Vince Gilligan’s ‘Pluribus’ Explores a Bleakly Funny Pandemic Utopia
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So, there’s this new show called Pluribus , and it’s Vince Gilligan’s latest creation—yes, the same genius behind Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul . At first glance, it might look like light entertainment, especially with its clever stylization, Plur1bus , nodding to the U.S. motto “E pluribus unum.” But don’t be fooled—it’s far from just a quirky sci-fi series. What Gilligan has delivered is a sharp, darkly comic reflection on society, human nature, and what happens when happiness is forced upon everyone.
The premise is wild: a virus sweeps across the globe, infecting everyone and making them supremely happy. Minds are shared, knowledge is communal, and individuality essentially vanishes. Everyone refers to themselves as “this individual,” and the world becomes a peaceful hive of benevolence. Sounds utopian, right? But here’s the twist: Rhea Seehorn’s character, Carol, a bestselling fantasy author, is completely immune. She’s rich, famous, and yet furiously miserable—the ultimate outsider in a world where bliss is mandatory. And while her life seems enviable at first glance, Gilligan doesn’t let viewers escape the deeper existential and moral questions at play.
Carol’s resistance becomes central to the story. The virus may bring happiness to millions, but it has also caused death—her wife, Helen, is one of the casualties. And now, everyone is focused on Carol, attempting to “help” her by forcing her into conformity. The phrase “We just want to help, Carol” quickly becomes ominous, and her frustration erupts into chaos, even causing mass fatalities. The show cleverly examines what is lost when individuality is suppressed: freedom, creativity, and the messy, uncomfortable essence of being human.
Beyond the sci-fi spectacle, Pluribus is a character study and social allegory. Carol’s struggle mirrors real-world dynamics: the pressure to conform, the expectation to suppress anger, and the frustration of not being heard or understood. The series also probes big questions about morality, extremism, and the unintended consequences of even seemingly benevolent actions. What happens when the simplest desire—to make everyone happy—becomes a form of oppression? Gilligan’s storytelling forces viewers to wrestle with that question, while keeping the dark humor and emotional intensity that fans of his previous work have come to expect.
It’s not fast-paced escapism; it’s a slow burn, rich with philosophical inquiry and social commentary. And yet, Seehorn’s performance brings energy, sharp wit, and relatability to a character who is, by design, out of step with the world. Pluribus is now streaming on Apple TV, and it’s already clear that Vince Gilligan has once again created something audacious, provocative, and unforgettable—a show that smiles through the pain of our times while challenging us to think about what makes us truly human.
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