Silo Season 2 will start on November 15, 2024, on Apple TV+. It has brought back interest in the mysterious illness called The Syndrome. This made-up disease was first mentioned in Season 1 and is not found in Hugh Howey’s original books. In the show adaptation, The Syndrome has become an important part of the story. Some of the symptoms are shaking, poor movement, and thinking problems, making life difficult for those suffering from it.
It’s a condition that shows the physical and mental strain of living underground. The recurring mention of the disease brings up questions about its origin and how it affects the silo's power structure. As fans look forward to the next season, the show's decision to change the books with this addition promises surprises.
Let’s take a closer look at The Syndrome’s role in Silo and what to expect from upcoming episodes.
What is The Syndrome in Silo and what are its symptoms?
The Syndrome first appeared in Season 1, Episode 3 ("Machines"). It is a serious illness that affects people living in Silo 18, especially those in the lower levels with lots of pollution. Symptoms are involuntary twitching, shaking, muscle spasms, and if left untreated, then serious brain damage.
Season 1 revealed that it is not contagious. This was depicted when Deputy Paul Billings (Chinaza Uche) dealt with the disease and still managed to spend time with his family. The best prevention for the disease is living a clean life. The Syndrome is mainly caused by environmental factors like excessive pollution.
Showrunner Graham Yost, in an interview with SFX Magazine, explained that The Syndrome is:
“A neuralgic response to the pressure of living in these conditions.”
This mental and physical stress reflects the poor environmental conditions that the characters live in. What makes the plot realistic is the increase in mental health problems and chronic conditions that emerge as a result of working in stressful and restrictive environments.
The Syndrome’s role in Season 2's power struggles
The introduction of The Syndrome in the show depicts that the disease can affect anyone regardless of where they stand in the social hierarchy. For instance, in Season 1, a significant power-hungry whacko, like Deputy Billings, was affected by the disease.
The sickness is a threat to rulers as Article 5 in the Silo's Treaty demands that any person diagnosed with The Syndrome resigns from their position. Such legislation incites restlessness and secrecy. For example, when Billings did not declare his sickness just to retain his status as a deputy.
Season 2 touches on how the sickness worsens prevailing inequality. Even though treatment for The Syndrome is claimed to be free, how people can access it may differ, showing a clear gap between the rich upper residents and the poor lower workers.
The illness might lead to rebellion, as there are guesses that more Syndrome cases could happen around the same time as uprisings in Silo 18. Steve Zahn's character, Solo of Silo 17, subtly tells us that maybe there is a connection between The Syndrome and dangers related to environmental characteristics.
Poor life conditions and probable signs like heterochromia suggest that this illness could be the other common threat to all. This belief also influences friendships and causes fights.
Is The Syndrome in Silo series different from the books?
One of the most salient features of The Syndrome is that it has no background in Hugh Howey's Wool trilogy. This lets the TV adaptation create its own story. With this strange illness, the series sets itself apart and adds a twist for the OG readers.
In the books, much of the tension is due to fights over the environment and politics. The addition of a widespread illness in the show provides a biological explanation to contemplate its ruthless system.
This deviation expands the series' commentary on the physical and psychological costs of isolation. Also, the illness’s ambiguous origins (environmental or psychological) leave room for fan theories and plot twists.
Graham Yost said that the disease shows how bad life is in that setting. Its existence could also symbolize the gradual impairment of its residents, that survival under the earth is a fight against dangers within and outside.
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Watch Silo Season 2 only on Apple TV+.
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