Summary
The final third of “Machines” features some taut, edge-of-your-seat action, while introducing the biggest plot twist in the show yet. The remaining characters may take a little longer than expected to invest in, but this installment helps shape Juliette into an enticing new lead.
We recap the Apple TV+ series Silo Season 1 Episode 3, “Machines,” which contains spoilers.
Sheriff Holston (David Oyelowo) wanted Juliette (Rebecca Ferguson) to be his replacement, which seems like an odd choice considering Juliette’s profession. She works at the bottom of the Silo, maintaining the generator.
But he had seen some potential in her during their brief interactions. In “Machines,” the Mayor journeys to the lowest level to offer Juliette this esteemed position while the mechanics attempt to fix the generator.
Silo Season 1 Episode 3 Recap
Having failed to take the plunge and follow George’s clues into the unknown, Juliette returns to her home to get drunk instead. The next day, she is hours late for work, caught nursing a nasty hangover. Juliette’s assistant Cooper is forced to step up in her absence. Juliette stumbles into work and punches Cooper in the face for tinkering with her baby.
Why is Juliette worried about the generator?
Juliette is adamant that the generator needs fixing. It is only a matter of time before it breaks indefinitely. This machine keeps the entire Silo functioning, providing light and electricity to its inhabitants.
Mayor Jahns and Deputy Marnes start their lengthy quest down to the lower levels. On their journey, they meet excited citizens and well-wishers. They stop off at Bernard’s to ask the head of IT for his opinion on Juliette.
Bernard thinks that Juliette is a thief. The Mayor should go with Judge Meadows’ suggestion, Paul Billings, before the citizens’ riot.
Next, on their trip, they stop off at the maternity ward, where Juliette’s father, Dr. Pete Nichols, works. Pete admits that he hasn’t spoken to his daughter in a while. She chose to live in the down deep at just 13 years old. Juliette loved to fix things and quickly honed her skills in the field of mechanics. Working on the generator is her forte.
Others urge the Mayor to choose Paul, too, including Mr. Sims, who works for Judge Meadows. The Mayor tells Sims that she is still undecided. The Mayor and Marnes finally make it down to the generator, but all hell’s broke loose.
The generator is acting unpredictably. Juliette returns to fix the machine once again.
After witnessing Juliette’s impressive performance, the Mayor offers her the sheriff’s job. Juliette is shocked and overwhelmed by this proposal, though. She instantly turns it down, stating that the generator is the most important job in the Silo, and she can’t let it go.
The Mayor accepts her decision and passes Holston’s sheriff’s badge.
What causes Juliette to change her mind?
Spotting a message on the back of the badge, Juliette changes her mind. She needs one day to fix the generator first. The Mayor gives her 8 hours to fix the machine. The citizens are informed that there will be a power outage, and they must stay indoors or in safe zones during this curfew.
Juliette and her team formulate a plan. They have a 30-minute window to assess and fix the generator. The generator is then powered down. As the citizens gather in the cafeteria, the TV screen flickers off, reverting back to the real image of the outside world for a millisecond.
A few lucky citizens see that luscious green vista in that time frame, glimpsing the Silo’s greatest conspiracy.
The team remove the generator’s panels and instantly spot the problem. Juliette and Cooper remove the broken blade, which is then bent back into shape. The generator begins to overheat faster than expected, though. Juliette decides to cool the valve to buy them some time.
In this nail-biting sequence, pipes start to burst, and Juliette begins to drown as the water level rises. The blade is fixed and refitted just in time. Juliette resurfaces, and the generator is restarted before it explodes. The team celebrates as the generator begins to work properly once again.
During this intense drama, the Mayor and Marnes get a little more familiar with one another and share a kiss in the pitch-black. They discuss retiring and spending the rest of their lives together.
Silo Season 1 Episode 3 Ending Explained
After the lights have gone back on, Juliette says her final goodbyes to her old friend Martha. She thanks her for everything and heads off up to the higher levels and her new job. Bernard confronts the Mayor, unhappy that she has sided with Juliette. It looks like he could be a possible villain in the series.
What does it say on Holston’s badge?
The episode concludes with Juliette inspecting Holston’s sheriff’s badge. On the back, it says ‘truth.’ Holston told Juliette he would give her a sign when he found answers. This gives Juliette hope that there is more out there.
The Mayor signs the paperwork, instating Juliette as the Silo’s new sheriff. Marnes grabs some alcohol to celebrate but finds the Mayor unresponsive. Has she been attacked, or is this a botched suicide attempt?
What did you think of Silo Season 1 Episode 3? Comment below.
