Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we spotlight women and nonbinary folks who inspire us. This includes fictional characters and creators in geeky media. They are a prime example of empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers for Silo, particularly Shirley Campbell’s arc. Proceed at your peril.
Shirley Campbell
Fast Facts

Shirley Campbell (Remmie Milner) grew up in the Down Deep with her father. As a child, she worked in Mechanical as part of the scavenge team. It’s here she met Juliette Nichols (Rebecca Ferguson), who would become her best friend. She introduced Juliette to the cavern under the Silo, a place she frequented with Knox (Shane McRae). He eventually rose through the ranks to the position of Head of Mechanical. When she reached adulthood, Shirley became an engineer.
At the beginning of Season 1, Shirley helps Juliette cope with the loss of George Wilkins (Ferdinand Kingsley). She also assists the rest of Mechanical in repairing the generator, which keeps the Silo running.
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Later in the season, Shirley learns that Juliette, now the sheriff, supposedly wants to “go outside.” However, like Martha “Walk” Walker (Harriet Walter), who’s a mother figure to Juliette, Shirley is incredulous. So, when Judicial arrives in the Down Deep to retrieve Juliette, Shirley coordinates with Walk to hide her. Unfortunately, their efforts fall short. Shirley witnesses Juliette’s Cleaning alongside her fellow Mechanical friends.
Season 2
In Season 2, Shirley is one of the Down Deepers who believes Juliette survived her venture outside. She rallies Mechanical to demand the truth despite Knox’s insistence that they not stir the pot. Shirley tries to persuade Walk that Juliette lives, but the latter refuses to accept it.
During a speech given by Mayor Bernard Holland (Tim Robbins), Shirley shouts that he’s lying to them all. Knox steps in to ensure the raiders don’t attack her. Shirley leads a small group to protest in front of the deputy station, resulting in an ex-raider killing Terry Cooper (Matt Gomez Hidaka). His death emboldens Shirley and Knox to stoke the fires of rebellion.
Next, Shirley and Knox organize a meeting with Judge Mary Meadows (Tanya Moodie) in Judicial. However, Bernard kills her and frames Shirley and Knox for her murder. Then, Robert Sims (Common), who Bernard promotes as the next judge, riles up the denizens of the Silo to track them down.
Thus, Shirley and Knox go into hiding, eventually getting aid from Robert’s wife, Camille (Alexandria Riley), who finds them a place to take shelter. Thankfully, though, they return to the Down Deep mostly unscathed.
The Real Deal

Shirley is the real deal. She boasts a solid moral compass and ideals to match, which she holds dear. Her unwavering loyalty makes her a valuable asset as a friend. You can always count on Shirley to be in your corner. Not to mention, she’s a talented, intelligent engineer who takes pride in her work.
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Season 2 shows us how tenacious and determined Shirley is in her quest for the truth. She’ll stop at nothing to spread the word that Juliette lives, but more than anything, she wants the Powers That Be to cease the lies. Shirley will demand transparency until her voice is hoarse. She’s a fighter through and through, and she believes the Down Deep deserves better treatment.
Why She Matters

Shirley is kind but also takes no sh*t. She’ll stand up for herself and those who cannot defend themselves. Her objective in leading the Silo toward a better future by starting a revolution is more than admirable. After all, effective, lasting change doesn’t come from standing politely on the sidelines. As Laurel Thatcher Ulrich says, “Well-behaved women seldom make history.”
So, be like Shirley. Stir the pot in the name of justice. Help those who need it. Stand tall in the face of oppression. And never, ever surrender to a corrupted power that intends to keep you underfoot.
Silo drops new episodes every Friday on Apple TV+.
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