The new Apple TV series, Pluribus, directed by the prestigious Vince Gilligan, creator of Breaking Bad, features Carol Sturka, played by Rhea Seehorn, as an unexpected heroine in a world besieged by an alien virus. Sturka, a romance novelist, becomes one of the few who can withstand the effects of a virus that transforms humans into ‘happy drones’ connected telekinetically.
Don’t worry, Carol
The choice of an unusual protagonist for a science fiction thriller has sparked the interest of critics and the public. Gilligan has commented that, in his opinion, romance novelists are more entertaining and colorful than other types of writers. This unique perspective gives Pluribus a narrative that, in addition to science fiction, weaves together humor and reflections on contemporary themes such as artificial happiness and collective thinking.
The series delves into the relationship between art, entertainment, and passionate fandoms. From the first episode, we see Sturka dealing with the pressure of obsessive fans who know her work in depth. At first, the author underestimates her own novels, considering them trivial, but her agent, Helen L. Umstead, helps her reconnect with the positive impact her writing has on others.
Another highlighted point is how the story reflects authenticity on social media, a crucial theme in the digital age. As Sturka faces both the virus and social expectations, the series raises questions about what it really means to be happy in a world where satisfaction seems forced and superficial. Undoubtedly, Pluribus presents itself as a magnetic and relevant work, promising much more as the story progresses.