Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers through the Season 1 finale of Pluribus, “La Chica o El Mundo.”
The season finale of Apple TV’s Pluribus delivers a haunting image early in the episode, setting the tone for a poignant exploration of identity and belonging. A baby goat, once cradled by young Kusimayu (Darinka Arones), cries out as it is left behind. Kusimayu, now part of the hive mind known as the Joining, walks away, illustrating the profound transformation she has undergone. This moment encapsulates the show’s exploration of the tension between individuality and collective happiness.
Throughout its inaugural season, Pluribus has captivated audiences with its ambitious narrative, delving into the complexities of societal norms and personal freedom. Initially, viewers only knew that Carol (Rhea Seehorn) was on a mission to “save the world from happiness.” Now, after nine episodes, the existential threat posed by the Joining is laid bare, challenging the very essence of human autonomy.
The Meeting of Minds: Carol and Manousos
“La Chica o El Mundo” brings together Carol and Manousos (Carlos-Manuel Vesga) in a long-anticipated encounter. Their interaction is a comedic yet insightful negotiation between two of the world’s most obstinate individuals. Manousos makes headway in deciphering the frequency sustaining the hive mind (8.613 MHz), yet Carol remains disengaged. Instead, she opts for a romantic escapade with Zosia (Karolina Wydra), her chosen partner within the Joining.
Their journey is picturesque, reminiscent of Carol’s past adventures with Helen (Miriam Shor), until a philosophical inquiry disrupts the tranquility. In Montana, Carol questions Zosia about the biological basis of happiness. Zosia, drawing from the collective knowledge of the Joining, explains the science of emotions, likening the Joining’s promise of contentment to the magic of a smile.
The Dark Side of the Joining
However, beneath the surface of this collective bliss lies a more sinister reality. The Joining, stripped of its allure, reveals itself as a viral entity, relentless in its drive for assimilation. This biological imperative threatens to shatter the idyllic facade, as Carol’s journey with Zosia reveals the Joining’s ultimate goal: complete domination.
The science behind the Joining’s methods, such as transforming harvested ova into stem cells, underscores the lengths to which it will go to ensure compliance. Carol’s realization of the Joining’s true intentions is a profound betrayal, especially given her past experiences. In Episode 4, “Please, Carol,” she confides in Zosia about her traumatic time at a conversion camp, where the counselors’ perpetual smiles masked their cruelty.
“Some of the worst people I have ever known. And they smiled all the time. Just like you.”
Exploring the Human Condition
Creator Vince Gilligan has meticulously crafted Pluribus to examine the depths of the threat posed by the Joining. The show’s deliberate pacing allows for a nuanced exploration of the narrative, avoiding the pitfalls of hastily advancing the plot. This approach invites viewers to ponder the implications of sacrificing individuality for collective happiness.
The Joining’s values, such as their aversion to harming living beings, highlight a paradox. While they strive for a harmonious existence, they fail to appreciate life’s unique moments. This loss of individuality is poignantly symbolized by the abandoned goat, a solitary life amidst billions, yet no less significant in its solitude.
Implications and Reflections
The season finale of Pluribus leaves audiences with much to contemplate. As Carol grapples with the choice between joining the collective or preserving her individuality, the series poses critical questions about the nature of happiness and the cost of conformity. The show’s exploration of these themes resonates deeply, inviting viewers to reflect on their own values and the societal constructs that shape their lives.
As the series progresses, the stakes are set to rise, with Carol poised to make a decisive stand against the Joining. The journey ahead promises to delve even deeper into the human condition, challenging viewers to consider what it truly means to be free.
