What The Algorithm Is Silo & What It Means For Silo 18

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Silo season 2’s episode 9.Lukas Kyle interacts with The Algorithm in Silo season 2’s episode 9, making it hard not to wonder what its significance is in the Apple TV+ show’s overarching storyline. In both seasons 1 and 2, Apple TV+’s Silo loyally follows the primary story beats from the original Hugh Howey Silo books. However, at the same time, it does not shy away from introducing some of its own original elements to make its story more suitable for the television episodic format.

For instance, Silo season 2’s early moments add more political intrigue to the original story by highlighting how Bernard picks Meadows as his shadow while Sims grows increasingly sore. In its penultimate episode, Silo season 2 also introduces a story beat that revolves around Lukas Kyle and his chilling interaction with Silo 18’s “Algorithm.” Since the Algorithm is an original concept introduced in the Apple TV+ sci-fi show, it raises many questions about Silo 18’s future and how Lukas will handle his newfound discoveries.

The Algorithm Seems To Be The Name Of The AI In Silo

The AI Seemingly Has The Power To Determine The Silo’s Fate

After decoding the last few lines of Salvador Quinn’s letter in Silo season 2’s episode 9, Lukas Kyle realizes that they say, “If you don’t believe me go to the very bottom of the silo. Find the tunnel! You will get confirmation there.” The letter also mentions something about the existence of a safeguard, suggesting that the silos’ founders built it. Desperate to find answers, Lukas heads to Silo 18’s bottom level after he is not able to arrange a meeting with Bernard. With Shirley’s help, he climbs down to the bottom of the silo to look for the tunnel mentioned in the letter.

As soon as he approaches the tunnel’s door, a voice addresses him by his name. The subtitles refer to the voice as the Algorithm, which warns Lukas that he must not tell anyone about what he is about to discover because, if he does, the “safeguard” will be implemented. The fact that the voice is named “The Algorithm” and seems to function by identifying patterns and predicting actions in Silo 18 suggests it is an advanced AI system.

Why Would The Algorithm Be Guarding The Tunnel Under Silo 18?

It Safeguards Secrets From The Silo’s People

The Algorithm was seemingly created by the founders to ensure that if anyone tried to cross the boundaries of what they were supposed to know about their silo, the AI would implement a “safeguard.” Although the Algorithm does not reveal what the safeguard is in Silo season 2’s episode 9, it seems like an extreme measure it has been designed to take if the people of a silo learn a little too much about the outside world and the purpose behind the silos’ creation.

If the citizens of a silo learn the truth behind why the silos were created and how, as Quinn’s letter mentions, “the game is rigged,” they will turn rebellious against the authorities and threaten the entire silo project. Owing to this, the Algorithm must ensure that the secrets of what lies beyond the tunnel remain restricted to only those with power. If anyone, like Lukas, attempts to share what they learn from the Algorithm with anyone else in the silo, the Algorithm will resort to the safeguard.

What The Algorithm’s Power Means For Silo 18

Lukas Must Tread Carefully After Season 2 Episode 9’s Events

The line, “We think we’re the chosen ones, but we’re only one of many,” from Salvador Quinn’s letter suggests that the founders never truly cared about the well-being of one particular silo. They built 50 silos to ensure that if things went sideways in one, they could depend on several others to fulfill their mission. This suggests that the Algorithm’s “safeguard” involves terminating an entire silo if the citizens learn a little too much about the world they live in.

The termination would ensure that a rebellious silo’s ideas do not spread to others. While only time will tell how the Algorithm will destroy an entire silo and its citizens, its power spells trouble for Silo 18. A rebellion has been brewing for quite some time in the central underground city in Apple TV+’s Silo. If things escalate any further in Silo 18 or Lukas makes the mistake of telling anyone about his newfound discoveries, hundreds of citizens could die.