“The Harmonium” Reveals Weaknesses in Cast Performance
Silo has been a rollercoaster of intense and defining moments throughout its 14 episodes, from Alison Becker (played by Rashida Jones) confronting her husband about fertility deception to Mayor Bernard’s (Tim Robbins) captivating yet insincere speech in the season two opener, and Juliette’s (Rebecca Ferguson) bold escapades as an engineer. These scenes resonate deeply, largely due to the compelling performances by the actors. It’s a letdown, then, when a key climactic scene in this latest episode doesn’t quite hit the mark, primarily because Common’s portrayal doesn’t quite match the intensity and authenticity of his co-stars.
Common, who has an extensive list of film credits, seems out of place in this series. Seeing him as Robert Sims in season one, his portrayal as the unyielding tough guy could be seen as intentional. However, even when given more depth and backstory, particularly in scenes with his wife, Common’s performance lacks the necessary emotional depth. This shortfall is felt acutely at the end of this episode when Robert wrongly accuses Shirley and Knox of murdering Judge Mary Meadows and calls for justice, turning what should be a pivotal moment into a lackluster one that saps the energy from an otherwise exciting episode.
Despite its predictability, “The Harmonium” still manages to captivate. Predictable plot points such as Bernard’s murder of Judge Meadows, Robert instigating violence, Shirley and Knox naively walking into a trap, and Juliette continuing to push boundaries and win over the hesitant Solo keep viewers engaged thanks to solid writing that effectively advances the overarching schemes of Bernard and Juliette.
In other developments, Juliette’s storyline sees her diving underwater to recover a firefighting suit from Silo 18. With Solo’s aid from Silo 17, they search for equipment to keep Juliette safe in the water. Solo, isolated for years, eagerly shares trivia about the pre-apocalyptic world, revealing bits of his past, including witnessing violence as a child. This backstory adds layers to Solo, played with a youthful zest by Steve Zahn, who captures the character’s sense of wonder and buried trauma.
Solo’s world is shaken when Juliette nearly drowns during her mission. When she resurfaces, a panicked Solo retreats to the safety of the vault. Juliette, tapping into her own fears and vulnerabilities, manages to calm him, convincing him to face the world outside. Rebecca Ferguson delivers these moments with remarkable vulnerability, making her character’s motivations and emotions palpable and compelling.
Back at Juliette’s home bunker, the political landscape is shifting. Robert initiates a defamation campaign against Judge Meadows to manipulate public opinion and gain political leverage for Bernard, who then kills Meadows under the guise of a shared dinner, using poisoned mushrooms—an act of betrayal and cold calculation.
As Bernard and Robert frame Shirley and Knox for the murder, setting them up as fugitives, the episode sets the stage for further conflict and chaos within the Silo community. Despite the stakes, the episode skillfully sets up an impending confrontation, promising more intrigue and drama.
Rambling Thoughts
- • How did Solo and Juliette conclude definitively that she was from Silo 18?
- • Sheriff Paul Billings is close to uncovering the corrupt actions of the leadership, a development that suggests his days might be numbered.
- • Solo references Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea and discusses literature despite Silo 17’s supposed ban on books. How does this knowledge persist, and how do they know about Romeo And Juliet?
- • Tanya Moodie’s departure as Mary Meadows is a loss for the show, given her demonstrated range in this episode.
- • Before her death, Mary Meadows managed to enlighten Lukas about the true nature of the “lights in the sky,” reducing his sentence and confirming his theories about the cosmos.
- • The contents of Salvador Quinn’s letter remain a mystery, even as Judge Meadows takes its secrets to her grave.
- • There’s ongoing curiosity about why Silo is underutilizing Harriet Walter’s talents.
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Avery Sandridge has an unmatched love for storytelling and the screen. From detailed analyses of your favorite shows to behind-the-scenes scoops, Avery offers a fresh and engaging take on everything TV series.