Prepare to have your expectations shattered! Rhea Seehorn, in a captivating new series helmed by the mastermind behind Breaking Bad, is poised to dismantle the very notion of happiness. Yes, you read that right.
Pluribus, a genre-bending original series from Vince Gilligan, throws us headfirst into a world where the most miserable person alive might just be the key to saving everyone from... happiness. It's a premise so audacious, so utterly Gilligan, that it demands your attention.
Gilligan's name is practically synonymous with television excellence, thanks to his groundbreaking work on Breaking Bad and its equally brilliant spin-off, Better Call Saul. And while he's dabbled in other projects (remember his time on The X-Files?), these two AMC series – plus the film sequel El Camino – have solidified his status as a visionary storyteller. Now, after co-creating Battle Creek in 2015, Gilligan is back with Pluribus, an ambitious Apple TV+ series shrouded in mystery since its initial announcement. I've had the privilege of seeing Pluribus, and what I can reveal is that it leans closer in spirit to Gilligan's work on The X-Files than the gritty realism of Breaking Bad. While the cinematography and overall tone echo Better Call Saul (especially with Rhea Seehorn starring), Pluribus is truly unlike anything Vince Gilligan has ever created, and unlike anything else currently airing. I can't spill the beans on the plot, but I can promise you a surreal, funny, and darkly captivating blend of science fiction and countless other genres. You'll be utterly transfixed, constantly trying to anticipate the next twist and turn.
Having devoured seven of the nine episodes of Pluribus's first season, I'm still grappling with the series' ultimate destination. The initial setup is undeniably intriguing, unfolding masterfully over the first two episodes and justifying the cryptic marketing campaign. Within mere minutes of the premiere, the cause of the bizarre behavior showcased in the trailers is revealed. But here's where it gets controversial... the reason behind it remains a tantalizing enigma throughout the episodes I've seen. A cataclysmic event triggers a significant shift in the world, setting author Carol Sturka (Rhea Seehorn) apart from the vast majority of humanity. Across the entire planet, Carol must unravel the mystery of her unique position and determine if she can reverse the event that has irrevocably altered life as we know it. Pluribus certainly incorporates dystopian and apocalyptic elements, but it's not your typical virus outbreak or zombie invasion. Forget everything you've seen before. Each hour-long episode delves deeper into the days and weeks following the central event, focusing on Carol and other unique individuals, including characters portrayed by Samba Schutte and Carlos Manuel Vesga.
Much of the series unfolds in Albuquerque, NM, a familiar backdrop from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Vince Gilligan wrote the series specifically with Rhea Seehorn in mind. Seehorn, celebrated for her portrayal of Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul, delivers a tour-de-force performance, commanding the spotlight in virtually every scene. She embodies Carol as a sarcastic and perpetually irritated character who stands in opposition to the series' primary antagonist. While I must remain tight-lipped, I will say that the series title and the subtle hints in the trailers should provide a significant clue as to what Carol is fighting against. The series surrounds Carol with a diverse cast of characters, most notably Zosia (Karolina Wydra). The dynamic between Carol and Zosia is crucial to the narrative, demanding seamless coordination among the supporting cast, which includes some familiar faces that are sure to surprise you. Carol is also a reluctant protagonist, reacting in ways that many of us would if thrust into similar circumstances. Her choices only amplify the sense of unease that permeates Pluribus. Each plot reveal simultaneously clarifies the narrative and introduces new questions, ensuring that Pluribus will demand an investment from viewers rather than appealing to casual audiences.
Binge-watching the first seven episodes allowed me to grasp the overarching plot of Pluribus in a way that differs significantly from how general audiences will experience it. While the first two episodes premiere this week on Apple TV+, the series will transition to a weekly release schedule for the remainder of the season. This will undoubtedly fuel extensive theorizing among viewers about what's to come. Each episode features major revelations that impact subsequent chapters, with many likely to spark heated debates among audiences. I know that, as much as I enjoyed watching Rhea Seehorn shine in a leading role, the series' deliberate pacing may frustrate some viewers. This is especially true in the second half of the season, where questionable decisions made by characters significantly alter the course of the story. Like his previous projects, Vince Gilligan excels at taking characters who you would never expect to see as protagonists and developing them in captivating and unpredictable ways. There are numerous moments in Pluribus where the focus unexpectedly shifts, forcing us to adopt new perspectives and deepening the unsettling atmosphere of the series' world.
Vince Gilligan wrote and directed the first two episodes of Pluribus, with the remaining seven penned by a talented team of writers including Gordon Smith, Alison Tatlock, Ariel Levine, Vera Blasi, Jenn Carroll, and Jonny Gomez. The directorial team includes Gordon Smith, Zetna Fuentes, and Gandja Monteiro. The deliberate pacing of the series draws you in, delivering as many laughs as it does gasps of shock and surprise. I can honestly say that I never knew where each episode would lead, and I was never disappointed by the creative choices made by the writers and directors. The production values are exceptional, giving the series a scope that surpasses Gilligan's previous New Mexico-based projects while retaining the same Southwestern charm. The complexity of coordinating and executing some of the sequences in this series is truly impressive, both technically and creatively, and becomes even more remarkable with each new episode.
It's a challenge to review a series like this without giving away any of the core concepts that define it. However, in an effort to preserve the shocking truth behind the series, I'll keep these details as vague as possible. I can assure you that Vince Gilligan has crafted something truly unique, while maintaining the same pitch-black humor that permeated Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Pluribus represents another ambitious genre offering from Apple, but it stands apart from everything else on their platform. And this is the part most people miss: Pluribus defies easy categorization, even though it draws inspiration from certain films and stories that I can't explicitly mention. Trust me when I say that the writing, acting, and the combined resumes of Vince Gilligan and Rhea Seehorn should be more than enough to convince you to give Pluribus a try.
Pluribus premieres with two episodes on November 7th on Apple TV+.
8/10
What do you think? Will the unique premise of Pluribus be a hit, or will its unconventional nature alienate viewers? Is the idea of a world threatened by happiness too far-fetched, or a brilliant reflection of our own anxieties? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
