The latest episode of Apple TV's Pluribus, the new show from Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan, has dropped another bombshell into the already complex narrative. The third installment of the series further emphasizes Carol (played by Rhea Seehorn), a woman who embodies a unique blend of cynicism and negativity.
In an ice hotel in Norway, we catch glimpses of Carol's grumpy demeanor as she takes in the breathtaking view of the aurora borealis - only to dismiss it as "a screensaver." This initial scene sets the tone for the rest of the episode, where we witness Carol's disdain for happiness and positivity.
In a world where nearly everyone else is part of a hive mind powered by relentless optimism, Carol finds herself isolated as one of the few remaining non-hive members. Her journey takes her to Paraguay, where she encounters Manousos (Carlos Manuel Vesga), an individual who shares her disdain for the current state of affairs.
As they try to connect over phone calls, it becomes apparent that their shared sentiments are tempered by their geographical distance and language barrier. Despite this hurdle, Manousos seems like Carol's only hope in finding someone who sees the world through the same lens as she does.
However, the episode also highlights the tension between Carol and her dependence on the hive. The two sides are forced to coexist on the same planet until either one figures out a cure for the hive mind affliction. This delicate balance becomes precarious when Carol attempts to access everyday necessities like groceries, only to find that she needs to wait for items to be restocked.
Perhaps most intriguing is how far the hive is willing to go in catering to Carol's every whim. The episode ends on a disturbing note, with a grenade exploding inside her home as a result of her request - an event that serves as a testament to just how accommodating the hive will be towards its lone outlier.
This newfound depth in Pluribus raises several essential questions about the boundaries between individuality and collective desire for happiness.
In an ice hotel in Norway, we catch glimpses of Carol's grumpy demeanor as she takes in the breathtaking view of the aurora borealis - only to dismiss it as "a screensaver." This initial scene sets the tone for the rest of the episode, where we witness Carol's disdain for happiness and positivity.
In a world where nearly everyone else is part of a hive mind powered by relentless optimism, Carol finds herself isolated as one of the few remaining non-hive members. Her journey takes her to Paraguay, where she encounters Manousos (Carlos Manuel Vesga), an individual who shares her disdain for the current state of affairs.
As they try to connect over phone calls, it becomes apparent that their shared sentiments are tempered by their geographical distance and language barrier. Despite this hurdle, Manousos seems like Carol's only hope in finding someone who sees the world through the same lens as she does.
However, the episode also highlights the tension between Carol and her dependence on the hive. The two sides are forced to coexist on the same planet until either one figures out a cure for the hive mind affliction. This delicate balance becomes precarious when Carol attempts to access everyday necessities like groceries, only to find that she needs to wait for items to be restocked.
Perhaps most intriguing is how far the hive is willing to go in catering to Carol's every whim. The episode ends on a disturbing note, with a grenade exploding inside her home as a result of her request - an event that serves as a testament to just how accommodating the hive will be towards its lone outlier.
This newfound depth in Pluribus raises several essential questions about the boundaries between individuality and collective desire for happiness.
! Carol is literally so my spirit animal 
she's all about being real and not sugarcoating things 
and I am HERE. FOR. IT!!! the way they portray her disdain for happiness and positivity is so raw and honest it's like they're speaking directly to my soul 
and that ending scene with the grenade...
I'm still shook! it's like they're saying "we'll cater to your every whim no matter what" which is just straight up crazy talk 
about what it means to be individual and how we can thrive in a world that's constantly trying to mold us into one big happy family 
. I mean, the hive mind is supposed to be this utopian thing where everyone's happy and content, but at what cost? We're so busy being "accommodating" and catering to each other's needs that we've lost sight of what makes us human in the first place...and also, like, grenades are a big deal 
.
and that ending tho... *shudders* a grenade exploding because carol wants some groceries is just wild. i need more of this dark humor and existential dread in my life 
I was really rooting for Carol as a character, but now she's starting to feel like a ticking time bomb 
I'm not sure what's more unsettling, her grumpy demeanor or how far the hive will go to accommodate her needs 
it's like they're testing the limits of their programming, you know?