Juliette Nichols is one of the main characters in the Apple TV+ series Silo. She is an engineer in Silo 18 who unexpectedly becomes the new Sheriff. Juliette is portrayed by Rebecca Ferguson, first appearing in the episode "Freedom Day".
Official Biography
Strong, smart, independent. Childhood trauma sent Juliette into the Down Deep of the Silo where she became a skilled, intuitive, get-her-hands-dirty engineer who keeps the generator working.
Biography
Childhood
Juliette Nichols was born in the Mids to Doctor Pete Nichols and Hanna Nichols. Her name was taken from a play that was no longer performed because it was rumored to have been written by a Rebel. Juliette had a younger brother, Jacob,[2] who was born with a hole in his heart. Jacob died from his condition, and their mother threw herself into trying to find a way to help others like Jacob by building an unsanctioned device, a magnifier. Judicial raided the Nichols' apartment and destroyed the device.[1] Distraught, Juliette's mother took her own life by jumping over the rail on Level 1.[6] Juliette was angry that her mother's family did not come to her funeral, calling them cowards.[1] With both her mother and brother gone, Juliette was forced to take all of their belongings to Recycling due to her father's busy schedule.[2] The other children began to avoid her mainly because they did not know what to say.[7]
Traumatised by the losses, Juliette ran away to the Down Deep, forging a letter from her father requesting that she be apprenticed to Mechanical. Martha Walker accepted her, but informed her father who comes down to confront her about running away. Despite everything, Pete Nichols allows his daughter to remain working in Mechanical, where she is assigned as Knox's Shadow.[2] Assigned to the trash line, Juliette also works in Walker's Electronics Workshop, fixing items, and is sent to live with Mrs. Weaver. Juliette soon begins to learn how Mechanical operates, working the trash line to sort disposed items to be salvaged and repaired, sent to Recycling, and specific items that Walker needs. Shirley offers Juliette the opportunity to stay with her and her father instead of Mrs. Weaver, but Juliette turns it down, which Shirley takes offense to. While working in the workshop, Walker teaches her that in the Down Deep, people do not dance around what they mean to say, and remarks that it was probably lonely for a girl her age without friends. Juliette makes amends with Shirley, gifting her a toy that she had taken from the trash line and repaired. Shirley showed Juliette a secret; a large cavern hidden beneath the Silo.[7]
Mechanical
Juliette working on the generator
Juliette worked in the lower levels of the Silo, keeping the generator running. She was in an unsanctioned relationship with George Wilkins, and knew about his secret camp in the depths of the Silo where he kept Relics and was looking for something. During their relationship, he gifted a watch, a legal Relic, to her.[5] The watch was broken, but she repaired it. During their relationship, Juliette stole some H57 heat tape from Supply; during the theft, she had to distract some dogs with bacon and run. George supplied her with a map.[8] The heat tape was found to be faulty, as it failed almost immediately.[3]
When George died, Juliette believes it is murder and informs Deputy Hank of her suspicions.[4] Sheriff Holston Becker and Deputy Sam Marnes traveled to the Down Deep to investigate the claim of murder and because George had been tangentially involved in his own wife's request to be sent outside. Holston soon figured out Juliette and George had been in a relationship due to the watch she wore. Feeling that she could trust him and wanting justice, Juliette revealed truths about George, his collection of Relics, and the existence of the cavern below the Silo to Holston. Holston found the hard drive and a collection of paper with his wife's handwriting on them, knowing that there was something deeper behind all of this. Holston asked Juliette to trust him, and that he would send a signal when it was time.[5]
Three months later, Holston Becker requested to go and was sent to Clean. Watching the proceedings from the Mechanical Cafeteria. Juliette had not heard from him in all that time, and stormed out of the Cafeteria after Holston died, calling him a liar. Her grief about George came flooding back, and she went to the cavern and attempted to rappel down to where George believed the door was. However, due to the darkness and water beneath her, Juliette was scared on the descent and dropped her flashlight into the water below.[5] She eventually pulled herself back up to the cavern and berated herself for not being able to follow up on George's discovery. Juliette lapsed into drinking, and was hungover when an emergency in the generator needed her attention. She assaulted Terry Cooper who was trying to fix it but going against her one rule: only she goes in the generator. Juliette was reprimanded by Knox after, and she once again told him the generator needed to be fixed properly, which meant shutting it down. Knox refused, saying he could not be the first person in Mechanical to authorise a shutdown like that when the Silo depends on the generator.[3]
Mayor Ruth Jahns arrived with in Mechanical to talk to Juliette as Holston had nominated her as his successor to the post of Sheriff. Juliette refused it initially, but was given Holston's Sheriff badge as his last bequest. On the back was the word "truth" etched into it. Taking this as the sign Holston told her to watch for, she agreed to take the post of Sheriff on one condition: they shut down the generator and fix it properly before she leaves Mechanical. Mayor Jahns agrees and authorises the shutdown, placing the Silo on backup power and ordering everyone to stay home or in designated safe zones. To shut down the generator, they would have to close the steam valve powering it, but due to the heat and pressure they would only have thirty minutes to work on the problem from start to finish. Once shut down, Juliette and Cooper removed the faulty fan blade and made other repairs, but Juliette was forced to deal with the pressure problem by going into the machine and using a water hose to cool the valve manually. The plan worked, and Cooper successfully fixed the generator and got it back up and running.[3]
A New Sheriff
Juliette ascends the stairs
After saying goodbye to Martha and Shirley, Juliette left Mechanical and began the long climb up the Stairwell.[3] Upon reaching Up Top, Juliette was immediately called to the Mayor's Office. Mayor Jahns had been poisoned and died, and Bernard Holland was Mayor Pro Tem until elections could be called. Juliette began settling in, being introduced to the Sheriff's Office and Sandy, who disliked her. Juliette also moved into Holston's old apartment. After being officially sworn in as Sheriff, Juliette began looking for George Wilkins' file and for the hard drive that Holston had taken. Neither were to be found. Juliette also had to deal with Deputy Sam Marnes trying to find Jahns' murderer, and had to stop him from beating a suspect, Franky Brown, in public. Juliette and Marnes talked and while neither was happy with the situation, they agreed to work together. Juliette would help Marnes solve Jahns' murder, if he helped with solving George's. Back in Holston's apartment, Juliette eventually realised that the noise from the vent meant something was in there, and retrieved George's file.[2]
Juliette was unsure about why George's file had been hidden, since it seemed to contain no revealing information. She was called away to deal with Deputy Marnes' murder, and the found that Paul Billings had been installed as her new Chief Deputy without her approval. The pair began a murder investigation, questioning suspects until Juliette told Billings to go home for lunch. On her own, Juliette broke into the apartment she believed belonged to Patrick Kennedy, and found incriminating evidence implicating him in Marnes' death. Leaving the evidence alone, she tracked down Patrick Kennedy and realised that Data Management's records were out of date and not only failed to record the death of his wife, Doris Kennedy, but also that he had changed apartments. Realizing that Patrick was being framed, she set things up to catch a Judicial agent in the act by issuing an arrest warrant for Patrick. Douglas Trumbull arrived outside of the old apartment, and Juliette confronted him, resulting in a chase down the Stairwell. They fought and Juliette was thrown over the railing, but was rescued by other residents. Trumbull got away, but he was found dead shortly after, having seemingly committed suicide.[9]
Having earned Bernard Holland's support, Juliette met Lukas Kyle in the Level 1 Cafeteria. He pointed out that there were lights in the sky, and that they were arranged in patterns and seemed to repeat in a circle. Juliette returned to Mechanical to visit Walker, claiming that she needed to pack and say proper goodbyes. Instead, she relayed some information about her progress, and learned a little more about the video recorder. Believing that she was now trusted, Juliette had to engineer a way to open an investigation into George's death without tipping anyone off. She only needed to use the right bait, and went to retrieve the PEZ dispenser from George's Relic stash.[9]
Juliette planted the Relic in Douglas Trumbull's apartment, and then conducted a search of the property in connection with his involvement into the deaths of Mayor Jahns and Deputy Marnes. During the search, Deputy Billings found the PEZ dispenser. The "discovery" gave Juliette a reason to open a Relics investigation, and she took the issue to Judge Meadows. During the meeting, Robert Sims was surprised to find that Trumbull had a Relic in his possession since they had detailed files in their possession. An investigation was allowed since with the Forgiveness Holiday, people were more likely to cooperate with the authorities.[8]
Uncovering the Truth
Juliette and Regina Jackson
Juliette and Billings began investigating the Relic trade, getting Regina Jackson's name from Patrick Kennedy. Visiting Regina, Juliette learned that she had been George Wilkins' previous lover. They were also in an unsanctioned relationship at the time of his move to Mechanical, and George had used her to further his quest for Relics and information. Her words began Juliette to question her own relationship with George, and whether or not he used her for his own ends. As the investigation continued, Robert Sims called Juliette, Billings, and Mayor Bernard Holland into a meeting. He had evidence that the Relic found in Trumbull's apartment was previously known to be in George's possession. Bernard managed to deflect the issue by asking Sims if Trumbull had been on the team that searched George's apartment, despite that information being classified by Judicial.[8]
Juliette thanked Billings for not revealing her relationship with George. However, Billings realized that Juliette had planted the evidence in Trumbull's apartment and had directly involved him which could lead to his arrest or being sent out to Clean. He confronted her, wanting honesty in their working relationship. Juliette told him that he was being dishonest himself since he was hiding the fact he was afflicted with the Syndrome, and was hiding it.[8]
With her motivations for her actions in doubt, Juliette called Martha Walker on the radio, intending to quit and return to Mechanical. Walker challenged her motivations for accepting the job in the first place, and Juliette decided to keep working on the case. She went to visit Regina again, and learned she had been threatened by Judicial into being a confidential informant against George. Regina gave her the Relic that George had given her in exchange for the hard drive; despite the constant Judicial searches they had never found it since it had been hidden in a welcome mat at the door. Juliette takes the package back to her apartment and opens it, finding a book inside called "Amazing Adventures in Georgia: A Travel Guide for Kids". In wonder, Juliette starts to look at the pages that show the world as it was.[8]
Continuing to read the book, Juliette looks at the inside cover and a name stands out written on the inside cover above George and Anne; Gloria. Looking through the files hidden by Holston, she finds Gloria Hildebrandt's interview transcript. As she leaves the apartment, Juliette notes that the vase usually placed in front of her mirror is missing, and the flowers are laying on the counter. In her office, Juliette looks up Gloria's information, learning that she is in the Long-Term Care ward of Mids Medical on Level 62. Leaving to go to the Mids, Juliette brushes off Mayor Holland's request to meet the Sheriff first thing.[10]
Arriving at the Long-Term Care ward, Juliette is taken to see Gloria, but the nurse tells her that Gloria suffers with hallucinations due to advanced vascular dementia and saying things that have no meaning or sense. Juliette wants to take Gloria for a walk to ask her questions, but the nurse cannot allow it due to an order from Judge Meadows to have Gloria confined to the facility. Juliette attempts to meet with the Judge at the Judicial Offices but is told she is off work sick. Returning to the station, the Sheriff is confronted with the aftermath of a brawl on Level 26 and an angry Billings. Billings was forced to deal with it as Juliette turned off her radio and then he had to lie to the Mayor about her whereabouts. Billings demands to know what was so important that she was neglecting her duties; Juliette admits that she still believes George Wilkins was murdered, and that his murder was linked to the murders of Mayor Jahns, Deputy Marnes, and Douglas Trumbull, as well as the Cleanings undertaken by Allison and Holston Becker. Billings gives her cause through the Pact to reopen George's murder investigation as a Relic in his possession was found in Trumbull's apartment. Juliette stops in the Cafeteria, talking to Lukas Kyle. As they talk, Lukas kisses her causing Juliette to pull back and leave.[10]
The next day, Juliette meets with Bernard. He relays that he has been threatened by Judge Meadows for supporting the Sheriff in the Trumbull matter, warning that she would use The Pact to find a way to remove Bernard. Bernard wants something to use against the Judge to stop her taking control. Using information from Billings, Juliette goes to Meadows' apartment on Level 15. She asks the Judge to remove the care order on Gloria, but during the meeting Juliette begins to realize that Meadows is not really in charge of Judicial, and is allowed to live in a level of luxury as long as she keeps quiet.[10]
With no other choice, Juliette goes to see her father, Doctor Pete Nichols, for the first time since joining Mechanical. She enlists his help in getting access to Gloria and helping her work through her sedation. Juliette learns about the Flamekeepers, and the fact that doctors, including her father, were complicit in preventing certain women from having children. When taking Gloria back to her room, Gloria mentions that her flowers are missing; Juliette comes to realise that somehow, they are being watched and covers the mirror. Gloria also mentions that Sheriff Becker put the flowers then and spent time working on the vent. Juliette checks the vent and finds the missing hard drive.[10]
Juliette managed to escape Mids Medical, only to be called to the Level 1 Sheriff Station by Billings. Judicial were searching the station and confiscating items, even searching Juliette's personal bag. Based on Billings' knowledge of the Pact, Juliette understood that the way Judicial undertook the search was illegal. Juliette went to the Judicial Offices and arrested Sims, holding him responsible for the actions of his agents. While Billings took him to cell, Juliette searched his office, finding a file on her mother and learning that her father had nothing to do with reporting her to Judicial. Heading back down to Mids Medical, Juliette reconciled with her father and retrieved the hard drive which she had hidden in a cot in the nursery.[1]
Truths Revealed
Juliette in the farms
With Judicial security checkpoints springing up, Juliette attempted to bluff through a checkpoint at Level 30. She was helped through by the arrival of Bernard Holland, who wanted to know what was going on. They headed to the farms, where Bernard slipped up, revealing he knew about the hard drive. Juliette realised that Sims was not secretly in charge; Bernard was. Bernard stated that he clearly heard Juliette say she wanted to go Outside, which was backed up by Sims who had arrived with a Raider team. Juliette was arrested, but managed to escape by taking advantage of Billings' Syndrome.[1]
Juliette jumped over the rail and landed on the bridge below, disappearing into the level as Sims, Billings and Judicial give pursuit. She manages to evade them, getting off the level and heading for Level 17 and Robert Sims’ apartment. Juliette breaks in, and takes Sims' family hostage when they arrive home so she can use their computer to access the hard drive. On the drive, she finds a video recording from George, telling her that he loves her and that he found what he was looking for. Camille Sims, having freed herself, tells Juliette they can track the hard drive and lets her go to get her out of the apartment before armed Judicial agents arrive.[6]
Heading to Patrick Kennedy apartment on Level 22, she enlists his help in exchange for her watch. He contacts an associate of his, Danny Bly, who accesses the drive without the need for sysop clearance and hides the drive in the network so it can't immediately be traced to the apartment. Juliette views the recording in its entirely, learning that George did intend to use her but ended up falling in love with her. He tells her that he found the door he was looking for, and points her towards the Jane Carmody Cleaning file on the drive. Juliette, Patrick and Danny watch it, seeing a green world Outside.[6] Seeing the recording, Juliette resolves to get everyone to see it, and asks Danny if they can put it on every screen in the Silo. Danny says they can if they use a signal booster; Juliette wants the one closest to Mechanical and the head to Level 126 using the trash chute. Danny manages to get the drive hooked up, but IT kills the system shortly after.[11]
Juliette parts ways with Patrick and Danny, using the trash chute to get to the scavenge room. Injured, she is taken to Walker's workshop but Knox gives her up to Judicial to prevent them from punishing Mechanical for harbouring her. Bernard and Sims arrive, and they come to a deal. Juliette will give up her right to a hearing and stop claiming that she doesn't want to go out, and Mechanical would avoid any punishment and repercussions. Juliette also wants to be told what happened to George, and Bernard promises to show her. Bernard and Sims take Juliette into the watcher room, showing her surveillance footage of George purposely taking his own life by going over the rail to avoid being tortured. Juliette realises just how monitored the Silo is, and knows they never really had a chance. Seeing her lover's death, Juliette begins crying.[11]
In Holding 3, Juliette is visited by her father, then Shirley who brings her a box of food. Inside is a note from Martha. "You wanted the truth. The truth is I love you. Have no fear, they're good in Supply." Her last visitor is Bernard who reveals that her parents were never meant to have children and none of what happened is personal. Bernard believes that she has been of great service to the Silo and all lives matter. Juliette tells Bernard she won't Clean, but Bernard counters they all say that, until they do. He hands her Holston's sheriff's badge, granting her last request.[11]
Juliette is exiled and goes through the airlock, emerging on the surface. She sees the bright green of the outside world through her visor, but realises that it exactly matches the recording from Jane Carmody's Cleaning. The display is not an illusion, but those sent out to Clean are made to see a green and prospering environment to entice them to clean. Walking up to the camera, Juliette pulls out her sensor wool, holds it up to the camera, then drops it. Those watching in the cafeteria are faltered from this act. She walks up the hill, placing Holston's badge on his body, and realises that the heat tape used to seal her suit is Mechanical heat tape, not IT heat tape. Surviving longer than anyone else, Juliette walks up the hill. As she moves forward, the image in her display flickers and then ends, showing the world as it really is: a barren wasteland with the ruins of a city in the distance.[11]
Silo 17
The outside of Silo 17
Outside the Silo, Juliette finds another silo a short distance away, but this one has its airlock open and hundreds of decayed bodies reaching all the way back inside. Juliette entered the Silo, shutting the door and doing her best to decontaminate the suit and break out of it before she runs out of air. Inside, the new silo is abandoned and devastated. The silo has no power and had clearly been that way for many years. Juliette finds new clothes and tools, setting off to explore the Silo. Soon, she discovers power emanating from the Silo's IT offices, but the bridge from the stairwell connecting the IT department has been destroyed. Juliette attempts to reach it by swinging over on a rope attached to an upper bridge, but she fell, only being saved by the fact that the majority of the lower half of the Silo is flooded.[7]
Determined to get to the offices, Juliette fashions a bridge and makes it across. Hearing a sound, Juliette discovers a fan that is working. Finding a large slab of metal that is wide enough to bridge the gap back to the stairwell, Juliette gets it into position and prepared to leave when she suddenly hears music. She follows the music to the source, and finds a closed door which she attempts to open. On the other side of the door, a man tells her that he understands why she tried to open the door, but if she tries again, he would kill her.[7]
Appearances
- Season One
- "Freedom Day" (First appearance)
- "Holston's Pick"
- "Machines"
- "Truth"
- "The Janitor's Boy"
- "The Relic"
- "The Flamekeepers"
- "Hanna"
- "The Getaway"
- "Outside"
- Season Two
- "The Engineer"
- "Order"
- "Solo"
- "The Harmonium"
- "Descent"
- "Barricades"
- "The Dive"
- "The Book of Quinn"
- "The Safeguard"
- "Into the Fire"
Notes and references
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "Hanna"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 "Truth"
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 "Machines"
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Freedom Day"
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Holston's Pick"
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "The Getaway"
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 "The Engineer"
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 "The Relic"
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "The Janitor's Boy"
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 "The Flamekeepers"
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 "Outside"