Vince Gilligan, renowned for his work on Breaking Bad and its spin-off Better Call Saul, has debuted his latest creation, Pluribus, streaming now on Apple TV. Drawing from his early roots in sci-fi and horror during the ’90s on The X-Files, Gilligan infuses his signature dark humor into this new series, which takes a fascinating twist on established science fiction themes.
Starring Rhea Seehorn, Pluribus follows Carol Sturka, a successful romance novelist who navigates the complexities of her dual life. While she charms fans at book signings, she candidly critiques the very novels that define her career. Encouraged by her partner and manager, Helen, to complete a more serious manuscript, Carol’s life, and the world at large, is set on an unexpected trajectory following a mysterious transmission from space.
As depicted in the first episode, this transmission results in a formula that causes a virus, merging the consciousness of every person on Earth into a unified hive mind. The premise echoes themes from classics like Invasion of the Body Snatchers — only in this version, the ‘pod people’ are far ahead in their conquest. The sheer scale of change comes with catastrophic consequences, including an estimated 886 million casualties. Yet, amidst the chaos, the hive minds exhibit a seemingly benevolent desire to help Carol and the other twelve immune individuals, throwing her into a moral quandary about her role in this altered reality.
Gilligan’s unique narrative approach lends a fresh perspective to the cyclical story of individual versus collective consciousness. As the episodes progress, Seehorn’s portrayal of Carol oscillates between darkly comedic and deeply poignant, particularly after a tragic turn involving her partner Helen, who dies in the waves of this new reality.
By the second episode, the exploration of the Joined community continues with the introduction of Zosia, a character tasked with supporting Carol. As Zosia adapts her persona to resonate with the novel’s protagonist, the episode portrays the complexity of individual identity within the collective existence established by the virus. This narrative twist not only enhances the characterization but also underscores the show’s exploration of agency amidst conformity.
The series invites viewers to ponder the implications of collective consciousness versus individuality, addressing philosophical questions about autonomy and the human experience in a way that resonates deeply in today’s context. As the plot unfolds, Carol is faced with significant challenges, navigating a world where many choose complacency over resistance.
Gilligan’s storytelling shines through in his nuanced character development and the interplay between humor and tragedy, keeping audiences engaged and eager for the unfolding mystery. The backdrop of Kepler-22b hints at deeper connections and possibilities yet to be explored, ensuring that fans are left anticipating where the series will lead next.
Pluribus offers a thought-provoking, inventive addition to the sci-fi genre, promising a blend of emotional depth and engaging storytelling that highlights Gilligan’s continued evolution as a creator. The series not only reflects on current societal dynamics but provides a captivating lens through which to view humanity’s future.