In the latest installment of "Pluribus," Vince Gilligan's ambitious sci-fi/horror series, Carol Sturko finds herself at the center of a maelstrom. The bestselling author and depressive misanthrope is one of only a dozen individuals immune to the mind virus that has linked every living human on Earth into a gigantic group consciousness.
However, as Carol struggles to come to terms with her newfound powers and isolation, she faces numerous challenges. Her interactions with the collective, which includes Zosia, her virtual concierge, are often fraught with sarcasm and tension. The collective's willingness to accommodate Carol's every whim, from restocking a Whole Foods store in just two hours to granting her access to an arsenal of deadly weapons, raises several red flags.
One glaring issue is the hivemind's apparent disregard for logistical feasibility. How can they expect to transport dozens of 18-wheelers full of goods in such a short time frame? The episode glosses over these concerns, opting instead to highlight the absurdity of granting someone like Carol access to lethal weapons and then downplaying their significance.
Moreover, the show's handling of Carol's character development is problematic. Her interactions with her late wife, Helen, are reduced to shallow flashbacks that fail to convey the depth of their relationship. Instead, we're left with a portrayal of Carol as an emotionally stunted individual who struggles to connect with others.
Perhaps most concerning, however, is the show's attempt to sidestep fundamental questions about the collective's nature and potential flaws. The hivemind's decision not to eliminate profane weapons like hand grenades or nukes raises more questions than it answers. Why didn't they take a more proactive approach to mitigating these risks? How can we trust that this newfound consciousness won't lead to unforeseen consequences?
As the series struggles to establish its footing, it becomes increasingly clear that "Pluribus" is not as groundbreaking as Gilligan's previous works. The show's reliance on tired tropes and convenient plot devices detracts from its overall impact.
Ultimately, while Carol remains a compelling and complex protagonist, the show's creative shortcomings threaten to undermine her character development. As the series continues to unfold, it will be essential to address these concerns head-on in order to unlock the full potential of "Pluribus."
However, as Carol struggles to come to terms with her newfound powers and isolation, she faces numerous challenges. Her interactions with the collective, which includes Zosia, her virtual concierge, are often fraught with sarcasm and tension. The collective's willingness to accommodate Carol's every whim, from restocking a Whole Foods store in just two hours to granting her access to an arsenal of deadly weapons, raises several red flags.
One glaring issue is the hivemind's apparent disregard for logistical feasibility. How can they expect to transport dozens of 18-wheelers full of goods in such a short time frame? The episode glosses over these concerns, opting instead to highlight the absurdity of granting someone like Carol access to lethal weapons and then downplaying their significance.
Moreover, the show's handling of Carol's character development is problematic. Her interactions with her late wife, Helen, are reduced to shallow flashbacks that fail to convey the depth of their relationship. Instead, we're left with a portrayal of Carol as an emotionally stunted individual who struggles to connect with others.
Perhaps most concerning, however, is the show's attempt to sidestep fundamental questions about the collective's nature and potential flaws. The hivemind's decision not to eliminate profane weapons like hand grenades or nukes raises more questions than it answers. Why didn't they take a more proactive approach to mitigating these risks? How can we trust that this newfound consciousness won't lead to unforeseen consequences?
As the series struggles to establish its footing, it becomes increasingly clear that "Pluribus" is not as groundbreaking as Gilligan's previous works. The show's reliance on tired tropes and convenient plot devices detracts from its overall impact.
Ultimately, while Carol remains a compelling and complex protagonist, the show's creative shortcomings threaten to undermine her character development. As the series continues to unfold, it will be essential to address these concerns head-on in order to unlock the full potential of "Pluribus."