Apple TV hit its sci-fi stride when Hugh Howey’s addictive series was adapted for the streamer. Starring Rebecca Ferguson, Silo is the masterful television version of his books Wool, Shift, and Dust. Dystopian and grim, the drama is set in a post-apocalyptic world where Earth has become so toxic that humanity has survived for generations in huge silos underground. No one remembers how the world ended, or if they can ever leave, and yet, the remains of society still find a way to subjugate its people as humanity is wont to do.

The world of a caste system and a murderous conspiracy fascinated viewers, as did the powerful performances from Ferguson. Seasons 1 and 2 largely followed the first book, but that will change with the imminent third season. In fact, Silo is taking a sharp turn away from the source material altogether. The hard sci-fi masterpiece appears to be rewriting its biggest story, according to the new trailer.

Silo ‘Season 3’ Is Slowing Down the Pace Once Again

Silo is undoubtedly one of the most masterful series on television, but it isn’t immune to criticism. Season 2 slowed down the narrative quite a bit as it tackled the last few chapters of the book, Wool. Instead of devoting one book per season, the series got a little more creative with its storytelling. The thrilling sci-fi venture still follows the books, but takes its time getting there. Now it seems that Juliette’s path to leadership will be delayed once again, as the trailer reveals she gets amnesia after surviving the decontamination chamber.

The hot box full of flame seemed to have some effect on her mental faculties — or at least that’s what Silo 18 wants her to think. The governing body is likely manipulating her to stop her from releasing crucial information. This amnesia plotline is not present in Hugh Howey’s books, considering the second book, Shift, is a prequel. To its credit, Silo appears to be covering this story as well.

The trailer also features the time before, as the silos were constructed as a way to survive the end of the world. Juliette’s storyline is a way to keep the character in the narrative, but it isn’t the most original concept. Per the books, Juliette is meant to become the Mayor of the Silo and be a source of justice and truth for the inhabitants. Instead, her character arc is being stalled once again in favor of a more flashy storyline. This may impact the series negatively as all the momentum of her character arc will be lost.

Season 2 was already drawn out as it lacked the drive that the first season did. Halfway done with Silo’s life, this is the time to strike. While it was necessary to keep Rebecca Ferguson in the driver’s seat, there could have been a more dynamic way to do it, instead of mentally handcuffing her prominent character.

Changing the ‘Silo’ Storyline Is Risky

There has been more than enough evidence that supports the idea that once a television series deviates from the source material, it’s on shaky ground. Universally beloved hard sci-fi series, The Expanse, was largely faithful to the books, even if it did cut the show off three seasons too early. James S.A. Corey were heavily involved and kept the magic from the books intact. Both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon have deviated from the books with controversial results. It is natural to want to include Rebecca Ferguson as the primary point of contact for Silo, but it may have refreshed the series to adhere to the narrative that followed past events.

Season 3 has a surge of surprise casting, including Jessica Henwick, Colin Hanks, and Jessica Brown Findlay as characters set in the past. While the footage from the trailer is brief, it is the most exciting thing about the upcoming season. These characters create silos with the idea that they can one day head to some utopian future, when clearly the opposite is going to happen. This is an engaging idea on its own and may have been just the thing to create even more anticipation once Juliette returned for the final installment.

The new lore surrounding Juliette’s amnesia may distract from the tried and true content that fans have prepared themselves for. This plotline is only delaying the inevitable, which should come to pass when Silo enters its final season down the line. Until then, viewers will just have to wait and see how that comes to fruition when Season 3 premieres on July 3.