Tim Robbins has said Silo’s third season significantly changes Bernard Holland’s fate from Hugh Howey’s books, allowing the character to survive a fire rather than die in it. The change gives Bernard a potential redemption arc after he discovers that the system he served has deceived him, shifting him from a powerful antagonist towards someone able to expose its abuses.

Robbins learned of Bernard’s altered storyline around the middle of the second season and described the opportunity as a rare gift for an actor. He also discussed the physical demands of portraying Bernard’s recovery, including varying his voice to reflect severe injury and ongoing pain, while filming scenes out of chronological order.