Silo Season 2: Why is there an additional Silo along with the 50 that we know of? Details from the books explored

Silo season 2 has added a new element to the story that has left even the fans of the book surprised. The Apple TV+ sci-fi dystopian show is based on Hugh Howey’s eponymous novel series, which focuses on underground communities living in silos.

The show follows Juliette Nichols, a resident of Silo 18 who dares to go out of her community and finds out there are many such silos. In Silo season 2, episode 9, IT Department head Bernard Holland reveals there are a total of 51 silos.

This is in contrast to the books, where only 50 silos are mentioned. While the show has not yet explained why there is an additional silo along with the 50 that we already know of, it is possible that the extra silo is being used for a mysterious operation.

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Silo season 2 reveals there are 51 silos

Silo season 2 spins a major twist to the book lore by establishing that there are 51 silos instead of the 50 mentioned in the novels. In Hugh Howey's books, it is stated that the founders built 50 silos as part of a plan to save humanity after a catastrophic event.

However, the show adds an extra silo in the narrative, opening up possibilities for more stories and hinting at some sinister secrets about the communities and their founders. The series has been deviating significantly from the books, and the additional silo is the newest change the makers have brought from the source material.

In Silo season 2, episode 9, systems analyst Lukas Kyle has a conversation with Bernard Holland about Salvador Quinn's letter, which talks about 50 silos. Instead of being shocked by the fact that they are not alone and a number of other communities exist with them, Bernard tells him there are not 50, but 51 silos.

While Bernard does not know the exact purpose of the extra silo, he believes the founders must have had a good reason for building it. The show might reveal what is up with the 51st silo in the upcoming seasons. For now, there are only speculations about its utility.

It is possible that the extra silo harbors the founders, who are still controlling everyone. At the same time, the additional community could bring a new layer of mystery that may impact Juliette’s journey in the future.

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How the Silo season 2 revelation differs from the books

In the books, Silo 1 is the central hub where the leaders monitor and control the other 49 silos. This silo has advanced technology, and its inhabitants live in shifts. Some stay awake for six months, while others remain in cryogenic sleep.

The people in Silo 1 maintain order in the world and even terminate entire silos if necessary. The third and final book, Dust, explains that the silos were created as part of a government project in 2049.

Congressman Donald Keene was tasked with designing underground shelters after a nuclear event. What he did not know was that the leaders behind the project had dark motives. They staged nuclear blasts to wipe out most of humanity and left only a tiny population to live in the silos.

The silos were supposed to protect humanity, but they also kept the survivors under strict control. Comparing the show to the books, the existence of the 51st silo adds an unknown dimension to the story.

While the books are clear about there being 50 silos, the series creators have taken creative liberties in Silo Season 2 and might explore the extra silo in detail in the next season.

All episodes of Silo season 2 are streaming on Apple TV+.