Vince Gilligan’s new science fiction series, Pluribus, has quickly captivated audiences and sparked lively discussions about its unique premise. The show, which premiered on Apple TV, explores a world transformed by a mysterious signal from outer space that leads to a collective consciousness among humanity. This intriguing setup has prompted viewers to reflect on their potential actions in a world where nearly everyone shares a single, harmonious existence, leaving a small group of immune individuals, including protagonist Carol, portrayed by Rhea Seehorn, to navigate their distinct realities.
The series begins as Earth receives a signal, which scientists decode as a recipe for an RNA molecule. This molecule escapes containment, spreading rapidly and creating a blissful, pacifistic hivemind. While the majority of humanity finds joy in this new existence, Carol and around a dozen others are left immune, witnessing what they perceive as an invasion and the erasure of individuality. The hivemind communicates lovingly with the immunes, claiming that it simply wants their happiness, yet raises questions about identity and autonomy.
Gilligan, known for his work on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, described the original concept as stemming from an image of a character inexplicably adored by everyone, no matter their behavior. He remarked, “Everybody suddenly loves this guy… they can never shake their enthusiasm for him as a person.” This premise serves as a catalyst for deeper explorations of human connections and societal structures.
As viewers engage with the show, many are left contemplating what they would do in this altered reality. Polygon, a prominent entertainment outlet, gathered responses from its staff and readership, revealing a variety of imaginative and sometimes humorous reactions.
Imagining Life in the Hivemind
The prevailing theme among responses centers on the contrast between personal desires and the collective experience of the hivemind. Tasha Robinson, Polygon’s Entertainment Editor, emphasized the allure of travel in this new world. She expressed a desire to explore iconic locations like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower without the constraints of everyday life. “I could go touch Stonehenge instead of seeing it from a distance,” she noted, highlighting the unique opportunities that Pluribus offers.
Other contributors shared similar sentiments. Claire Lewis, a Games and Entertainment Writer, focused on her fascination with space travel. She imagined training to visit the International Space Station and even the moon, leveraging the hivemind’s resources to fulfill her ambitions. “In a world where there’s a giant hivemind that claims to care deeply about my happiness, I wouldn’t feel too bad letting them foot the bill for my beauty treatments,” she added, emphasizing a humorous take on indulgence in this new reality.
Aimee Hart, another writer at Polygon, joined Lewis in her concern for animals left behind as the hivemind spreads. Together, they envision a pet rescue initiative to care for the countless creatures potentially abandoned in the wake of the hivemind’s arrival. Hart humorously suggested the possibility of animals joining the collective consciousness, pondering, “If you’re going to make everyone like you, you might as well go the extra mile and turn animals into pod people.”
Responses varied widely, with some focusing on hedonistic pleasures and others contemplating darker scenarios. Chris Hayner, Senior Editor, initially expressed a desire to indulge in luxury and entertainment, asking for a personal chef and a private performance from the cast of a musical. However, he also recognized the existential weight of living in a world where individuality is at risk, planning future travels to Japan and other destinations.
Philosophical Dilemmas in a Collective Reality
As discussions evolved, deeper philosophical questions arose about the implications of a shared consciousness. Isaac Rouse, an Entertainment and Games Writer, expressed a desire to uncover hidden truths about humanity, such as the mysteries surrounding the Zodiac Killer and the events related to JonBenét Ramsey. His curiosity about the world’s secrets reflects a common theme among contributors: the struggle to balance personal desires with the broader implications of living in a collective society.
The varying responses encapsulate the rich tapestry of human experience and imagination that Pluribus inspires. Each individual’s response reveals not only personal aspirations but also the complexities of identity, autonomy, and the nature of human connection in a world transformed by external forces.
Gilligan’s thought-provoking narrative invites viewers to consider their own humanity in an increasingly interconnected world, prompting discussions that transcend the screen and resonate with real-life dilemmas. As Pluribus continues to unfold, audiences will likely remain captivated by both its story and the larger conversations it engenders.
