At its core, Pluribus poses a premise that feels both absurd and deeply existential: What if the world’s most miserable person was tasked with saving humanity from total happiness? The series serves as a long-awaited reunion between Vince Gilligan and Rhea Seehorn, whose chemistry in Better Call Saul redefined television excellence. Here, they take that pedigree into even weirder territory. The world has been quietly conquered by an alien force, but there are no laser beams or scorched cities. Instead, the invaders have turned almost every human on Earth into a peaceful, accommodating, and perpetually happy-hippie! There are only thirteen outliers left - the 'unconverted' - and Seehorn’s character, Carol, is the most aggressively active of the bunch. While the rest of the world has joined a collective "We," Carol remains stubbornly, wonderfully individualistic.
If you are looking for a high-octane thriller, you might need to adjust your expectations. This is Gilligan in his most meditative form. There are stretches that echo the famous "Fly" episode of Breaking Bad - deliberate, slow-burn sequences that prioritise atmosphere and character internalities over plot progression. However, for those who appreciate the craft, this pacing is essential. It builds a sense of unease that a faster show would miss. The writing is incredibly smart, using the 'slow' moments to let the mind-bending nature of the premise truly sink in.
The horror of Pluribus isn't in violence, but in the Sword of Damocles hanging over the thirteen outliers. The "We" are not villains in the traditional sense; they are passive and eager to please, doing anything the outliers ask to keep them comfortable. Yet, behind this smiling facade, they are working relentlessly to "fix" the glitch that allowed these thirteen to slip through the net. The tension of being hunted by kindness is a stroke of narrative genius.
Visually, the show is a triumph. It is beautifully produced, with gorgeous, saturated visuals that mirror the eerie 'perfection' of this new world. You can see Gilligan’s meticulous stamp on every frame. But beyond the sci-fi hook, there is a sad love story buried in the static - a thread I won't spoil, but one that provides the show's emotional anchor.
Pluribus is a rare breed of television: a smart, surreal drama that respects the viewer’s intelligence. It is a fabulous achievement that demands a second viewing to catch all the nuances. If you haven't started it yet, consider this your highest possible recommendation.
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