Commentary: Drop the bomb or save humanity? ‘Pluribus’ and its misanthrope’s dilemma

by

This article contains spoilers for the Season 1 finale of Apple TV’s “Pluribus.”

For those who prefer their own company, the first season of “Pluribus” has finished. Now what? It seems we’re left with our typical tendency to be critical and wary of everyone else.

The show explored what could ultimately destroy humanity – whether it would be a virus from outer space or a disgruntled person with a nuclear weapon. Throughout the series, the main character, Carol Sturka (played by Rhea Seehorn), tried to find a way to save people, but by the end, she believed the world would actually be better off without humans.

If you haven’t been watching the year’s best show, here’s the setup: Carol is one of just thirteen people remaining who haven’t been affected by an alien virus. This virus has merged everyone else’s minds into a single, unified consciousness – a kind of collective hive mind. Because of this, people can suddenly perform jobs they have no training for, like a waiter flying a plane or a child doing surgery. Individuality is gone; everyone shares the same thoughts and knowledge and refers to themselves as ‘Us,’ inhabiting bodies that were once distinct individuals.

Television

For his first project since “Breaking Bad,” Vince Gilligan chose Rhea Seehorn to star in Apple TV+’s “Pluribus.” She plays a character described as the unhappiest person alive.

These cheerful, but vacant, people only want to make Carol happy – and eventually, they want her to become like them. They tell her joining them will bring her peace, that losing her memories is a beautiful thing. But Carol, deeply unhappy as she is, prefers to feel her own sadness and worry rather than give up her independence. What’s more, her anger actually stops them in their tracks – it’s like a weakness. When she gets truly angry, they freeze up and can’t move. It’s strangely empowering, sad, and funny to watch. The world seems to stop when she loses her temper. That’s why she’s someone I really admire.

Created by Vince Gilligan – the acclaimed writer behind “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” – “Pluribus” is a new Apple TV series. While different in story from his previous shows, it shares their setting in Albuquerque and stars Rhea Seehorn. Like “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul”, it explores complex themes about identity, self-perception, and our aspirations.

To be honest, Carol didn’t much care for people even before the alien virus turned them into drones. She always thought most were followers, even the readers who enjoyed the dramatic and sentimental stories in her books. Still, seeing everyone lose their individuality wasn’t a good feeling.

In the final episode, she meets Manousos Oviedo (Carlos-Manuel Vesga), another person who is immune to the virus. However, he refuses to help those who are infected, even if they seem harmless. Before the outbreak, he lived a solitary life and preferred to rely on himself. After the world changed, he travels from Paraguay to find her after receiving a message. He drives most of the way until he reaches the dangerous Darién Gap, where he gets stuck after falling into a thorny bush—but a group finds and helps him, much to his annoyance. He eventually resumes his trip, traveling by ambulance.

Review

In ‘Pluribus,’ Vince Gilligan examines humanity’s right to be unhappy

The Apple TV sci-fi series features a brilliant performance by Rhea Seehorn and delves into questions about what makes people happy and whether anyone has the right to be unhappy.

The fate of humanity now rests on the shoulders of two unlikely heroes, neither of whom particularly cared for it before. They have to work together, even though they don’t speak the same language and rely on a translation app – making an already difficult job both challenging and funny.

There’s a lot of debate about the true meaning behind “Pluribus.” One popular idea is that “the joining” represents artificial intelligence building a world where everyone’s thoughts and creativity merge into one easily controlled voice. Essentially, it suggests giving up independent thought for simple answers – or, in the case of “Pluribus,” a life free from making your own decisions. It seems most people would prefer to go along with things rather than take charge, no matter how important the situation.

Some people believe we can find a compromise where everyone gets along while still being true to themselves. While that sounds nice, Carol and I strongly disagree, considering how things have unfolded throughout history.

I’m completely hooked on this new antihero, and I’m dying to see how she’ll handle her issues with ‘the Others’! Will she end up saving the day, or will everything go up in flames? Seriously, the suspense is killing me – looks like we all have to wait until next season to find out. For now, I just need some time to process everything, you know? I think ‘Pluribus’ needs a little breathing room, too.

Read More

2025-12-24 14:01