fledged alien invasion, science fiction television series.

    All of these factors and more made this media event a highly sought after press room opportunity in 2012 as you can observe below in our exclusive video.

     

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    SDCC 2012 Falling Skies Press - Connor Jessup and Jessy SchramConservative estimates placed the media presence at three to four times larger in terms of people in the room. With many extra video camera crew’s, each packing high definition equipment, and more photographers packed into the press room than 2011, everyone was all “a Twitter” (literally) at the conclave.

    The mood was festive with the presence of many fan favorites from the series including Noah Wyle (Tom Mason), Moon Bloodgood (Dr. Anne Glass), Will Patton (Captain Dan Weaver), Drew Roy (Hal Mason), Sarah Sanguine Carter (Maggie), Colin Cunningham (John Pope) as well as “Skitterized”Connor Jessup who portrays Ben Mason, and Jessy Schram as Karen! SDCC 2012 Falling Skies Press - Drew Roy and Sarah Sanguin Carter

    The excitement at this years Falling Skies Press Room event was further amplified by the fact that more than twice as many media outlets from around the world were all ready and waiting eagerly for interviews with the cast members, each of whom were in extremely jovial spirits themselves having heard of the wonderful third season renewal news only recently.

    SDCC 2012 Falling Skies Press - Moon BloodgoodThe cast members talked about celebrating after their panel and how happy they were over the renewal. It was a pleasure to see their pride of ownership over a successful and well received science fiction entertainment product.

    Now that tens of millions world wide have become Falling Skies believers, the creators were prescient in thinking ahead by increasing the number of celebrities in attendance at this years Comic-Con geek convention in San Diego.

    Turner Network Executive Michael Knight beamed at the press reception as were series Executive Producers Justin Falvey of Dreamworks, and Remi Aubuchon of Falling Skies!

    SDCC 2012 Falling Skies Press - A delighted Michael Knight

    SDCC 2012 Falling Skiess Press - Remi Auchobon and Justin Falvey

    SDCC 2012 Falling Skies Press - Colin Cunningham

    Also in attendance, coming in after the press room session ended, was science fiction legend and superstar in his own right, the one and only Wil Wheaton!

    Falling Skies 2012 panel moderator at Comic-Con, Wil is well known as host of 2nd Watch, the runaway hit web “after show” that airs each week live on the Internet! Wil mentioned that he loves doing 2nd Watch and is a big fan of the series himself! It was nice to chat with Mr. Wheaton and to see him in person once again.

    SDCC 2012 Falling Skies Press - Wil Wheaton and KennAs I left the Falling Skies Press Room event with happy thoughts, I did something many journalists and celebrities alike seek when attending San Diego Comic-Con;

    A quiet place to be away from the throng of humanity for a few minutes before the next assignment, panel or event squarely presented itself.

    I sought out a little known area of the hotel with a view of San Diego Bay. As I turned the corner, there was Noah Wyle and Will Patton with their female companions seeking the same thing; 15 minutes of relaxation before the long walk to the next event. SDCC 2012 Falling Skies Press - Friendly TNT PR staff

    Not wanting to intrude, I asked if it was okay to join them. Truth be told, I asked them how in the devil had they found my secret spot!? (Just kidding).

    Noah motioned in a friendly fashion to join them, stating he “remembered meeting me last year”. Will Patton also looked up with a recognizing nod and smile. This was to be one of the special moments at a convention when the pressure of the event was off and we could chat freely.

    I remembered them fondly from our interviews with Will and Noah last year during Comic-Con 2011 San Diego. This year however, with the success that brings more media attention, time had run out before interviewing them in the 2012 Falling Skies Press Room.

    Keeping the cameras off out of reverence for the chance encounter, I enjoyed about 12 minutes of private time (compared to the gleeful bustle of the press room) chatting with Noah Wyle. I asked how he felt about his accomplishment as a producer of Falling Skies. From a business perspective he related that he was proud of what had been accomplished.

    We also discussed the change in production locations to Vancouver British Columbia. Noah said he “was happy with everything that the move went very well in Vancouver, and was looking forward to shooting season three there”.

    As we parted company, Will Patton remembered that I had asked him if he would be marrying Hal and Maggie in the future. He briefly went into character indicating he was going to “keep an eye on Maggie and Hal pending further developments”. As I wished them well, and thanked them for their time, Noah Wyle was gracious enough to do a spur of the moment photo opportunity, which I will think of fondly for a long time.

    Thanks Noah!

    SDCC 2012 Falling Skies Noah Wyle and Kenn after press room

    Click to visit and follow WormholeRiders News Agency on X!Thank you for reading, watching and visiting WormholeRiders News Agency.

    Please feel free to leave a comment here or if you prefer, click the social media icons below to share this news article.

    Or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit WHR on X, or visit me on Twitter by clicking the text links or images avatars in this news story. TeamWHR and I look forward to Seeing You on The Other Side“!

    Thank you. Click to visit and follow Kenn of TeamWHR on Twitter

    Best Regards,

    Kenn of #TeamWHR

  • Falling Skies: Why Is It So Popular As the Wormhole Turns?

    Falling Skies: Why Is It So Popular As the Wormhole Turns?

    Falling Skies Banner 2012 - Click to learn more at the official TNT Network web site!

    Hey Falling Skies fans!

    Dreamworks Television - Click to visit and follow Dreamsworks on Twitter!Falling Skies, an apocalyptic science fiction drama from Dreamworks Studios, is entering its second season on TNT. It stars Noah Wyle as a father of three sons doing his best to keep them alive and fighting back against an alien invasion force.

    As a teacher of American History, Tom Mason (Wyle’s character) knows all about resistance against a superior enemy invasion force. He uses examples from the American Revolutionary War to teach the others that as long as they keep fighting, there is hope.

    Falling Skies S2x02 - Tom Mason flees the enemy aliens.

    Falling Skies S1x02 - Noah Wyle as Tom MasonThe history teacher in Tom Mason might not be able to explain it, but Falling Skies has become a very popular show. This series is one of survival in the face of an overwhelming enemy.

    According to TNT, “Falling Skies opens in the chaotic aftermath of an alien attack that has left most of the world completely incapacitated. In the months since the initial invasion, the few survivors have banded together outside major cities to begin the difficult task of fighting back. At the center of the series is Tom Mason (Noah Wyle), a Boston history professor whose family was torn apart. Falling Skies S1x02 - The adult romance between Tom and Anne

    Anne Glass (Moon Bloodgood) is a pediatrician who becomes the primary medic of the 2nd Mass. Capt. Weaver (Will Patton) plays a fierce leader of the resistance.

    The series also stars Drew Roy (Secretariat) as Hal, Tom’s oldest son and a growing fighter in the resistance movement; Maxim Knight (Brothers & Sisters) as Matt, Tom’s youngest son; Connor Jessup (The Saddle Club) as Ben, Tom’s recently rescued son; and Seychelle Gabriel (Weeds) as Lourdes, a former med student and Dr. Glass’ only support for medical emergencies. Colin Cunningham (Living in Your Car) is John Pope, a rebel who will stop at nothing to kill the aliens.”

    Falling Skies Season-2 banner poster - Click to learn more at the TNT Network web site!

    One must ask, what is it about Falling Skies that is attracting so much attention? Falling-Skies S1x10 - Tom agrees to board an alien ship to protect his son from the aliens.

    Despite premiering on Father’s Day in North America, Falling Skies turned in a winning performance Sunday June 17 with a “Prime Time” victory of 4.5 million live viewers (US only).

    Falling Skies scored well for a holiday evening with solid ratings of 1.5 in the critical with adults between 18 to 49 years of age and nearly reaching 2.2 million live adult viewers in the 25 to 54 age group. Not since Stargate SG-1 has a science fiction program attracted so many adult viewers.

    Seemingly down 25% from the 2.0 rating earned during the 2011 series launch, overall viewership is expected match the 2011 numbers, increasing to approximately 6 million when “Plus 7” DVR and on-line numbers are factored in.

    Falling Skies S3x03 - Planning the attackThis from a public who often time shifts their entertainment viewing to on-line network sources, mobile devices and or recorded sources (DVR) now widely available in many homes. Perhaps even more telling is the huge crowd that joined the Falling Skies cast at the dedicated Falling Skies TNT web site to participate in “2nd Watch”.

    2nd Watch is an on-line program web cast that is conducted after the broadcast at the TNT Network web site. 2nd Watch, hosted by Wil Wheaton, set the Twitter and Facebook world on fire Sunday evening as eager fans set off to invade the TNT web site where they can chat and send text messages to the host and guests! Falling Skies S2x01 Confrontation with Pope

    In this weeks episode of 2nd Watch, Mpho Koaho (Anthony) and Colin Cunningham (John Pope) will be awesome! Speaking of Pope, this week TNT also launched “Pope’s Blog” featuring insight into the enigmatic “bad boy” portrayed “in character” by Cunningham!

    Falling Skies mini banner - Click to visit 2nd Watch!Here is the answer: Stories like the ones told by the TNT writers of Falling Skies attract us because they reflect humanity’s greatest strength, the power of adaptation. As a social animal, people are very curious about how others overcome challenges that might terrify us. We are fascinated by the thought that a person’s attitude can make a difference between life and death.

    Falling Skies S2x01 - Tom Mason's friends look after him during his medical emergency

    Falling Skies S3x03 - Fighting to survive

    But it is more than that. Falling Skies has come along just as problems in the United States and around the world seem to be spinning out of control. The heroes in this show are doing more than just surviving.

    They are people who are able to stay calm and reasonable in the face of fear; people who have retained their optimism and determination in spite of great odds. They are survivors focussed on others rather than themselves, either thinking about their families or their fellow survivors.

    Falling Skies S3x03 - Weaver and Mason struggle to help the Resistance surviveAnd that, I believe is what makes the show important at this particular time in America. Many Americans are facing challenges known only to their grandparents from the Great Depression often referred to as “the dirty thirties”.

    Many today have lost their homes or have gone bankrupt. Many others cannot find jobs. The United States government is basically bankrupt. Horror stories from other countries abound. The world seems to be going crazy.

    House Foreclosures: Image courtesy Hernando County Foreclosure ListSo, Americans and others around the word watch television as a means of escape. Comedy helps them feel better for a half hour at a time. Crime dramas produce a feeling that justice can occur and the good guys will win in the end.

    Falling Skies has chosen to use a period in American history to support the characters belief that they will prevail over an enemy with better technology and greater numbers. Americans need that. It provides a sense of hope and empathy. “If Tom Mason and his group can survive all these bad things happening to them, maybe we can too”.

    Click to visit and learn more about Taylor Clark at his official web site!By watching how others cope with a traumatic event, even if it is fictional, we learn to cope with challenges in our everyday lives. “The biggest difference between our cool-headed heroes and the rest of us is not that those people are somehow fearless; it’s that they relate to their fears in a much more harmonious way than others do. In other words, these poised people have learned to work with their fears rather than against them — they don’t get preoccupied with their nerves or struggle to eradicate their anxiety — and this important shift frees them to focus on the moment and perform their best”, says Taylor Clark, author of the book, Nerve, a book about dealing with fear and stress.

    During periods of upheaval, we look more to entertainment to help us feel better about ourselves. For example, during the depression in the 1930’s, popular films at the time were Gone With The Wind, The Wizard of Oz and Frankenstein.

    These are all films where a few heroes were forced to overcome what seemed like insurmountable odds in order to survive. I believe that our entertainment often reflects the difficulties that we face as a culture. When the economy is booming, our entertainment is far different from what we watch when things seem to be falling apart.

    Falling Skies S1x01 - Hal, Matt and Tom Mason promo picture

    As the creators of Falling Skies state, the show, “focuses on the resilience of the survivors and their determination to maintain their humanity when all else has been destroyed. It is a tale of endurance, commitment and courage in which everyday people are called upon to become heroes. They may be outmatched, outnumbered and outgunned, but nothing can beat the human spirit. Most of all, the series is about the ties that bind people together in the most difficult of circumstances”.

    Falling Skies S2- The soldiers of the future
    “Tom, I’m old and I can’t remember stuff from one day to the next, but who is that new guy at the back?”

    Despite our circumstances, we as a civilization will adapt and change. It is who we are as a people. Falling Skies shows us the best and worst of us in compelling ways. It helps us to learn more about who we are. And it shows us what we are capable of.Falling Skies - cast banner season 2 - Click to learn more at the official TNT Network web site!

    Click to visit and follow WormholeRiders News Agency on Twitter!Thanks to Kenn for assisting with the audio video embeds for my Falling Skies review and analysis. And thanks to you for stopping by WormholeRiders News Agency!

    Please feel free to leave a comment here, click an icon below to share this interview or you can visit and follow me on Twitter by clicking on my avatar to the right.Click to visit and follow ArcticGoddess1 on Twitter!

    Regards.

    ArcticGoddess1 (Patricia)

  • Falling Skies: Sanctuary Part 2 and What Hides Beneath!

    Falling Skies: Sanctuary Part 2 and What Hides Beneath!

    Welcome back Falling Skies fans!Falling Skies - Dreamworks Televisions - Click to visit the official web site!

    Our analysis of episodes “Sanctuary part 2” and “What Hides Beneath” reveals the darkest side of humanity. In both episodes the fate of innocent people hang in the balance. In both episodes Dreamworks Television continued to dovetail the travesty of human against human interaction during a disaster begun in the previous weeks episode “Sanctuary Part 1”.

    As reported previously It seemed like our survivors might be getting some help from the Seventh Regiment of the Massachusetts National Guard when Terry Clayton portrayed by Henry Czerny appeared on the scene. As we learned however, Terry had no intention of saving anything but his own skin in a deal with the Skitters! Terry Clayton even come from? He came out of nowhere just in time to save the day as the episode opened.

    Falling Skies Promo picture season oneHal Mason (Drew Roy), Tom Mason (Noah Wyle) and Margaret (Sarah Sanguin Carter) had rescued the children from the hospital and Dr. Anne Glass (Moon Bloodgood) had surgically removed all of the harnesses from their backs. All but one child survived and to my surprise Ben Mason (Connor Jessup) actually remembered his father.

    We learned that our tough girl Margaret is a cancer survivor and her and Hal seem to be getting close. I hope to see more of a relationship for these two in the future. We found out the Skitters have a maternal bond with our children.

    Speaking of mothers, Sarah (Melissa Kramer) had her baby shower which brought a bit of normalcy to the survivors. Anne Glass and Captain Weaver (Will Patton) both mourned the loss of loved ones quietly and we actually got to see Anne turn bad ass and kill a Skitter. What sweet revenge!

    While Anne is treating Eli, a desperate set of parents hold her at gun point and demand all her medicine. Medicine has been so hard to come by for the resistance, and Anne is reluctant to give it up. It looks like the pair is gonna get the medication until Terry Clayton comes along. Thank goodness it is someone that Captain Weaver recognizes. Weaver thought that the 7th Mass had fell apart after most of it was destroyed by aliens.

    Falling Skies S1x06 - Anne Glass held at gunpoint

    Terry Clayton looks tired, beaten, and very frustrated that his entire unit was taken out by the Skitters. He tells Tom Mason, Captain Weaver. Dai (Peter Shinkoda) and Mike (Martin Roach) that the Skitters are on their way to the school within days! According to Clayton, Porter (Dale Dye) wants him to take anyone under the age of 20 and leave the camp. He is to go to a farm that is not too far from the school. It seems reasonable that the children would be safe there.

    Falling Skies S1x06 - Henry Czerny as Lt. Terry Clayton

    According to Clayton, the Third Mass is in between them and the last attack. Finally a new face with ideas on how to keep the children safe! A few of the parents are reluctant to send their kids away. Tom Mason does not like the idea but of course Captain Weaver, who always has the final say, makes Tom relay this information to the rest of the parents. I would not want my children to be away from me if there were Mechs and spider-like aliens roaming around.

    Falling Skies S1x06 - Clayton appears in nick of time!

    Falling Skies S1x06 - Planning the move from JFK High School

    Newly recovered Ben Mason seems to be doing well this episode. So well in fact he can do 102 sit ups without even breaking a sweat. What on earth did the Skitters do to him? Talking to his younger brother Matt Mason (Maxim Knight), Ben tells him how the Skitters were like family to the children. The Skitters knew what they wanted and when they needed it without saying a word. Ben said he actually missed that. Missing multi-legged aliens? Hal hears Matt and Ben talking and takes his concerns to Anne. Hal is impressed that Ben is no longer a brat!

    Falling Skies S1x06 - The Mason brothers hug!

    Falling Skies S1x06 - Anne discusses their options

    Jimmy Boland (Dylan Authors), who had been in trouble for an incident involving a pet dog and a robot, is eager to be put back to work. Captain Weaver agrees to let him act as a sentry and stand watch over the school. Parker and Jimmy are on sentry duty and see an approaching Mech. Parker who is not thrilled to be working with a 13 year old, is killed and Jimmy comes face to face with a Mech! Barely escaping Jimmy runs through the camp yelling “Mech Mech” to anyone that can hear him.

    Captain Weaver comes to the rescue killing the Skitter and gives Jimmy a warm hug. We get to see a softer side to Captain Weaver. Jimmy is visibly shaken and what 13 year old would not be. This theme plays out in every episode we see. Humans being forced to deal with inhumane situations. The writers have done an excellent job with the script and each episode the characters get back in touch with their humanity. We still see humans fighting with humans in a fight for survival.

    Falling Skies S1x06 - Nightmare attack!

    Falling Skies S1x06 - A softer side to Captain Weaver

    Some of the camp members are suspicious of Ben and the children that were rescued. One of the members refers to them as “razor backs”. Ben tells his father that he wants to leave with Clayton. He appeals to his father’s love of history by comparing the blitz of London in world war II to their parents having to send the children out first to keep them safe. Tom realizes his son has grown up and decides to let Matt and Ben go with Clayton. Tom is convinced the Third Mass will be there the next day so he convinces the other parents to let their children go as well.

     

    Falling Skies S1x06 - A dispute and confrontation is brewing

    There are touching moments between the Mason family this episode. Hal feels guilty having fought with Ben the day their mother died. Hal’s promise to his mom was to look after his brother and father. The one thing I did love this episode was we saw Tom Mason and Anne Glass hold hands towards the end as they watch the children leave with Clayton. I could not tell if they were feeling some sort of hope or was Anne lending support to Tom as his children leave.

    Falling Skies S1x06 - A hug from Tom!

    Falling Skies S1x06 - The Mason family together!

    Falling Skies S1x06 - Anne and Tom get ready!

    Finally the children arrive at the farm and there are happy faces everywhere. Once the children get settled Clayton goes to see someone. That someone turns out to be Eli! Eli is the child whose parents left the camp with him just the day before. Where are his parents? Clayton says he is taking Eli to see his parents. Taking Eli to a path in the woods, he meets up with a girl named Megan.

    Megan tells Eli she is taking him to see his family. Megan has a stoic look on her face and Eli starts feeling apprehensive. He makes one futile attempt to go back to camp but a Skitter quickly grabs him and takes him away. Clayton has just given one of the children to the aliens! I have contemplated over this for days now. How does Clayton benefit from this? Clayton leaves Eli with the Skitter and goes back to the farm. It is very obvious the survivors trusted their children with the wrong man.

    Falling Skies S1x06 - A suspcious home Clayton uses!

    Falling Skies S1x06 - A deal with Skitters in the dark!

    Clayton heads back to camp and goes to the basement with a bowl of food in his hands talking to someone sitting at a table. I was excited to see that is was John Pope (Colin Cunningham)! Pope told Clayton about the children at the school in exchange for his life. I hope to see a lot more of Pope in the coming episodes. His comic relief adds extra to the show that Steven Spielberg has already made a winner.

    Falling Skies S1x06 - John Pope heald hostage!

    This episode begs the question what do the Skitters want with our children. Ben talked fondly of the Skitters in one scene and it leads me to believe they have some control over the children even after they escape. I think we will be getting answers to this very soon.

    Click to visit and learn more about Falling Skies at TNT!

    Falling Skies continues this Sunday with “Mutiny” followed by “Eight Hours” season one finale. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

    Click to visit and follow WormholeRiders News Agency on Twitter!Thank you for visiting WormholeRiders News Agency

    Please feel free to leave a comment here or if you prefer, click the social media icons below to share this news article. Or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit WHR on Twitter, or visit me on Twitter by clicking the text links or images avatars in this news story. I and the WHR team look forward to and will be Seeing You on The Other Side“! Click to visit and follow Kenn of TeamWHR on Twitter

    Thank you.

    Best Regards,

    Kenn

  • Falling Skies: Mutiny – Extended Video Sneak Peek With TNT Cat Watcher Status Report!

    Falling Skies: Mutiny – Extended Video Sneak Peek With TNT Cat Watcher Status Report!

    Welcome back Falling Skies Fans!

    TNT We Know Drama - Click to visit Falling Skies on TNT!Prior to the Falling Skies season one two (2) hour finale on TNT, we bring you a couple of items we would like to share and consider to be very special! First we include an extended “Mutiny” sneak peek that clearly illustrates the excitement about Steven Speilberg’s science fiction drama has been growing around the world.

    The program produced by Dreamworks Television Studios, co-produced by Mark Verheiden, Greg Beeman, executive produced by Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank, and Graham Yost has taken the viewing audience by storm with huge reveals in “What Hides Beneath”.

    Falling Skies S1x09 - Father Tom Mason and Son Hal

    Falling Skies S1x08 - The Alien construct

    Falling Skies S1x08 - New Aliens

    Falling Skies by Dreamworks Studios - Click to follow on TwitterThe wonderful ensemble cast assembled by Dreamworks includes new CGI aliens and humans actors too! The series stars are Noah Wyle, Moon Bloodgood, Colin Cunningham, Will Patton, Maxim Knight, Mpho Koaho, Sarah Sanguin Carter, Connor Jessup, Bruce Gray, Dale Dye, Drew Roy, Seychelle Gabriel, Peter Shinkoda, Dylan Authors, James Collins, Martin Roach, Daniyah Ysrayl, Melissa Kramer, Jessy Schram, Yulia Lukin, Jaclyn Forbes, Llyane Stanfield, Wes Berger, Joe Vercillo and recently featured guest star Blair Brown perhaps best known by many as Nina Sharp on Fringe!

    Falling Skies S1x08 - Blair Brown as Sonya

    Falling Skies S1x09 - Colin Cunningham as bad boy John Pope

    Falling Skies S1x09 - Sarah Sanguine Carter as Margaret

    Therefore, without further adieu we bring you the entire series of Falling Skies “Mutiny” sneak peek clips courtesy of TNT. Thank you TNT! One of the best lines in the “Mutiny” finale (as you will see and hear for yourself), “Someone has been drinking the Kool-Aid”!

     

      Second (and a lot of fun) is a video courtesy of a good friend in the UK. DarcyAtATO (her Twitter name) has a wonderful and unique cat named Lyla. Much like a cat I once had named Ferris, Lyla the Cat watches television! And apparently one of her favorite programs is Falling Skies! We include the video below for your pleasure and enjoyment. Falling Skies continues this Sunday August 07, 2011 with the season one "Mutiny" two hour finale. In the meantime we hope you enjoyed the sneak peek courtesy of TNT! as well as Lyla the Cat! I hope you enjoy both as much as I did! :-) Falling Skies Cast Banner - Click to learn more at TNT! Click to visit and follow WormholeRiders News Agency on Twitter!Thank you for visiting WormholeRiders News Agency Please feel free to leave a comment here or if you prefer, click the social media icons below to share this news article. Or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit WHR on Twitter, WHR on Facebook or visit me on Twitter by clicking the text links or images avatars in this news story. I and the WHR team look forward to and will be Seeing You on The Other Side"! Thank you. Click to visit and follow WormholeRiders (Kenn) on Twitter! Best Regards, Kenn

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