After fully completing “Better Call Saul,” Vince Gilligan came up with a High Concept. “What if a single person’s adored by everybody in a post-apocalyptic world?” Vince brainstormed ideas on the main character as a female romance novelist named, Carol Sturka who has a drinking problem. A virus causes almost the entire world population to become a collective hive mind like The Borg from “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” but they’re depicted as nice. Carol tries to search for a cure in the hopes of resolving the world’s predicament.
All nine episodes of Pluribus’ first season are now streaming on Apple TV Plus. It received critical acclaim from critics and streamers alike. Rhea Seehorn won a Golden Globe for her performance. Season 2 is currently in development.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS.
Happy & Sad Qualities
Happy: Rhea Seehorn (Kim Wexler from Better Call Saul) did an excellent job for her performance.
Vince Gilligan mapped out all nine episodes.
Fun Facts
- The series is mostly set in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The main setting from “Breaking Bad” “El Camino” and Better Call Saul.
- The show’s title is in Latin. Which means “Out of many, one.” A meaningful title regarding the Carol as the only person in her hometown not infected.
Random Thought: It the world becomes suddenly controlled by an upbeat hive mind. I’d like for it to take me on a cross country road trip across America, visit other countries and marry Kat Dennings.
Funny Moments made me laugh. Especially a running gag involving The Hive Mind’s voicemail.
Dave Porter (Breaking Bad, El Camino, Better Call Saul) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Cinematography’s shot in stable condition.
Pacing didn’t feel like a slow burn. I was hooked since the first episode.
Carol’s chemistry with The Hive Mind and survivors serve as the main highlight.
Sad: Vince made a boo boo in Episode 8.
Episode 1 – We Is Us
We’re introduced to Carol. She’s a romance novelist with a drinking problem.
A lab accident commences the outbreak.
We learn some info on the virus.
Episode 2 – Pirate Lady
Carol meets the survivors. She also does some “digging.”
The Hive selects Zosia as a companion for Carol.
Something dramatic happens.
Episode 3 – Grenade
A flashback prior to the outbreak.
An explosive of epic proportions causes damage.
Episode 4 – Please, Carol
One character who eats dog food pays homage to Mad Max.
Carol seeks intel on The Hive Mind.
We get some info on Carol’s background.
Episode 5 – Got Milk
Carol records a message.
Carol finds an unusual substance.
Fifth episode’s title is named after a series of commercials promoting milk.
My favorite part is a drone struggling to pick up a trash bag. Way funnier than Amy Schumer’s stand-up comedy.
Patrick Fabian (Howard Hamlin from Better Call Saul) has an uncredited role as The Hive Mind’s voicemail.
Episode 6 – HDP
Carol makes a shocking discovery. She heads to Las Vegas to inform one of the survivors.
A poker scene looks like something off of James Bond.
Sixth’s episode’s title is named after a plot point.
A famous actor makes a cameo appearance. Made me chuckle.
Episode 7 – The Gap
This episode mostly focuses on Manousos on a road trip without The Hive Mind’s involvement. He wants to travel all by himself.
Meanwhile, Carol goes on a one-woman road trip,
Episode 8 – Charm Offensive
Right: Carol hangs out with The Hive Mind in the form of a woman.
We get a little bit of info on The Hive Mind’s background.
Wrong: Carol mentioned an orgy scene at the end of “The Matrix.” This never happened. Neo sends a message to the machines and flies away. I would assume Vince fell asleep. Writing 101: Research Matters.
Episode 9 – La Chica o El Mundo
Carol & Manousos meet face-to-face.
Carol discovers a secret.
Season Finale’s title is in Spanish. Which means “The Girl or the World?” Metaphorical based on Carol’s central conflict.
Final scene sets up Season 2.
The Final Verdict: A-
Despite one nitpick, Pluribus is a near-perfect start of a series. A unique post-apocalyptic series that doesn’t feature zombies, AI turning against humanity, a dystopian government or nuclear wasteland. Just the human population infected by a virus under the influence of a hive mind with an upbeat personality. If you’re looking for something organic to watch, check out Pluribus on Apple TV Plus.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 