Silo Writer Hugh Howey's Favorite Character In The Post-Apocalyptic Series Is Surprising

Spoilers ahead for "Silo" Season 3.

What's the biggest part of the appeal behind watching "Silo," the sci-fi series that just seems to get better and better with each passing season? Is it the faithfulness with which it adapts author Hugh Howey's novellas? Or maybe the tightly-woven plot and the way its scripts continue to drip-feed twists and shocking reveals as the show goes on? How about the ever-expanding cast of characters, all of whom feel so rich and defined and memorable in equal measure? Let's just go with all of the above.

The only opinion that really matters, of course, is that of Howey himself. The author maintains an executive producer credit on the Apple TV adaptation throughout all three seasons (and counting), suggesting that this isn't a George R.R. Martin-like situation with "House of the Dragon." Luckily, we don't have to resort to guesswork at all, as Howey has remained fairly vocal about his thoughts on "Silo" in several interviews over the years.

During a recent Reddit AMA, he gave his thoughts on several aspects of the show, and his most surprising one had to do with his favorite figure of all. It's not Rebecca Ferguson as the stubborn Juliette Nichols, the (somewhat) redeemed antagonist Bernard Holland (Tim Robbins), or any other obvious candidates. Instead, Howey pinpoints a relatively minor supporting character in a simple, straightforward, two-word answer: Patrick Kennedy, played by Rick Gomez. And while he doesn't specify any further reasons why, we can hazard a guess as to why he of all individuals sticks out so much to Howey.

Something tells us Hugh Howey has a bit of a soft spot for outwardly gruff, off-putting characters with a heart of gold. While "Silo" has done a fair amount to flesh out and expand on several characters in Howey's books, there's a key recurring trait that tends to pop up over and over again. We've seen it with Juliette Nichols, Shane McRae's Head of Mechanical Knox, his lover and Juliette's best friend Shirley (Remmie Milner), and especially Harriet Walter as Martha Walker. Despite enduring so much tragedy and trauma that have hardened them considerably, they all prove to be fiercely loyal and loving of those they consider family.

Patrick Kennedy is no exception. Despite spending a significant chunk of Season 3 missing, he would soon played an integral role throughout the latter half of the season. As we previously learned, he led the original rebellion in Juliette's name in part because of his tragic circumstances — his wife previously passed away about a year before the events of Season 1, motivating him to strike back against those he holds responsible for her death. The idea that the Founders may have lied to them about the state of the outside world is the perfect outlet for his anger and unresolved grief. Even then, however, Patrick stops at nothing to protect his friends ... even if it means risking his own life and venturing out to the neighboring Silo 17 to save everyone from the deadly Safeguard protocol.

In the end, this sneakily gives Patrick one of the most compelling, layered arcs in the entire series. If this is what Howey sees in him, it's tough to argue against. "Silo" Season 3 is streaming on Apple TV.