Spoiler Alert: Pluribus takes a dark turn, transforming a 'caloric deficit' into a nightmare scenario that will leave you questioning everything. After weeks of pondering the mysteries of Pluribus (Apple TV's new sci-fi series from Vince Gilligan, the creator of Breaking Bad), I finally got an answer to one of my burning questions, and let's just say, I wish I hadn't. The show, which follows Carol (Rhea Seehorn), one of the few remaining 'survivors' on Earth after a mysterious virus turns the world into a connected hive mind, has a slow-burn structure that makes the revelations all the more impactful. But this one? It's a doozy.
Let's dive into the weekly discussion, shall we? Remember, spoilers abound for the first six episodes.
This week's episode dropped three major bombshells. First, after a cliffhanger involving the hive mind's consumption habits, we learned the truth: they're eating people. Yes, you read that right. The hive, unable to harm anything, including plants, faces a severe caloric deficit, as explained in a helpful PSA video by John Cena. Their solution? Human Derived Protein (HDP), a blend of food with the remains of those who died from natural causes. But here's where it gets controversial...
Second, Carol discovers the hive has a method to integrate her and other survivors. However, it requires an invasive procedure, which demands consent. Unsurprisingly, Carol declines.
Finally, Manousos (Carlos-Manuel Vesga) prepares to venture out into the world. He's a key figure for Carol, as he shares her disgust with the hive and desires to restore the world as it was. He's in Paraguay, gearing up for a road trip, so perhaps they'll finally meet and conspire.
Now, let's address the burning questions:
Is there a solution to the food crisis?
Cannibalism is not a long-term solution. As Mr. Diabaté (Samba Schutte) tells Carol, the hive, which consists of over 7 billion individuals, could starve within the next 10 years. Carol's mission to eliminate the hive mind could save countless lives if she succeeds. Otherwise, the hive's future looks bleak due to their dietary constraints.
When and how will Carol and Manousos connect?
This has been a recurring question. Now that Manousos is on his way, the logistics are challenging. Without air travel and with Manousos's refusal to accept help from the hive, it's going to be a long journey.
Will Mr. Diabaté ever wake up to reality?
I understand the temptation to some degree. The world is in a weird place and he can do and get basically anything he wants. But how long can it really go on? In this episode we see him living it up in Las Vegas, while the hive around cosplay as extras in a James Bond movie. Given their current predicament with regard to food resources, it seems like an extraordinary waste. And part of what makes Mr. Diabaté so frustrating is that he’s often a thoughtful, sympathetic guy. When Carol gets angry that the hive are essentially starving themselves to death, he replies calmly, “They don’t see it that way.” Hopefully he wakes up soon.
And this is the part most people miss... The hive's predicament raises a crucial question: is their pursuit of harmony worth the cost? What are your thoughts on the hive's actions? Do you agree with Carol's perspective, or do you see a different side? Share your opinions in the comments below!
