Viewers of Apple TV’s latest science fiction series, Plur1bus, have been quick to draw parallels between its storyline and contemporary anxieties surrounding artificial intelligence (AI). However, creator Vince Gilligan, known for his work on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, insists that AI was not a primary influence when he first conceived the series nearly a decade ago.
In an interview with Polygon, Gilligan explained, “Because this was about eight or ten years ago. Of course, the phrase ‘artificial intelligence’ certainly predated ChatGPT, but it wasn’t in the news like it is now. […] I’m not saying you’re wrong […] A lot of people are making that connection. I don’t want to tell people what this show is about.”
Alien Virus and the Hive Mind
In Plur1bus, an alien-engineered “virus” descends upon Earth, infecting the global population. While the infected remain physically unaltered, they lose their emotions and individual consciousness, becoming part of a collective “hive mind.” This narrative bears resemblance to the classic 1956 film Invasion of the Body Snatchers, though Gilligan introduces unique twists.
The show’s protagonist, Carol Sturka, portrayed by Rhea Seehorn, is a jaded romance novelist residing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After a U.S. military experiment with alien DNA goes awry, Carol, whose wife Helen succumbs to the infection, finds herself among the mere 11 unaffected survivors worldwide. The infected, far from being monstrous, appear blissfully content and cooperative, leaving Carol as potentially the last discontented human.
Allegory and Interpretation
Much like Body Snatchers was interpreted as a metaphor for Cold War and post-Watergate paranoia, Plur1bus invites allegorical readings. The title, derived from Latin for “many,” echoes the U.S. motto E pluribus unum—”out of many, one”—suggesting themes of unity and conformity.
Early critiques highlight the series’ potential as a metaphor for modern isolation and a commentary on women’s oppression in abusive dynamics. In the second episode, Carol attempts to rally fellow survivors against the hive mind, yet some express a desire to join the collective, reflecting societal divisions where opposing factions view each other as alien.
Exploring Human Identity
Gilligan’s series delves into the horror of losing personal identity to a collective consciousness. Plur1bus portrays a world where human knowledge and skills are pooled into a singular entity, with individuals functioning like machines. This is vividly illustrated through scenes of military scientists executing tasks with robotic precision, a waitress piloting an aircraft, and a child exhibiting medical expertise.
“Each person holds the secrets of everyone else’s mind, including Helen’s memories of Carol.”
This concept resonates with current discussions on AI, where technology increasingly encroaches upon human roles and expressions of self. The show’s narrative raises profound questions about identity and autonomy in an era dominated by artificial intelligence.
Implications and Reflections
The series’ exploration of a world overtaken by a collective intelligence mirrors societal fears about AI’s potential to homogenize human experience. Despite Gilligan’s initial intentions, Plur1bus taps into the zeitgeist, reflecting anxieties about losing individuality in a technologically advanced society.
As the series progresses, viewers are left to ponder the implications of a world where personal identity is subsumed by a collective consciousness. What does it mean to express emotions through an inhuman medium? What are the consequences of outsourcing our sense of self to technology?
With Plur1bus, Gilligan offers a narrative rich with inventive insight, challenging audiences to reflect on the boundaries between human and machine. As the series unfolds, it remains a testament to the enduring complexity and creativity of human storytelling.
