George Wilkins: His Background and the Events Surrounding Him

Warning: Spoilers for Silo Season 2, Episode 9, “The Safeguard,”included, along with references to suicide.

In Apple TV+’s dystopian series Silo, Ferdinand Kingsley portrays George Wilkins in Season 1. While his screen time significantly diminishes in subsequent episodes, his character plays a crucial part in shaping the narrative of Silo 18. Given the large ensemble cast, it can be challenging for every character to resonate with viewers. Nonetheless, despite appearing in only five episodes, Kingsley’s portrayal of George leaves an indelible mark on the series’ unfolding saga.

One of the most pivotal elements of George’s character is his bond with Juliette Nichols, played by Rebecca Ferguson. Adapted from Hugh Howey’s novels, George Wilkins serves as a bridge between the source material and the screen. His fascinating character arc is among the many factors that contributed to Silo’s immediate popularity, solidifying its status as one of the top shows on Apple TV+ since its premiere in 2023. His brief tenure on screen belies his significant influence within the tightly controlled environment of the Silo.

Unpacking George Wilkins’ Role in Silo 18 and His Relationship with Juliette

Curious to a Fault: The Demise of Kingsley’s Character

Before the events of the series, Wilkins operated a repair stall in the Mids, providing essential services to the inhabitants of Silo 18. His profession spurred an interest in Relics—items originating from the Before Times, which are seen as taboo to possess. His covert inquiries into the Silo’s history eventually led him to uncover an ancient hard drive. Initially thought to contain no data, he collaborated with Allison Becker, played by Rashida Jones, to retrieve significant files, including altered footage of past cleanouts and schematics of the Silo itself.

Despite keeping his findings a secret from others, Allison became engrossed in the information and impulsively sought to venture outside, leading to her demise shortly afterward. After exhausting the potential of his position in the Mids, George transitioned to Mechanical to continue his research discreetly. The Silo blueprints revealed a clandestine tunnel within Silo 18, prompting this change. During his time in the Mechanical department, George met Juliette, initially intending to exploit her knowledge of the Down Deep. However, they soon developed a genuine, albeit forbidden, romantic connection, sharing their discoveries in the safety of Juliette’s secluded cavern.

The Tragic End of George Wilkins in Season 1

A Shocking Sacrifice: The Circumstances of His Death

Eventually, the Judicial authorities caught on to George’s illicit investigations, leading to his arrest. Aware of the looming threat of torture to extract his knowledge, including his dealings with the hard drive, George made the harrowing choice to end his life while being escorted to the Upper Levels. Before this act, he recorded a message for Juliette using a repaired video camera, uploading it to the hard drive for her to discover.

In a calculated move, George positioned himself in plain sight of a hidden security camera, intending to send a message that the truths of their existence were unraveling. At that time, the existence of these cameras was a closely guarded secret known only to Silo’s elite, marking a significant revelation for viewers. He entrusted the hard drive to Juliette, who later used her new role as sheriff to investigate both George’s death and his vital, yet perilous, inquiries.

Insights from Season 2: The Legacy of George Wilkins

The Echo of His Name in “The Safeguard”

George Wilkins’ influence lingers in the storyline long after his exit. Although he is no longer physically present, his name is frequently mentioned, underscoring his integral role in the ongoing narrative of Silo 18 and the growing uprising against the oppressive regime. A significant moment occurs at the conclusion of Silo Season 2, Episode 9, where Lukas Kyle, portrayed by Avi Nash, follows the blueprints that George and Allison uncovered.

As Lukas reaches the specified tunnel location, he hears a digital voice utter his name, revealing a chilling fact: he is the fourth individual to locate this place, following Salvador Quinn, Meadows, and George himself. Notably, the voice also states, “I did not speak with Wilkins,”suggesting that George lacked the necessary clearance for direct communication—leaving him with more questions than answers. This detail highlights the hierarchical and restrictive nature of the Silo, where only those of significant standing can engage with its underlying secrets.

The narrative suggests that George Wilkins left a trail but couldn’t access the deeper truths held within the Silo’s enigmatic tunnels. Both Quinn and Meadows were prominent figures who explored these haunted passages over a century apart, revealing the rigid hierarchy that envelops the **Silo**.

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