Imagine a world on the brink, where the familiar rules of reality are about to shatter. That's the promise of Pluribus, Vince Gilligan's (the mastermind behind Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul) new sci-fi series on Apple TV+. But is it just another sci-fi thriller, or something far more profound?
When news first dropped about Pluribus, all we knew was that Vince Gilligan was venturing into science fiction, starring the incredible Rhea Seehorn (fresh off her Emmy-worthy performance as Kim Wexler). Given Gilligan's history—rewriting the television landscape with Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, not to mention his early work on The X-Files—excitement was understandably high. The idea of Gilligan returning to the sci-fi genre after his Albuquerque adventures was incredibly enticing.
But here's where it gets controversial... Pluribus isn't The X-Files 2.0. Instead, it's closer in spirit to The Twilight Zone, focusing on ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances. While there's an element of investigation, particularly in the initial episodes, the series quickly evolves into something deeper: a meditation on the individual versus society.
The series begins with the scientific community on the cusp of a groundbreaking discovery, a discovery most people are completely oblivious to. Among them is Carol (Rhea Seehorn), a successful but creatively unfulfilled author of speculative historical romances – "mindless crap," as she affectionately calls them. Her partner, Helen (Miriam Shor), pragmatically reminds her that these books keep the bills paid for their comfortable lives.
Then, everything changes. Abruptly. Carol finds herself alone, disoriented, and grappling with a world she no longer understands. Is it fixable? And, perhaps more disturbingly, should it be fixed?
Now, let's address the elephant in the room: Apple TV+ is being incredibly secretive about the plot of Pluribus. This means I can only tell you so much without spoiling the experience. While embargoes can be frustrating, they do highlight the show's strength: it isn't about the twists themselves, but about how the writers and directors execute them. Many elements might seem familiar on the surface, but the creative team is acutely aware of genre tropes and delights in subverting expectations.
The storytelling style echoes the slow-burn, character-driven narratives of the Breaking Bad universe, but on a global scale. There are no easy answers, which makes each revelation all the more rewarding. The cinematography and editing are unconventional and top-notch, adding to the show's unique voice. Every detail on screen feels deliberate and carefully considered.
And this is the part most people miss... The writing avoids the common pitfall of having characters talk to themselves for the audience's benefit. Pluribus trusts its viewers to pay attention and draw their own conclusions. Dave Porter, the composer behind Breaking Bad, provides a haunting score that features choral elements – a fitting choice given the show's themes. The show also understands the power of silence, using it to great effect.
Gilligan specifically wrote the role of Carol for Seehorn, and it's a testament to her talent. While not in every scene, she carries the emotional weight of the series. Carol is a complex and flawed character, whose imperfections arguably complicate the situation, yet this only amplifies her humanity. She's not a flawless hero, but she's the one we've got.
Despite the high stakes, Pluribus manages to inject moments of levity, whether through Carol's reactions or unexpected cameos. However, the show's biggest flaw is its deliberate withholding of information. The slow drip-feed of key details might frustrate viewers seeking immediate answers rather than gradual understanding. Clues abound, but their relevance remains ambiguous. For instance, certain numbers used in the show carry Biblical connotations, but whether this is a genuine hint or a red herring remains unclear.
When you delve deeper, Pluribus seems to subtly address the recent pandemic, tapping into the collective anxiety and isolation we all experienced. It explores themes of community, and the tension between belonging and independence. It examines how isolation can reveal both the best and worst aspects of human nature.
Arguably, this could be the most insightful piece of art to emerge from the pandemic era. It explores these themes from unexpected angles, dissecting the lingering trauma of those years and probing the deeper wounds they inflicted. The show's title, derived from the American motto E pluribus unum ("Out of many, one"), emphasizes the "many." While Seehorn is the star, Pluribus is ultimately a story about all of us.
The first two episodes of Pluribus are now available on Apple TV+. New episodes are released every Friday.
What do you think? Could Pluribus be the next great sci-fi drama, or is it too slow-paced for modern audiences? Does its exploration of post-pandemic anxieties resonate with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
