My take is she's wondering why they won't tell her no, for anything. That seems like a glitch.
*** PLURIBUS *** (from Vince Gilligan, creator of Breaking Bad)
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Last: 17 hrs ago by Average Joe
I am so thoroughly enjoying this show that I don't have the slightest desire to try and predict what the mysteries behind everything are...yet.
It is enthralling and hilarious at the same time. Carol's line "I've seen this movie before" to me was subtle but maybe a hint. What if no one has seen this movie before and everything really could be just benevolent?
Anyhow, this show has tickled an entertainment bone in me that rarely gets touched (yes that's wide open for jokes har har har). So good!
It is enthralling and hilarious at the same time. Carol's line "I've seen this movie before" to me was subtle but maybe a hint. What if no one has seen this movie before and everything really could be just benevolent?
Anyhow, this show has tickled an entertainment bone in me that rarely gets touched (yes that's wide open for jokes har har har). So good!
I'm interested in the lack of alien technology or knowledge yet demonstrated by the virus. We know that this virus has infected other civilizations in the past. What we don't know is whether the knowledge gathered from prior 'hosts' is able to be transmitted across the space time continuum. Either they are purposefully keeping alien knowledge to theirselves, or potentially the hive network is only established locally.
Also, I'm interested in the life cycle of the virus itself. I believe they called it a lysogenic-like virus which integrate themselves into host DNA. These types of viruses typically lay dormant and will typically only demonstrate adverse outcomes/cell destruction when stressed much like the herpes simplex viruses. I think the show is taking that "stress" literally.
Unfortunately there is typically no cure for pathological lysogenic viruses (HSV, HIV, Epstein-Barr Virus), but there are treatments to reduce their adverse effects. There are thoughts that gene therapy might be a solution for these types of viruses.
I am wondering if this virus behaves like other lysogenic viruses where it lays relatively dormant until eventually it destroys the host. Maybe the "dormant phase" is the hivemind we are seeing and the "pathologic phase" is the seizures we are seeing. This could potentially create a time crunch for Carol as she tries to figure out how fix or control the infection before it kills everyone. That last part seems less likely, but what does seem likely is that the viruses only goal is proliferation much like typical viruses. Ultimately it will instruct humanity to build a way to communicate with other advanced life forms in the universe to spread it further.
Also, I'm interested in the life cycle of the virus itself. I believe they called it a lysogenic-like virus which integrate themselves into host DNA. These types of viruses typically lay dormant and will typically only demonstrate adverse outcomes/cell destruction when stressed much like the herpes simplex viruses. I think the show is taking that "stress" literally.
Unfortunately there is typically no cure for pathological lysogenic viruses (HSV, HIV, Epstein-Barr Virus), but there are treatments to reduce their adverse effects. There are thoughts that gene therapy might be a solution for these types of viruses.
I am wondering if this virus behaves like other lysogenic viruses where it lays relatively dormant until eventually it destroys the host. Maybe the "dormant phase" is the hivemind we are seeing and the "pathologic phase" is the seizures we are seeing. This could potentially create a time crunch for Carol as she tries to figure out how fix or control the infection before it kills everyone. That last part seems less likely, but what does seem likely is that the viruses only goal is proliferation much like typical viruses. Ultimately it will instruct humanity to build a way to communicate with other advanced life forms in the universe to spread it further.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
I don't think the point of this show is for Carol to destroy humanity. She couldn't anyways. She isn't really a threat to the entirety of humanity. She clearly had remorse after finding out she killed 11 million people and promising not to do it again and asking how badly she messed things up with the other non-hive mind humans. She doesn't want to kill anybody, she's just scared.
I did the like the contrast in episode two where she was sitting on Air Force One giving a speech about how the world was ruined and it was their duty to fix it, as an American flag flew behind her.
You notice she didn't actually answer the question of what was so bad about the new world. There is no murder, no famine, no want, no evil.
She wants things to go back to the way they were because she wants Helen to be alive again and she wants to feel like she's in control.
In reality, her situation hasn't changed that much from the first time we saw her. She had adoring fans who loved spending time with her, she had people who wanted all of her attention online, but she still wasn't happy. In the most recent episode, we see and hear how perfect her life was because she had the money and time to travel anywhere she wanted and do anything her heart desired.
She doesn't know what she wants, or she won't admit it. The Grocery store scene really hammers this home when she tells the hive mind she doesn't want them waiting hand and foot on her, but makes them restock an entire store…then she eats a microwave meal for dinner.
This show is about her figuring out what she's missing in life, not about getting things back to the way they were.
I did the like the contrast in episode two where she was sitting on Air Force One giving a speech about how the world was ruined and it was their duty to fix it, as an American flag flew behind her.
You notice she didn't actually answer the question of what was so bad about the new world. There is no murder, no famine, no want, no evil.
She wants things to go back to the way they were because she wants Helen to be alive again and she wants to feel like she's in control.
In reality, her situation hasn't changed that much from the first time we saw her. She had adoring fans who loved spending time with her, she had people who wanted all of her attention online, but she still wasn't happy. In the most recent episode, we see and hear how perfect her life was because she had the money and time to travel anywhere she wanted and do anything her heart desired.
She doesn't know what she wants, or she won't admit it. The Grocery store scene really hammers this home when she tells the hive mind she doesn't want them waiting hand and foot on her, but makes them restock an entire store…then she eats a microwave meal for dinner.
This show is about her figuring out what she's missing in life, not about getting things back to the way they were.
Good post.
Thanks. I have to be careful because I'm already rabbit holing this show.
Not sure if anybody else noticed it, but in the first episode, when the scientists are testing the RNA formula (where they are all wearing different colored smocks), the row that passes the completed Petrie dish has 7 scientists all wearing smocks in the colors of the rainbow.
Gilligan loves color theory so I am really curious what he was trying to show there. Basic research shows it could be good or bad.
Not sure if anybody else noticed it, but in the first episode, when the scientists are testing the RNA formula (where they are all wearing different colored smocks), the row that passes the completed Petrie dish has 7 scientists all wearing smocks in the colors of the rainbow.
Gilligan loves color theory so I am really curious what he was trying to show there. Basic research shows it could be good or bad.
I kept thinking of what I want to and see if I was in her position. I wonder how long it would take the hive mind to build anything I wanted like a ship that could travel to the moon as an example. This is new favorite show on TV
What did she stop Air Force One on the tarmac for? Did that get addressed and I missed it?
To get the pirate lady back.
I half thought she might hook up with pirate lady after a few vodkas but that went south pretty quickly.
oragator said:
To get the pirate lady back.
Ah.. thanks. I thought it was an "a-ha" moment like she wanted to talk to the other dude about some grand idea.
I am sure that they will get back to some of the sci-fi elements and it's certainly important to the series, but if you want to understand what this show is, consider this:
I saw an interview with Gilligan yesterday where he said that the idea of aliens didn't even come to him until a year and a half into his development of the series. They are a device for a larger statement, He will fill that piece in because he's an amazing show lead and he can make it really interesting, but at a higher level it's an analysis on what humanity is.
Brilliant way to do it.
I saw an interview with Gilligan yesterday where he said that the idea of aliens didn't even come to him until a year and a half into his development of the series. They are a device for a larger statement, He will fill that piece in because he's an amazing show lead and he can make it really interesting, but at a higher level it's an analysis on what humanity is.
Brilliant way to do it.
schmendeler said:
I half thought she might hook up with pirate lady after a few vodkas but that went south pretty quickly.
Yeah that idea really blew up in her face.
Interview with Vince Gilligan starts at 26 min mark
Two episodes in. Pretty good and interesting show although I'm not head over heels with it like everyone else.
I thought episode two was smart simply due to math and culture. If you are going to randomly have 12 people be resistant to the most infectious virus ever then the odds state you will likely have most of those people from Asia and India which they did here (at least of the ones that speak English that met).
So, you have the African from Mauritania (coincidentally I have a friend from there and he would be acting exactly like this guy so that irony especially hit me hard) who is basically being a dude and living a fantasy and then the Asians and Indians are all hanging onto to their family even though they are infected which makes total sense because those are collective cultures. I hated the Indian woman by the way. Was hoping she would perish somehow.
Then you have Carol the American - an independent, generally miserable and cynical person who takes her life for granted (although gay of course because America - lol) which also makes total sense.
I thought episode two was smart simply due to math and culture. If you are going to randomly have 12 people be resistant to the most infectious virus ever then the odds state you will likely have most of those people from Asia and India which they did here (at least of the ones that speak English that met).
So, you have the African from Mauritania (coincidentally I have a friend from there and he would be acting exactly like this guy so that irony especially hit me hard) who is basically being a dude and living a fantasy and then the Asians and Indians are all hanging onto to their family even though they are infected which makes total sense because those are collective cultures. I hated the Indian woman by the way. Was hoping she would perish somehow.
Then you have Carol the American - an independent, generally miserable and cynical person who takes her life for granted (although gay of course because America - lol) which also makes total sense.
I am not enjoying the show because I can't stand Carol. She's a mass murderer because of her temper and she's a grumpy unattractive character. I am rooting for her to die or something and replace her with one of the other "survivors."
I get not vibing with Carol, but calling her a mass murderer is a bit silly. She's not the one who infected the entire world with this virus. It's not like she's purposefully being emotional. Her emotions are also totally understandable.
Imagine:
- Your wife just died because of this virus
- The virus has from your perspective, enslaved the entire human race.
- The only remaining survivors are totally cool with the virus enslaving the world.
- The virus has openly told you it is planning to enslave you.
Do you not think you'd also be a bit emotional.
Imagine:
- Your wife just died because of this virus
- The virus has from your perspective, enslaved the entire human race.
- The only remaining survivors are totally cool with the virus enslaving the world.
- The virus has openly told you it is planning to enslave you.
Do you not think you'd also be a bit emotional.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
In defense of Batzarro, Carol is a difficult person in general, before the virus hits.
That is the main takeaway I got from the extended time in the frozen bedroom. Carol hates change. She hates unpredictability. She hates exotic things rather than usual things. She is intensely competitive about her books. She finds it hard to step away from her job and relax.
She loves her partner and must have some redeeming qualities, because her partner loves her. Those qualities are not really obvious so far, though.
Not Yet Dr. does a fine job of listing why Carol is freaking out NOW, and I agree with him.
But Carol has never been a warm fuzzy type.
That is the main takeaway I got from the extended time in the frozen bedroom. Carol hates change. She hates unpredictability. She hates exotic things rather than usual things. She is intensely competitive about her books. She finds it hard to step away from her job and relax.
She loves her partner and must have some redeeming qualities, because her partner loves her. Those qualities are not really obvious so far, though.
Not Yet Dr. does a fine job of listing why Carol is freaking out NOW, and I agree with him.
But Carol has never been a warm fuzzy type.
I get the impression Carol might have a toe on the spectrum
schmendeler said:
I get the impression Carol might have a toe on the spectrum
I don't get that impression at all
I thought this episode was lame.
Sex Panther said:schmendeler said:
I get the impression Carol might have a toe on the spectrum
I don't get that impression at all
I can see a touch of Aspergers based on how she is set in her ways and doesn't interact well with other people.
That was what I saw as well. Maybe she's just a curmudgeon.
Batzarro said:
I am not enjoying the show because I can't stand Carol. She's a mass murderer because of her temper and she's a grumpy unattractive character. I am rooting for her to die or something and replace her with one of the other "survivors."
Like Walter White after he broke bad, maybe Carol with break good
The cinematography of this scene and the start up of the C-130 have been stuck in my head. Just some well shot scenes with very little dialogue, interesting camera angles, and sound/music to put you in the environment.
Gaius Rufus said:
I don't think the point of this show is for Carol to destroy humanity. She couldn't anyways. She isn't really a threat to the entirety of humanity. She clearly had remorse after finding out she killed 11 million people and promising not to do it again and asking how badly she messed things up with the other non-hive mind humans. She doesn't want to kill anybody, she's just scared.
I did the like the contrast in episode two where she was sitting on Air Force One giving a speech about how the world was ruined and it was their duty to fix it, as an American flag flew behind her.
You notice she didn't actually answer the question of what was so bad about the new world. There is no murder, no famine, no want, no evil.
She wants things to go back to the way they were because she wants Helen to be alive again and she wants to feel like she's in control.
In reality, her situation hasn't changed that much from the first time we saw her. She had adoring fans who loved spending time with her, she had people who wanted all of her attention online, but she still wasn't happy. In the most recent episode, we see and hear how perfect her life was because she had the money and time to travel anywhere she wanted and do anything her heart desired.
She doesn't know what she wants, or she won't admit it. The Grocery store scene really hammers this home when she tells the hive mind she doesn't want them waiting hand and foot on her, but makes them restock an entire store…then she eats a microwave meal for dinner.
This show is about her figuring out what she's missing in life, not about getting things back to the way they were.
If this show ends up being about the woke rna mutants being right and caRol being wrong…. Hahaha
schmendeler said:
I half thought she might hook up with pirate lady after a few vodkas but that went south pretty quickly.
Well, she couldn't have said no…
I don't really think it's about "right" or "wrong", so much as it's basically a character driven show about Carol and what she is missing in her life.
Before the Virus, she had it all. A good life, a successful book series, a loving partner.
Clearly something happened that has made her the way she is. Ultimately, the only thing the virus changed for her was the removal of Helen from her life, which is, in my opinion, a huge deal for her character.
Helen was her rock, her motivation, her purpose, her everything. Now, she has to live life on her own. IMO, the only reason she wants things "back to normal" is because she thinks that will bring Carol back, which was what set boundaries on her life.
She wants those boundaries. She thinks she needs those boundaries. But Pluribus is the opposite of Helen. Helen constrained Carol's worst impulses (drinking to excess, writing, etc). Now Carol has to figure out how to do that on her own because she is finally getting everything she thinks she wanted.
The official podcast said the alien RNA idea came relatively late in the creative process, so I think it's really just the Macguffin that drives the plot.
Her growing and changing as a person is the real story.
One thing I am curious about when the virus did its mass transformation is who died. Did some people choose not to join the hive mind, which resulted in their deaths?
If that's the case, the story I comes down what makes Carol most happy? Being a part of humanity, or being by herself (which is what she has been, or at least thinks she has been, for a long time).
Before the Virus, she had it all. A good life, a successful book series, a loving partner.
Clearly something happened that has made her the way she is. Ultimately, the only thing the virus changed for her was the removal of Helen from her life, which is, in my opinion, a huge deal for her character.
Helen was her rock, her motivation, her purpose, her everything. Now, she has to live life on her own. IMO, the only reason she wants things "back to normal" is because she thinks that will bring Carol back, which was what set boundaries on her life.
She wants those boundaries. She thinks she needs those boundaries. But Pluribus is the opposite of Helen. Helen constrained Carol's worst impulses (drinking to excess, writing, etc). Now Carol has to figure out how to do that on her own because she is finally getting everything she thinks she wanted.
The official podcast said the alien RNA idea came relatively late in the creative process, so I think it's really just the Macguffin that drives the plot.
Her growing and changing as a person is the real story.
One thing I am curious about when the virus did its mass transformation is who died. Did some people choose not to join the hive mind, which resulted in their deaths?
If that's the case, the story I comes down what makes Carol most happy? Being a part of humanity, or being by herself (which is what she has been, or at least thinks she has been, for a long time).
Southlake said:schmendeler said:
I half thought she might hook up with pirate lady after a few vodkas but that went south pretty quickly.
Well, she couldn't have said no…
Not sure how I'm feeling about this show after E3. I'm way more curious about how they are trying to validate a centralized command and and control governance vs what's going on with Carol.
I do appreciate her being a fan of The Golden Girls which is an outstanding show and, ironically, whenever she is watching TGG I just want to watch her watch TGG because the latter is a better show.
I do appreciate her being a fan of The Golden Girls which is an outstanding show and, ironically, whenever she is watching TGG I just want to watch her watch TGG because the latter is a better show.
Episode four felt the most like Breaking Bad to date, with the whole truth serum thing. From acquiring it to testing it to administering it, no one is better than Gilligan at showing "the process" of damn near anything in tense, what-the-hell-is-going-on fashion. Really loving everything about this show.
In the U.S., the top delivery has been corroborated by the Nielsen Streaming Content Ratings, measuring minutes for Episodes 1 and 2 of drama originals over premiere weekend. ‘Pluribus’, starring Rhea Seehorn, debuted with two episodes Friday, Nov. 7. Read More:… pic.twitter.com/YO9kAeSvq7
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) November 20, 2025
Yeah.
I saw an interview with Rhea where she basically says that Vince's audiences are smart and he trusts them. That whole sequence from the time she goes into the dispensary until the end proves that. He didn't spoon feed what she was doing, he didn't go right from A to Z, he walked through the entire thing and let the audience see how methodical she can be in the process of figuring it out.
The true leap in this episode though was her starting to understand their true nature and by extension, their weaknesses. And we got the guy in Paraguay who is gonna be in the picture soon too. Typical VG slow build that's gonna pay off huge later if his history is any indication.
I saw an interview with Rhea where she basically says that Vince's audiences are smart and he trusts them. That whole sequence from the time she goes into the dispensary until the end proves that. He didn't spoon feed what she was doing, he didn't go right from A to Z, he walked through the entire thing and let the audience see how methodical she can be in the process of figuring it out.
The true leap in this episode though was her starting to understand their true nature and by extension, their weaknesses. And we got the guy in Paraguay who is gonna be in the picture soon too. Typical VG slow build that's gonna pay off huge later if his history is any indication.
A little too methodical on the sounds of a guy eating dog food
I already loved the show, but episode 4 was simply gripping. This is 100% the Vince Gilligan we all have loved. Cannot wait for the rest of the season.
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