Silo Season 2 sidelines a main character and fans are supposed to be okay with it

Apple TV+’s Silo Season 2 explores more of the political tension and rising rebellion in its underground dystopian setting. However, fans are noticing a major change: the sidelining of Juliette Nichols, played by Rebecca Ferguson, a central figure from Season 1.

This change has stirred up strong reactions, with some viewers upset and others hopeful. Some fans think it stays true to the original book, Wool, by Hugh Howey, while others feel it takes away from the show’s emotional core. The debate has blown up online, especially on X (formerly Twitter).

For example, Daniel Richtman (@DanielRPK) shared his frustration, saying,

“My one issue with the second season of SILO is that Juliette, the main character, is sidelined (literally) for the whole season.”

On the other hand, users like @LaneAkers supported the decision, commenting,

“It’s called character development, not everything is GoT.”

The choice to keep Juliette lonesome while the rebellion heats up has been controversial, but it sets up a potentially explosive finale in the upcoming episodes.

Why is Juliette sidelined in Silo Season 2?

The reason Juliette is less involved comes from the show following the second part of the book Wool. The story splits into two parts happening at the same time: Juliette struggles to survive in Silo 17, while a rebellion starts to grow in Silo 18.

This separation makes the story richer by showing her fight alone compared to the group uprising. In Episode 7, Juliette deals with dangerous challenges as she tries to fix a water pump in Silo 17. At the same time, in Silo 18, tensions rise as Bernard (played by Tim Robbins) faces a rebellion led by the Mechanical group.

This change in the story points to bigger ideas like being alone and fighting against the system. However, some fans think the show doesn’t stick closely enough to the book.

Jason Presti (@presti71) complained about the slow pace, tweeting,

“Season 2 is a little disappointing to me because of changes from the book. Even when Juliette is separate from the main cast, both storylines are way more exciting in the book.”

The show’s slower speed and lack of big surprises have left some viewers missing the exciting action scenes from Howey’s novel.

Fan reactions to Juliette’s reduced role

Fans have mixed feelings about Juliette’s smaller role. Some think it will make the story better in the long run, but others feel the second season isn’t as exciting. Jezza (@JezzaBondiBeach) called it a “snooze fest,” while some fans are hoping Juliette will go back home before Season 4.

The slow pace of the story has led some to compare it to other shows that take their time, like The Mandalorian Season 3. One user (@MarvelAddicted0) pointed out the similarities. But others, like @LaneAkers, defend the show, saying its focus on political drama and character development fits well with its main themes.

Adding to the mystery, fans are speculating about what might happen to Juliette in Silo 17. Plus, there’s a mysterious third person in Silo 17 who could be a threat to her, making her story even more intense.

How will Juliette’s story affect the show's future?

Juliette’s journey in Season 2 isn’t just a risky creative choice; it’s a planned step to prepare for future seasons. Apple TV+ has already announced a four-season plan for the show. By keeping Juliette separate, the writers project the differences with the uprising in Silo 18. This sets the stage for the two storylines to eventually come together.

Her lonely fight reflects the bigger rebellion, showing the strength needed to stand up against unfair systems. Rebecca Ferguson’s subtle acting makes the character more meaningful, even though she appears less on screen.

At the same time, Bernard’s growing loss of control builds up to an exciting clash. Some still doubt, but the story’s direction hints at a satisfying payoff for those who wait.

As @LaneAkers aptly put it,