Even years after it ended, Breaking Bad remains a top-tier TV show, and for good reason. Unlike many shows that rush through storylines, Breaking Bad took its time, proving that carefully developed, character-driven dramas can be incredibly rewarding. Creator Vince Gilligan mastered this approach with Better Call Saul, a prequel that many believe is even better than the original. Now, with Pluribus on Apple TV, Gilligan has a chance to explore the complexities of human morality in a new and compelling sci-fi series, building on everything that made his previous shows so successful.
I’m really intrigued by this new series, Pluribus. From the trailers, it looks like it centers around Carol, played by Rhea Seehorn, a writer who’s going through a tough time. She ends up in this strange version of the apocalypse – but it’s not what you’d expect. Instead of everything falling apart with destruction, this event actually connects everyone on Earth through a single, shared consciousness. It’s like humanity becomes one being, losing all the things that usually divide us. The really interesting part is that Carol is somehow immune to this connection, so she’s left watching as the world she knows changes completely. It sounds like a really thought-provoking concept!
Each episode of Pluribus gradually reveals how humanity suddenly came together as one, and what life is like in this new world. The story follows Carol as she resists this change, trying to restore things to how they used to be. While Pluribus is rooted in science fiction, it primarily uses Carol’s experiences to explore what makes humans special – and how the very traits that define us might also be our downfall.
Rating: 4.5/5
| PROS | CONS |
| Deep moral and philosophical themes | Slow pacing might detract some viewers |
| In-depth exploration of ian ntriguing sci-fi concept | |
| Award-worthy central performance from Rhea Seehorn | |
| In-depth exploration of an intriguing sci-fi concept | |
| Meticulous cinematography, clever camera angles, and Vince Gilligan’s usual technical excellence | |
| High production quality |
Pluribus Raises Deep Questions About Identity and Autonomy
Similar to Vince Gilligan’s previous shows, Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Pluribus doesn’t rely on lengthy explanations or speeches to explore its big ideas. Instead, the story unfolds naturally, revealing the complex philosophical questions at the heart of its premise. Carol’s strong opposition to the unification process feels understandable, because our individuality is so central to who we are. We often say everyone is unique, and that’s because there are countless ways to form our identities and connect with the world. The sheer number of differences between people – even billions of them – makes the idea of losing all those individual qualities deeply disturbing to Carol.
It’s amazing how quickly things changed, and honestly, it really made me think. It showed me just how much silly arguing we humans do! Every day, we struggle to understand why others don’t see things the way we do, and that’s what causes so many problems, from huge wars down to little disagreements with neighbors. But then, imagine suddenly really understanding everyone else, feeling connected on a deep level… it’s like we all became one. When that happens, there’s no point in fighting anymore, and we can finally work together to make things better for everyone and for the planet.
The emotional core of Pluribus is deeply connected to its critique of our current economic and environmental systems. The show imagines a world where a unified workforce can efficiently distribute resources, potentially solving long-standing social problems. However, this raises complex questions, as viewers sympathize with the character Carol’s sadness over the loss of individuality while simultaneously recognizing the potential benefits of this transformation. This internal conflict is present from the beginning and intensifies throughout the season, making the series increasingly captivating.
Vince Gilligan’s New Series Is Technically Flawless
While Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul were widely praised, some viewers found them to be slow-paced, and Pluribus shares that quality despite its science fiction premise. However, for fans of creator Vince Gilligan’s detailed approach, Pluribus is a stunning achievement. It showcases his ability to create carefully crafted scenes like never before. The show’s concept – humanity functioning as one – allows for incredibly synchronized sequences featuring many extras working together to create visually striking moments. Every episode includes at least one elaborate scene specifically designed to highlight this newfound coordination, and each one is truly impressive.
Because Carol lives in Albuquerque, the show benefits from Gilligan’s extensive experience filming in the desert, allowing him to create stunning visuals. He and his talented directing team consistently push creative boundaries, employing techniques seen in shows like Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul to make Pluribus truly exceptional. Furthermore, the core idea of Pluribus – Carol’s solitude and the characters’ limited need to speak – gives Gilligan the opportunity to use silence in a powerful way, something he’s explored in his previous work.
Rhea Seehorn truly deserves this leading role after consistently shining in Better Call Saul. She’s a remarkably talented actress, and it’s surprising she hasn’t yet received an Emmy. Hopefully, Pluribus will finally bring her the recognition she’s earned. The show’s format will allow Seehorn to fully showcase her impressive range, particularly her ability to convey her character’s inner struggles through subtle facial expressions – often saying more without speaking. Watching her perform is always captivating, and Pluribus is designed to let her take center stage.
With only seven of the nine episodes available, it’s hard to say how the first season of Pluribus will wrap up. However, Apple TV has already renewed the show for two more seasons, giving creator Vince Gilligan the freedom to develop a well-paced story. Gilligan is known for his detailed planning, carefully outlining entire seasons before filming begins. So, despite the incomplete view, things are looking promising for Pluribus.
The new series Pluribus will debut on Apple TV on November 7th with the first two episodes. Following the premiere, new episodes will be released each Friday.
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2025-11-06 05:11