Why did the intruders want to get into Silo 17 and what did Solo do about it? Details explored

Silo Season 2 finale is fast approaching, and before the chapter ends, Episode 9, "The Safeguard", finally answered a few major questions. From Solo's true identity to how his trauma shaped his life, the episode covers it all.

But before we dive into the revelations, here's a brief about the sci-fi series that recently got praised by acclaimed author Stephen King. Starring Rebecca Ferguson as the key character Juliette, the sci-fi series follows thousands of people living inside a giant structure called a silo.

The narrative kicks off in a post-apocalyptic world where the residents of the structure are controlled by the higher authorities, as they have been completely disconnected from their past lives. These humans are told that the world outside isn't worth living and they must stay inside, without any question about their safety.

However, the reality turns out to be entirely different from what has been told to the residents. The series features fearless characters like Ferguson's Juliette, who's determined to expose the dark hidden truth.

The Apple TV+ series also focuses on other key characters, and among them is Solo in season 2. Since the beginning of the second chapter, he was believed to be the shadow of Russell, Silo 17's head of IT and the protector of the vault.

However, when the deaths outside of Silo 17's vault are explained, it's revealed that Solo's real name is Jimmy and he's Russell's son. He's obsessed with protecting the vault, so when intruders tried to break into the vault in the past, Jimmy killed them by trapping and then suffocating them to death.

Continue reading to dive deep into the latest episode.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Silo Season 2. Reader discretion is advised.

What did Solo do when intruders broke into Silo 17?

Solo opened the vault (Image Source: Apple TV+)

This goes back to Silo Episode 3 "Solo" when Juliette found two dead bodies outside the Silo 17 entrance. Since then it has been a mystery what exactly happened with the two, and the cause of their deaths.

The mystery is finally addressed in episode 9, in which viewers learn that the dead bodies were of Rick's mother Tess, and Audrey's father Chase. The two fell in love and had a child after the rebellion in Silo 17.

Their condition worsened as food became scarce, and they needed to feed the survivors including the children. Chase and Tess knew that Vault 17 had food supplies that could easily save the group.

So, they decided to break into the vault. However, a confrontation with Solo made it hard for them. Despite the struggle, they eventually managed to get into the vault by discovering the correct code. They even shot Solo, but he survived.

However, Solo's trauma didn't let him change his decision to protect the vault at any cost, and to fulfill his duty, he trapped Chase and Tess inside the vault. Soon, the air started running out and it led to the ultimate deaths of Rick's mother and Audrey's father.

Also Read: Apple TV+ sci-fi mystery show Silo earns the recognition of Stephen King as a worthy watch

What happened to Solo when he was a kid?

Jimmy saw his father being shot (Image Source: Apple TV+)

The latest episode also dives into Solo's past, which reveals that his name is Jimmy, the son of Russell. His backstory is tied with the tragic events during the rebellion in Silo 17. The flashback scene shows that Jimmy was a 12-year-old lad at that time, and instead of showing bravery, he hid himself while his father was being confronted by the sheriff.

It was a horrifying experience for him to watch his father being shot and die, as he didn't even try to interfere. This tragic moment, shaped Jimmy's actions as he blamed himself for his father's death and couldn't understand that Russell wanted to save him, not the vault.

His trauma and guilt led Jimmy to become obsessed with protecting the vault, even if it meant someone's death. After this revelation, Audrey is still not convinced and tries to shoot Solo aka Jimmy with her arrow.

However, Juliette stops her and asks Jimmy to show them the scar that was caused by the gunshot. After witnessing the scar, and Juliette's helping Jimmy to understand what his father wanted, he agreed to open the vault for them.