[Editor’s note: The following contains spoilers through the Season 1 finale of Pluribus, “La Chica o El Mundo.”]
The most haunting image from the season finale of Apple TV’s Pluribus arrives early in the episode. A baby goat, once cradled by young Kusimayu (Darinka Arones), cries out after being released from its pen. Kusimayu, now absorbed into the hive mind known as the Joining, abandons the goat, illustrating the profound transformation she undergoes. This moment encapsulates the series’ exploration of individuality versus collective consciousness.
Throughout its debut season, Pluribus has woven a narrative rich with philosophical inquiries into society and self. Initially, viewers were introduced to Carol (Rhea Seehorn), described as “the most miserable woman in the world,” on a quest to “save the world from happiness.” With the finale, the series reveals the depth of this premise and the existential threat it poses.
The Meeting of Minds: Carol and Manousos
In “La Chica o El Mundo,” the long-anticipated meeting between Carol and Manousos (Carlos-Manuel Vesga) unfolds, blending humor with tension. These two complex characters navigate their way through a pivotal conversation, with Manousos making headway in deciphering the frequency that sustains the hive mind—8.613 MHz. Despite this progress, Carol refrains from offering assistance, choosing instead to embark on a romantic escapade with Zosia (Karolina Wydra), her chosen partner within the Joining.
Their journey is idyllic, reminiscent of Carol’s past adventures with Helen (Miriam Shor), until it takes a darker turn. In Montana, dubbed “the last best place on Earth,” Carol confronts Zosia about the biological essence of happiness. Zosia, with the collective knowledge of the world at her disposal, explains the science behind emotions, likening the Joining to a biological miracle of connection. Yet, beneath this veneer lies a stark reality.
The True Nature of the Joining
Stripping away the enchantment of the Joining reveals its viral nature. Like a virus, it seeks to proliferate, even at the cost of its hosts. This relentless drive for assimilation disrupts Carol’s blissful journey with Zosia, highlighting the Joining’s ultimate goal: complete integration.
The scientific pursuit of transforming harvested ova into viable stem cells becomes irrelevant in the face of the Joining’s coercive intentions. Their efforts to force Carol into their fold, against her will, expose their underlying agenda.
“Viruses are organisms so determined to populate and spread that they will kill their hosts in the process.”
For Carol, this betrayal cuts deep, especially given her past. In Episode 4, “Please, Carol,” she confided in Zosia about her traumatic experience at a conversion camp for gay teenagers. The counselors there, she recalled, “were some of the worst people I have ever known. And they smiled all the time. Just like you.” Her fierce individuality, tied to her sexuality and core identity, fuels her resistance against the Joining.
A Deliberate Narrative Pace
Creator Vince Gilligan has masterfully maintained a deliberate pace throughout the nine episodes, allowing for an intricate exploration of this unique narrative. Unlike other fast-paced series, Pluribus delves into the nuances of the existential threat posed to humanity by the Joining.
Beyond the immediate danger of assimilation, the series examines the values espoused by the Joined. Their inability to harm any living thing contrasts sharply with their lack of appreciation for life’s singular moments. By sacrificing individuality for the Joining’s promise of happiness, they lose the capacity to cherish life’s minutiae.
“By sacrificing individuality for the happiness offered by the Joining, the Joined seem to lose the ability to appreciate the smallest things.”
Meanwhile, the abandoned goat, once cherished by Kusimayu, symbolizes the isolation that can result from such a collective existence. One life among billions, yet no less alone.
Implications and Future Prospects
As Pluribus concludes its first season, it leaves viewers contemplating the implications of its narrative. The series challenges audiences to consider the balance between individuality and collective consciousness, questioning the true cost of happiness.
Looking ahead, the show’s exploration of these themes promises to deepen, as Carol and her allies confront the Joining’s pervasive influence. The stakes are high, with humanity’s essence hanging in the balance.
The finale of Pluribus not only captivates with its storytelling but also provokes thoughtful reflection on the nature of identity and connection in an increasingly interconnected world.
