#uncle harlo

We already know Syril has grown up without a Dad. If we go by the backstory Kyle Soller and Kathryn Hunter devised, Eedy’s husband left the family in an “acrimonious, horrible way” early on in Syril’s life.

Without her husband around, Eedy tries to frame Harlo as a replacement father figure for her son, giving him the title of “uncle”, emphasising how important his favour is and his supposed interest in Syril’s career:

But to Syril, Harlo is just as absent as Mr. Karn. He doesn’t understand Syril’s career ambitions, he doesn’t make the effort to speak to Syril directly. As far as Syril’s concerned, he doesn’t know him at all:

Which leads us to wonder, why does someone as influential as Harlo have this detached investment in a guy he barely knows? To a family he’s not particularly close to? What is this “family favour” Eedy is supposedly calling on?

Idk how gospel it is, but Kyle has said in interviews that Syril’s corporate security job was a handout just like his Bureau of Standards one. If uncle Harlo facilitated that position for Syril too, then surely the favour has already been called on?

And this is the basis of my theory: Syril is the child of an affair between Harlo and Eedy. Due to Harlo’s position (and Eedy being married at the time) it’s far too scandalous for him to acknowledge his son, so he keeps his distance. Whenever Eedy calls he lends a hand time and time again, out of a sense of obligation.  

Of course, I don’t think Syril knows any of this. Eedy has always told him Harlo is an “old friend” and because they see so little of each other, he’s never questioned it. I do think Mr. Karn found out and that is why he walked out on the family (yes this sounds like a soap opera, but is Star Wars not just a soap opera in space??) 

I don’t propose any of this will actually be revealed in season 2, but if it is, it could add some very sad context to the relationship between Eedy and Syril. Maybe that’s why she pushes him to succeed so much: so the Karns can prove themselves to people like Harlo who keep them in the shadows.